Going on a New England fall foliage road trip has been a dream of mine for years. I kept seeing stunning photos of the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges on Pinterest and I just fell in love. I’m also kind of a basic betch and I’ve been wanting to go to Salem as well.
Planning a trip to New England in the fall requires a rental car, booking where to stay, knowing what to do, and finding the best places for New England fall foliage, and how much it will cost. This itinerary has tons of apple and pumpkin picking, tasty adventures, and plenty of incredible New England fall foliage pictures. I put as much information in this post as possible so you can plan your New England fall travel easily and efficiently too.
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Best Time For New England Fall Foliage
Wondering when the best time to see leaves in New England is? The best time for New England fall foliage is usually end of September and beginning of October. You can check out this updated New England Fall Foliage Map 2023 here. The temperatures in New England fall at an average 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius) during the day and 35 Fahrenheit (2 Celsius) at night.
What To Pack To New England
For this trip, I worked with an amazing luggage company called ebags. They kindly sent me some amazing carry on luggage, packing cubes, and a backpack to try out. And legit, I’m in LOVE. 10/10 highly recommend. For this trip because of the way the flights worked out, I had to pack in a carry on only. (Which is super hard for me because of all the outfits I like to carry to be fashionable.)
New England Fall Foliage Road Trip Packing List
- Warm Jacket
- Turtleck sweaters
- Fall dresses
- Fall boots
- Warm Socks
- Warm Tights
- Skinny Jeans
Book A Flight To Boston
Since I live in Texas, the easiest way for me to get to the east coast is to fly through Dallas Fort-Worth Airport. But you should book a flight to your closest major airport and then fly to Boston because that’s the easiest way to get up to the New England states.
New England Fall Foliage Tours
If you’re looking for tours of New England fall foliage, here are a few I would recommend. The foliage in New England is some of the best in the country and there’s a reason why so many people flock to see it. You literally feel like you’re in a magical fairytale land. These honestly make the best fall getaways in New England!
New England Fall Foliage Trip Map
Below you’ll find the itinerary I used to do the trip. This is a 10 day itinerary and factors in the days that will be used to travel. I think this is one of the best New England itineraries as I tested it out and tried it myself.
Day One | Arrive in Boston
I usually factor one day for traveling and flying. Depending where you are, you could make a day trip out of Boston. In my case, we arrived late in the afternoon and I decided that I mostly wanted to enjoy Boston’s culinary experience. My New England fall trip itinerary of course had to include some Massachusetts delights!
Eat at Hei La Moon
I lived in Asia for a long time and I.LOVE.DIMSUM. You have no idea how happy that makes me. In the New England States, they have some of the oldest Chinatowns in the country so OF COURSE, I had to stop over here and have all the dumplings. They are conveniently located in the heart of downtown Boston near the orange and red subway stations. They have a sprawling banquet hall and delicious food options to choose from.
Visit the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery
You can’t not go to Boston and not sample all the tasty beer at the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery. They have a thriving beer culture thanks to this company. If you would like to try the best of Boston’s beer culture and not worry about drinking and driving, I recommend booking a Boston Brewery Tour here. They’ll take you to microbreweries, distilleries and cider houses. You’ll get to enjoy up to 12 tastings and learn the history of each.
After all this tasty food and beer, it’s time to retire for the night. We booked a stay the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel which has free breakfast and it conveniently located 20 minutes away from Boston Logan International Airport. I love hotels that provide this because it helps cut the cost of food and you don’t have to go looking for somewhere interesting to eat.
Day Two | Drive to New Hampshire
Some of the best places to see New England foliage are in New Hampshire. Once we picked up Sandy from the airport, we drove straight up to Sandwich. It’s a super cute small town in New Hampshire and there’s a super cute cafe we ate at.
Eat Lunch At Foothills Cafe & Curio
The fall in New England always brings tasty seasonal foods. I always recommend to eat and shop locally and this adorable cafe has the mom and pop feel. Their menu changes daily so you never know what you’re going to get. You can check out Foothills’ Cafe & Curio menu here.
