The Ultimate 10 day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Are you planning your first New England fall road trip and wondering which places to visit for the best fall foliage?

We went on a 10-day road trip through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, taking in the rolling hills of Vermont and the rugged coastline of Maine. We’ve put together the best route to experience the beauty of New England’s fall foliage.

There’s something magical about a New England fall road trip—every turn reveals vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that only Autumn can bring. Whether you dream of cozy small towns, scenic drives, or the best spots to catch that perfect fall foliage, our 10-day East Coast fall road trip itinerary has got you covered.

In this travel blog, I will share all the places we visited, along with a detailed 10-day New England fall foliage itinerary and travel tips. So keep reading for more!

Best time to see New England fall foliage

It’s really tricky to pinpoint when peak fall foliage will happen, as it can vary depending on the region. The best way to stay updated is to monitor the individual State Fall Tracker and keep an eye on the changing colors of the fall foliage.

Based on our observations from the past few years, fall starts peaking in the north and progresses south over the course of a month. This means that you can expect to enjoy peak fall foliage in entire month of October, but the timing may vary by location.

We planned our trip from the middle of the first week to the end of the second week of October. In our experience, Vermont and New Hampshire were between pre – peak and peak, while Acadia National Park was just starting to peak with fall colors. However, don’t take these weeks as a reference for your planning because peak color can change year to year!

Checkout the Fall tracker for planning – Vermont Fall Tracker; NH Fall Tracker & Maine Fall Tracker.

How to plan a New England fall road trip?

When it comes to planning a New England fall road trip, one of the biggest dilemmas is whether to plan in advance or leave it for last minute. We encountered the same question when we were planning our New England fall foliage road trip.

You can either meticulously plan every detail and hope to catch the peak colors, or you can embrace spontaneity and visit locations where the colors are at their best based on the Fall Foliage tracker. This decision would depend on your travel style.

It can be beneficial to not book all your accommodation in advance because it offers flexibility. You can go to the areas with the best colors at that moment. However, this comes with a downside: accommodation prices and availability.

Just keep in mind, Fall is an extremely busy time in this region, which means that hotels can get fully booked well in advance, making last-minute bookings quite expensive. To save some bucks, you can bring camping gear and find campgrounds as you go.

My suggestion would be to create a draft plan based on last year’s tracker and then adjust it based on the current year’s tracker, and then book your hotels (preferably refundable) or campgrounds accordingly.

For accommodations, I highly recommend using booking.com or expedia.com (our go to) to compare prices across multiple different hotel and locations. Plus, they have an incredible refundable policy which comes handy if you want to change your plan.

Another flexible option is to book a Camper-van. It offers the added advantage of allowing you to camp in locations and enjoy the freedom of chasing fall colors.

How to get around

When exploring New England fall foliage, renting a car is the ideal way to navigate the stunning scenery. If you’re flying, consider landing in Boston, MA, Albany, NY, or Burlington, Vermont, and renting a car from there.

I highly recommend using RentalCars.com to compare prices among various car rental companies. They also have an excellent cancellation policy in case you want to change your east coast fall trip.

What to pack for the Road trip?

• Layered Clothing: Pack flannel shirts, sweaters, and jackets to stay comfortable in changing temperatures.
• Comfortable Footwear: Whether you’re hiking or exploring, make sure to wear supportive shoes.
• Sunscreen: Carry sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun and road glare.
• Rain Gear: Wear a waterproof jacket and boots for staying dry during fall showers.
• Cozy Blankets: Keep warm with a soft, comfy blanket for those crisp fall evenings.
• Picnic Supplies: Bring a picnic blanket, utensils, and reusable containers for outdoor meals.
• Insulated Thermos: Keep your coffee or tea warm during scenic drives.
• Portable Phone Charger: Ensure your devices stay charged to capture beautiful fall moments.
• Offline Google Maps: Download routes you plan to take in case you drive outside a network zone.
• Entertainment: Bring audiobooks, playlists, or podcasts for long stretches of road.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: Bring a reliable light source for evening stops or unexpected nighttime adventures.
• Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by always bringing a water bottle on your adventures.
• Camera Gear: Don’t forget to carry your camera or phone to capture all the memories you are going to create. 
• Tripod: Bring a tripod to help you get the perfect photo in case there are no people around to assist you.

Budgeting for the New England Fall Road Trip

Flights: The cost will depend on your departure location. You can budget between $300 and $500. This cost may decrease if you find a cheaper deal, or increase if you plan at the last minute. If you have travel credit cards, I suggest checking your points and miles to fly for free or at a lower cost.

Hotels: You can expect between $150 and $300 per night for decent hotels. The cost may vary depending on when you book. Keep in mind that booking in advance will help you find good deals, while booking at the last minute will cost more.

To find great accommodations, I highly recommend checking out booking.com or expedia.com – they’re our go-to for comparing prices across different hotels and locations. They also have an incredible refundable policy in case you change your plan!

Car Rental: You can find a car rental between $50 and $100 per day + Insurance cost. Some travel credit cards offer rental car insurance, so before renting, it’s a good idea to check your credit card offers. Also, don’t forget to give the rental car a thorough inspection before picking it up!