Explore the town of Sandwich
Trips to New England in the fall should always include exploring super cute and adorable towns. There’s houses dating back to the Victorian times and for someone like me who adores literature from that time period, it’s such a treat. There’s also an adorable tiny church surrounded by gorgeous foliage.
Conway Scenic Train
A quintessential part of any New England fall foliage road trip is taking a ride on the Conway Scenic Train. We really wanted to do the longer Bartlett-Sawyer excursion train. Unfortunately, with the way the timing worked out, we booked first class tickets on the shorter Conway Valley Train in the first class mountain car and let me tell you, was it WORTH it. This train ride will take you on an old fashioned locomotive train. Not only that, you get to depart from an 1874 Victorian Era station from North Conway village. The excursion is 55 minutes and 11 miles roundtrip.
Muddy Moose Restaurant and Pub
This restaurant is so much fun! It kind of reminds me of all the countryside pubs you’d find in Texas. It’s built like a log cabin and features interesting decor like mounted animal heads, chandeliers made of antlers, and a full bar.
Stay At The Colonial Motel
This is a local motel with a very homey retro style feel. It also has incredible views of the surrounding nature and mountains and makes it stunning to wake up to. You can book your stay at The Colonial Motel here.
Day Three | Kancamagus Highway
For your third day, you have to take your time and explore the Kancamagus Highway. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway takes you through a path cut through the White Mountain National Forest with breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge. The Kanc takes you to an elevation of just under 3,000 feet at its highest point at Kancamagus Pass on the flank of Mt. Kancamagus near Lincoln, New Hampshire. This highway draws thousands of leaf peepers every year. I recommend using the Kancamagus driving audio tour to get the most out of your scenic drive there.
Eat Breakfast at Peach’s Restaurant
Another local mom and pop restaurant the breakfast here is like something you would make at your own house. I ordered the eggs benedict and it was really tasty! I also recommend getting their tea.
Explore Conway
The town itself is very cute and quaint. There’s tons of shops that sell local goods. I bought myself some delicious dessert port at The Penguin. It was by a brand called ZorVino made in New Hampshire with a delicious strawberry and chocolate flavor. It was probably the most delicious port I’ve had in awhile. Also, go shopping at Zeb’s General Store. It’s been there awhile and everything sold is local and organic.
Kancamagus Highway
Every New England fall foliage road trip needs to go the scenic route. The Kancamagus Highway is a scenic 34.5 mile drive along New Hampshires Route 112. It’s known as the best New England fall foliage drives. It’s designated as an American scenic byway for its rich history, scenic beauty, and culture. Allow about three hours to explore the Kancamagus Highway.
Albany Covered Bridge
This bridge was first constructed in 1858. Repairs and restorations throughout the years have kept it in the condition you see today. Also, this is a one lane bridge people drive over so be careful of pedestrians and other through traffic. I really liked this part of my New England fall foliage road trip.
Lower Falls
This is a gorgeous spot and location for photos. When the river is low you can walk across and take photos. It’s pure magic. When I was there, I took a moment to breathe in the clean and fresh air. I know I’ve mentioned this in other blog posts, but I will NEVER take for granted clean air again. I didn’t get enough of it in Korea.
Make Random Stops
Travel to New England in fall has so many surprises, especially on the Kancamagus Highway. I learned there’s always something new and beautiful to see. We even stopped by a home that holds the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest post office in America. It’s fascinating to see how early settlers once lived.
Eat Dinner at Black Mountain Burger Company
These are delicious hand crafted burgers and is a very popular place to eat. They get really busy during summer and especially during leaf peeping fall foliage trips. My advice is to call ahead so there’s a table ready and waiting for you. You can check out their menu here.
Stay at Inn 32
This is another motel located in Woodstock, New Hampshire. It offers an outdoor pool, bbq area, picnic area, and free wifi. It’s a basic motel and your key will be sitting outside on the porch in a mail sorter. Due to Covid-19 they’ve had to cut staff and minimize contact with other people. You can book your stay at Inn 32 here.
Day Four | New Hampshire & Vermont
I should basically just call this my Vermont and New Hampshire fall road trip for how much I truly enjoyed exploring both states.
Flume Gorge (New Hampshire)
The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart. The Flume Trail is currently a one-way, 2-mile loop starting at the check-in booths located in front of the Flume Building. For adults, it costs $18 to visit the Flume Gorge. Reservations must be made ahead of time. You can make a reservation for Flume Gorge here.
Franconia Notch (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire has some of the best views in the country, and especially in the Western White Mountains. Ranging from Lincoln up through Franconia Notch and Littleton, route 93 breaks off into several small loops such as The Notch, and the 100 mile. Hands down some of the best foliage in New England can be seen here at the Franconia Notch.
Dog Mountain (Vermont)
Dog Mountain is set on a private 150 acre mountaintop in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The grounds are always open to people and their dogs. After a fall that left the owner Stephen Huneck in a coma for two months, he awoke and had the overwhelming urge to make wood carvings of his dog, Sally. After his near death experience, Stephen was inspired to make Dog Chapel. At this private mountaintop, leashes are optional and dogs of all breeds are welcome. You can check out the official website here.
Burtt’s Apple Orchard
After some time of Dog Mountain, we headed to Burtt’s Apple Orchard in Vermont. This is a perfect place to spend sunset. You can pick our own apples for $1.35 a pound from August to Halloween. They sell fresh apples, cider donuts, apple cider slushies, and apple cider vinegar daily. In addition, they have 38 varieties of apples to choose from including my personal favorite, the Fuji Apple!
Explore St. Johnsbury
Just a heads up, St. Johnsbury is a teeny tiny town and is aptly named for all the churches around. Although many of them have been repurposed, it’s still fun to look around. In addition, the locals will be curious about you since a lot of tourism doesn’t come through.
Stay At The Fairbanks Inn
I really enjoyed my stay here at Fairbanks Inn in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. (write about hotel here) When I was booking my fall foliage trip to New England, it was very difficult to find accommodation near Stowe, Vermont. (Which happens to be the cutest small town in America.) I really recommend staying at the Fairbanks Inn. You can book your stay at Fairbanks Inn here.
Day Five | Vermont
This New England fall road trip definitely has a day dedicated to eating all the delicious things Vermont has to offer. They’re obviously famous for apples, but did you know they’re the largest producer of maple syrup in the world?
Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop
The oldest Sugar Maple on the farm is nearly 300 years old and one of their most productive trees. So in conclusion, Sugar Maple trees can live for hundreds of years. Fun fact, it also takes 40 gallons of maple sap to produce one gallon of syrup. One tablespoon of syrup is 50 calories. They even offer maple tours as well as tasty bakery treats. You can visit the Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop website here.
Cabot Creamery
This is one of the best tourist traps that I experienced during this New England fall foliage road trip. Honestly, I’m not mad about it. While visiting the Bragg Farm Sugarhouse, the kind staff there sent us to get Vermont cheese. Not gonna lie, it broke my little Midwestern heart to learn that Vermont cheese has won more awards compared to Wisconsin cheese. I didn’t believe it until I tasted it myself, and it is AMAZING!!!💕Try all the free samples they provide too!
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Next, you’ll go on a 30 minute drive to one of Stowe’s most talked about places the—Cold Hollow Cider Mill. This place offers Vermont favorites like apples and cider, a bakery, gift packs, hard cider, maple syrup, jams, and even cheese.