As mentioned above, I’d recommend using RentalCars.com to compare prices from various car rental companies. They also have an awesome cancellation policy in case your plans change!

Another great option is to rent a camper-van, which offers the added advantage of allowing you to camp in various locations and enjoy the freedom of chasing fall colors.

Other Cost: Make a budget for – Per day cost of food, water & snacks, Cost of gas for total trip, and other miscellaneous things.

10 day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

We started our New England fall foliage road trip from Jersey city, NJ and took the below route to explore fall foliage in East Coast. Feel free to tweak the route based on your starting point and the fall foliage predictions.

In this East Coast Fall Foliage road trip itinerary, we have covered the highlights of the three states – Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Day 1: Woodstock, Vermont

Start your New England Fall Road Trip in Woodstock, Vermont, and spend half a day here. Woodstock is a picturesque town in Vermont, especially during the fall season. As you explore this delightful town on foot, you’ll find iconic covered bridges, charming boutique shops, and elegant Victorian mansions. There are several restaurants in the town where you can enjoy your lunch.

Next, head to Quechee State Park and spend time admiring the beautiful scenery this place offers. After that, head to Sugarbush Farm. Here, you can taste cheese and maple syrup and take photos of the gorgeous view. After enjoying the day around here, head to Stowe for the night.

Sleepy Hollow Farm in Pomfret, VT, is another beautiful farm you can visit from Woodstock, but as of 2023, it is closed to visitors.

Where to stay near Stowe: Northern Lights Lodge (for 2 nights)

Day 2: Stowe, Vermont

On this day, start with a hike on the Stowe Pinnacle Trail. You have two hiking route options: you can either start from the trailhead on Upper Hollow Road (3.6 miles round-trip) or from the Pinnacle Meadows lot, which shortens the hike by about a mile (2.6 miles round-trip).

If you prefer a less intense hike, consider the Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.3-mile paved trail perfect for walking or biking while enjoying beautiful views.

After the hike, take a stroll around the beautiful town of Stowe. This town is the perfect spot to soak up the charm of a small New England town and savor classic fall activities like cider tasting. You’ll also find the Von Trapp Family Lodge (you know, from the Sound of Music) and the original Ben & Jerry’s.

Next, take the Mt. Mansfield Auto Toll Road, which leads to the highest mountain in Vermont. Keep in mind that the road is unpaved and quite narrow for two-way traffic, so drive with caution and use low gear when descending.

The view from the top is breathtaking, and don’t miss the 1.4-mile hike (one way) to the Mt. Mansfield summit. Make sure to wear hiking shoes, bring a jacket, and always stay on the designated trails. If you prefer not to drive the Mt. Mansfield Auto Toll Road, you can take a Stowe Gondola to the top instead.

After enjoying at Mt. Mansfield, drive the famous Smugglers Notch (Route 108, from Stowe to Jeffersonville). Make stops at various lookouts along the road to take numerous photos and admire the fantastic fall foliage view.

Then, visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill to try their warm apple cider and delicious doughnuts. They also have a cute little shop where you can pick up some Green Mountain coffee and maple syrup.

Wrap up your day at Little River State Park and soak in the beautiful drive and sunset over the reservoir.

>> More from Vermont : Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Vermont: A Must Visit Guide!

Day 3: Dixville Notch State Park & Franconia Notch State Park

On the third day of your 10-day New England Fall road trip, you should start by driving from Vermont towards Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. Be sure to start early, as the drive takes about 2 -3 hours.

Once in Dixville Notch, begin your day with a hike to Table Rock, a popular 1.5-mile round-trip trail known for its stunning fall foliage views. There are two trailheads for the Table Rock Hike: one for trail #50 and one for trail #57. The trailhead for trail #50 is the easiest of the two routes, but be aware that this trail is not suitable for children or anyone afraid of heights.

After the hike in Dixville Notch State Park, head to Franconia Notch State Park and explore the easy 2-mile loop trail of Flume Gorge, where you’ll find colorful trees, waterfalls, and wooden covered bridges. Remember to reserve your spot in advance for this hike.

For a unique vantage point of the fall colors, take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to the summit and enjoy the vibrant views.

Before wrapping up the day, hike the Artist’s Bluff Loop, another famed 1.5-mile round trip hike in New Hampshire that offers breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and Echo Lake from the top.

Where to stay near Franconia: Lumen Nature Retreat in Woodstock, NH or North Country Lake House in Whitefield, NH

Day 4: Driving the Kancamagus Highway

On your fourth day, start with breakfast at Polly’s Pancake, a locally-owned restaurant. Arrive as early as possible, as the restaurant gets busy and you may need to wait for up to an hour for a table. The pancakes here are unique and delicious. Definitely worth a try!

After breakfast, take a drive on the famous Kancamagus Highway (NH 112) to see the Fall Foliage. No visit to New England is truly complete without taking a drive along the awe-inspiring Kancamagus Highway, which winds through the majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire.