Gold Brook Covered Bridge
This is also known as Stowe Hollow Bridge and Emily’s Bridge. Built in 1844, Emily’s Bridge in Stowe, Vermont is just over 50 feet long. The mystery surrounding the bridge is what draws visitors today. Legend has it, a woman named Emily planned to elope with her lover. Their meeting place was the bridge in question. Unfortunately, Emily’s lover never showed and filled with despair and a broken heart, Emily hung herself. Sadly, Emily’s story doesn’t end there. According to eye witness accounts, Emily is now a vengeful ghost with long nails and takes out her fury from being jilted on cars and pedestrians alike. Apparently she slashes cars that go over the bridge and also scratches the backs of pedestrians. Cross at your own peril.
Piecasso
When looking up Google reviews, I stumbled upon Piecasso. Their claim to fame is they use local ingredients to in all of their pizzas. You can build your pizza exactly the way you like it and it’s in a cool arcade setting. Also, I thought I’d let you know Vermont is for foodies. The food there is so fresh and delicious. I ate so well at every place we went to!
Explore Stowe, Vermont
This is the creme de la creme and the highlight of the trip. I’d been wanting to see the charming Stowe, Vermont for ages and it truly is the cutest picturesque small town in America. Stowe undoubtedly makes for one of the best fall road trips in new England!
We stayed at a hotel in Morristown because there was nothing available in Stowe. However, I did really want to stay at the Green Mountain Inn. Each room is decorated in Vermont hand-crafted furnishings and their restaurant, Whip Bar & Grill, features local farm produce and New England microbrews on tap in a casual atmosphere. If you’re looking for a New England feel, then the Green Mountain Inn is the place to stay!
Day 6 | Vermont
Smuggler’s Notch
The famous Smuggler’s Notch is a narrow pass through the green mountains. This pass has a rich history because in 1807, President Thomas Jefferson passed a trade embargo between the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. This was really hard for Vermonters as Montreal was a lot closer than other parts of the states. Many local people continued illegal trade with Canada, smuggling across cattle and other goods through the Notch. Later fugitive slaves would use this pass as an escape route into Canada. This was also a popular place to smuggle alcohol during the 1920s prohibition.
Stowe Ski Lift
I recommend going on the Stow Ski Lift to see all the beautiful autumn foliage on the mountains. It’s seriously so stunning. It makes you feel like you’re in a dream to be above so much of nature’s beauty!
Percy Farm Corn Maze
The Percy Farm Corn Maze is great fun for family and friends. It usually takes about 30-40 minutes to complete and opens at 11am. For adult admission, it costs $8.00. It’s also dog friendly, but they must be on a leash at all times.
Tangerine & Olive Gift Shop
This is a really cute gift shop that focuses on selling local handmade goods. In addition, it’s a great photo spot for the Stowe Church.
Eat At The Bench
This is one of the most popular restaurants in Stowe and for good reason. The food there is fantastic. I highly recommend getting anything mac-n-cheese because it is that good!
Von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall
At the Von Trapp Brewery, you’re going to get a little bit of Austria in Vermont. If you recognize the name Von Trapp, it’s because they are the famous family of singers that inspired the film, The Sound of Music. In the early 1940s, the Von Trapp family toured the United States as the Trapp Family Singers before eventually settling in Stowe, Vermont on an enchanted farm with sweeping mountain vistas reminiscent of their beloved Austria. The grounds are absolutely stunning and it’s worth it to check out the Bierhall and food. You can even stay on the property if you choose. Book your stay at the Von Trappp Inn here.
Eat Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
Did you know the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s is in Vermont? Not only do we stan the company owners for their progressive thinking and support of our LGBTQ+ and Black Lives Matter Protests, but we also are fans of their ice cream. I got some sad news when we went to visit and I can guarantee you that their ice cream made me feel 10x better.
Stay At White River Inn & Suites
You can book your stay at White River Inn & Suites here.
Day 7 | Drive to Massachusetts
Elm Grove Farm
The Elm Grove Farm is an Instagram favorite and super photo worthy place. The farm specializes in maple syrup.
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Historical Park
If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for beautiful Victorian homes. I absolutely adore the time period for literature and I’m also a nerd for the architecture and lifestyle. So OF COURSE this had to be on the New England fall foliage itinerary. Did you know the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Historical Park even has their own special quarter? Fun fact, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion was originally constructed as a brick house in the Federal-style by Charles Marsh in 1805. In 1869 and remodeled in the fashionable French Second Empire Style. Fifteen years later, Billings enlarged and remodeled the house in the Queen Anne Style. Whatever your flavor, you absolutely cannot beat how beautiful the grounds of the house are in autumn.
Lincoln Home
I wish we would have stopped here on our New England fall foliage road trip. I was insanely disappointed when we went to Conner’s Farm and it wasn’t all that great. Since I’m from Illinois and Abraham Lincoln was the lawyer that drew up the papers to make Illinois State University, it has more significance for me.
Connors Farm
Connors Farm features everything from apple, peach, and pumpkin picking. They even have a barnyard corn maze available to those who dare. What they’re most famous for is their Hysteria Haunted Farm which was voted as one of the top scream parks in America in 2014 and 2015. This 30+ minute walking trail takes you on a trek through a horror filled forest, along the banks of a real swamp, and around a REAL (historic to the farm) 17th Century Burial Ground. The sights, sounds, and smells you will experience at HYSTERIA’s Haunted Farm are unlike ANYTHING you have encountered at traditional indoor haunted houses. You can book your tickets to the Hysteria Haunted Farm here.
Rockport Inn & Suites
Our New England fall foliage road trip then took us to the charming town of Rockport. The Rockport Inn & Suites are located about a 35 minute drive from Salem. In October, prices are ridiculously expensive for any accommodation around Salem, Massachusetts. I absolutely loved the Rockport Inn & Suites for it being so cozy. You can book your stay at the Rockport Inn & Suites here.
Rockport is definitely for the budget friendly travelers and is right down the street from the cute bayside town of Rockport. You’ll find gorgeous picturesque places there as well as delicious seafood. Also, sorry cute guy at the Roy Moore Lobster place. If you ever read this, my dog was having a crisis and I wasn’t paying attention to anything.
Day 8 | Salem
Our New England fall foliage road trip was slowly coming to an end in Salem. I don’t know if you know this, but I’m a HUGE Hocus Pocus fan. I literally watch the movie on repeat throughout spooky season. If you haven’t seen it, then I highly recommend doing so. You can watch Hocus Pocus on Amazon Prime here. It was also a comforting film for me when I lived abroad in South Korea because it brought a little bit of American culture into my Korean apartment.
Salem Pioneer Village
This should also look familiar to you as it was also a filming location of Hocus Pocus. The Salem Pioneer Village is where our doomed hero Thackery Binks lives before the Sanderson Sisters curse him to an immortal eternity as a black cat. Built in 1930 to mark the tercentennial of Massachusetts, Pioneer Village is America’s first living history museum. The village sits on three acres of land and contains various examples of colonial architecture: dugouts, wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and the Governor’s Faire House. Admission to the Salem Pioneer Village is $5.00.
4 Ocean Avenue
Let’s be real, a new england trip in the fall isn’t complete without some 90s nostalgia. This is Max and Dani’s house that they moved into from sunny California. The house is now privately owned, but the new house owners don’t seem to mind the gaggle of strangers constantly visiting to take photos of the home. Just remember to be respectful and quiet as this is a private residence.
Ye Olde Pepper Companie
Right down from the House of Seven Gables is one of America’s oldest candy shops. I recommend stopping in and trying their assortment of delicious chocolates.
The House of Seven Gables
The House of Seven Gables in Salem is an amazing American historical literary site. In 1668, a merchant ship-owner named John Turner built a house in Salem Harbor. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2007, this house serves as the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Longboards Restaurant & Bar
Recommended by locals, you’ll find the most delicious lobster roll in town here. The shop is run by local brother Jim and Matthew Mattera. Although the inspiration came from the West coast, they’re also famous for their flatbreads. You can check out the Longboards Restaurant & Bar menu here.
Check Out The Cool Shops in Salem
Since Salem is most popular during spooky season, a lot of stores are pop ups and only stay for the fall. I recommend shopping in them though because you can find unique and amazing pieces for your Halloween costume or to walk around Salem in. I recommend shopping at Modern Millie and Emporium 32.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Located just off Charter street, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial is dedicated to all the twenty victims of the Salem Witch Trials in 1620. Four foot high granite walls surround three sides, with granite benches representing each victim cantilevered inward from the wall. Etched on each bench is a name, means of execution, and execution date.
Day 9 | Salem
Ropes Mansion and Garden
Does the Ropes Mansion and Garden also look familiar? This is where Allison’s house is and the scene for her Halloween party that Max and Dani crash. This is a Georgian Colonial mansion located at 318 Essex Street, located in the McIntire Historic District in Salem, Massachusetts.
The Witch House at Salem
The Witch House at Salem is another famous location in Massachusetts. In 1675, douche rocket extraordinaire, Jonathan Corwin was heir to one of the largest Puritan fortunes in New England and purchased this house. Seventeen years later, he and his family would participate in the greatest witch hunt known in American history.
The Witch Dungeon Museum
I took my mom to this museum so that she could better understand the history of the Salem Witch Trials. Here at the museum, you can see a live reenactment of the trials by actors. They’ll also take you down into a replica dungeon of where condemned witches stayed. You can book your tickets to the Witch Dungeon Museum here.
Eat Lunch at Rockafellas
Rockafellas has outdoor seating which is perfect for the warmer days. They also have really cool Halloween decor inside. They serve a variety of New England speciality dishes including clam chowda!
Old Town Hall
Another Hocus Pocus filming location. This is the town hall where Max and Dani’s parents go for the Halloween Bash. This is also where Winifred Sanderson puts a spell on the townspeople to make them dance until they die. Did you know during October, in the month of Halloween, there’s special events in Salem? This year, the Old Town Hall is being turned into Miss Havisham’s parlor. If you’re a fan of the book, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, then this is sure to be a treat for you.
Salem Witch Museum
Due to COVID-19, the Salem Witch Museum is closed. However, according to Tripadvisor, this one has lower reviews than the Witch Dungeon Museum. Both of them are interesting, but I would choose one and stick with it. If you do choose to go to the Salem Witch Museum, then book your tickets here.
Salem Common
Another wonderful Hocus Pocus filming location, the Salem Common is where Allison reject’s Max’s offer to go out and returns the piece of paper with his phone number on it. Also, this is where their school, John Bailey High School is also located.
Captain Dusty’s Ice Cream
If you’re looking for delicious homemade ice cream, Captain Dusty’s is the place to go. It’s got that homey feel and it’s nice to eat on a warm autumn day.
Day 10 | Salem
When in Salem, you absolutely cannot miss all the amazing Halloween decorations. Some of the best Halloween decorations I’ve seen in awhile are here in Salem. I would leave this day to do any extra shopping and take photos with the decorations.
Old Burial Hill
This is the last Hocus Pocus filming location where Max gets picked on by his classmates. None of the original graves are there and are mostly Hollywood generated. The gates also don’t exist, but it’s a pretty cool spot!
Eat Lunch in Little Italy in Boston
If you’re looking to die and go to nona’s kitchen, Little Italy in Boston is the best place to do it. Not as good as Chicago’s Little Italy, of course, but a close second. I honestly think this was the tastiest place to end our New England fall foliage road trip!
I hope you enjoyed this New England fall foliage guide. Extensive research went into this blog post. Also, I’m very proud of planning my very first group trip super well. I managed a trip with four people, booked the hotels, found places to eat, and planned a road trip that was efficient. This was one of the most exciting trips of my life and I can’t wait to another New England fall foliage road trip!
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