There are several pullovers where you can enjoy the scenic views. Along the Kancamagus Highway, make stops at Rocky Gorge, Sabbaday Falls Trail, Hancock Overlook, and Sugar Hill Overlook.

You can spend anywhere from half a day to a full day driving along this 35-mile road, taking photos, admiring the view and hiking the trails. Just keep in mind that on weekends, there is a lot of traffic and delays on this road.

Since there is no service along the Kancamagus Highway, make sure you have full tanks of gas and food to fuel up your energy.

Where to stay near North Conway: Huttopia White Mountains or North Conway mountain inn.

Day 5: Crawford Notch State Park & Mt. Washington State Park

For your fifth day adventure, start bright and early in the morning. I recommend stopping by Banners Restaurant in Conway for a delightful breakfast and a cup of coffee. They serve some amazing breakfast options!

After breakfast, make your way to Crawford Notch State Park. Your first stop is a 3.5-mile round trip hike to Frankenstein Cliff, which is moderately challenging.

Along the way, there’s an awesome little detour to some railway tracks where you can snap a classic train shot with the stunning fall colors in the background. Just remember to stay safe while capturing photos! Check the train time to see if you want to take a shot with the train.

If you have the time and energy, consider adding an extra 1 mile to your hike and visit Arethusa Falls. Keep in mind that the trail isn’t very well marked and can be slippery, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes. Also, to reach the railway track view, just take a walk along the road next to the parking lot and follow the track.

Next up, take on the moderate 3.1-mile out-and-back hike to Mount Willard. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted with an absolutely breathtaking view, especially during the peak fall season when the entire valley is painted in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

After lunch, drive up the Mount Washington Auto Toll Road or take the Mount Washington cog railway to the top of Mount Washington. the tallest peak in the Northeastern United States. .

The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking with the surrounding mountains draped in autumn hues as far as the eye could see. If you’re driving, check the last entry time, and if you’re taking the cog railway, ensure to check the schedule and book the tickets in advance.

Where to stay : Top Notch Inn or Mt Madison Inn and Suites in Gorham NH

If you have extra days and are looking for more places to visit in New Hampshire, I suggest taking a scenic drive through the Lakes Region, which includes stops at popular spots like Squam Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, and Lake Sunapee.

>> More from New Hampshire : Best Places to visit in New Hampshire for Fall Foliage

Day 6: Driving to Bar Harbor, Maine

On your sixth day, your New England road trip continued to Acadia National Park, one of Maine’s crown jewels. The drive takes 4 – 6 hours, depending on traffic and pit stops.

Head straight to Jordan Pond for a scenic picnic lunch. You can pack your meal or grab something from the Jordan Pond House restaurant, famous for its popovers and tea. Enjoy your lunch with a view of the serene pond and the surrounding mountains, including the iconic North and South Bubble hills.

After lunch, take a leisurely hike around the Jordan Pond Path, a 3.3-mile loop that offers scenic views of the pond and the Bubbles. The path is relatively flat and suitable for all fitness levels, making it a relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of Acadia. Another hike I would recommend is Bubble Rock, a 1.5-mile round trip.

End your day with a visit to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. Arrive an hour before sunset to snag a great viewing spot along the rocks. Trust me, watching the sun set behind the horizon, casting a warm glow over the rocky coast, is the ultimate way to end your day.

Where to stay in Bar Harbor: Gallagher’s Travels Motel & Cabins Bar Harbor (3 nights)

Day 7: Acadia National Park, Maine

Start your day early with a visit to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard. Arrive at least an hour before sunrise to secure a good spot, and don’t forget to bring a warm jacket as the morning can be chilly.

If you’re visiting between early October and early March, you’ll be among the first in the United States to see the sunrise. Watching the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean, casting golden hues over the surrounding landscape, is an unforgettable experience.

Just remember, you’ll need to reserve a spot to drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise or sunset. Reservations can be made on the National Park Service website.

After soaking in the sunrise, head to Jordan’s Restaurant in Bar Harbor for breakfast. Their delicious menu features everything and our favorite was blueberry pancakes—absolutely delicious.

Next , hike up the Hike Beehive Loop, one of Acadia’s most challenging and exhilarating trails. This 1.4-mile round-trip hike includes iron rungs, ladders, and narrow ledges, making it suitable only for experienced hikers who are comfortable with heights. Your effort will be rewarded with breathtaking views from the summit. Totally worth it!

If you prefer a less intense hike, I would suggest – Ocean Path Trail. This 4.4-mile round-trip hike runs along the coast from Sand Beach to Otter Point, offering spectacular views of the ocean, cliffs, and forest. It’s a relatively easy hike with minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for all ages and fitness levels.

Day 8: Acadia National Park, Maine

Next morning, drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road, a scenic drive that showcases Acadia’s best fall foliage drive. The road takes you through forests, along the coastline, and past several must-see landmarks with fall colors both the side of the road. Here are the few places you must make a stop while driving (in case you have not done the ocean path trail) –

• Sand Beach: A small but beautiful beach nestled between granite mountains and rocky shores. It’s a great spot for a relax walk or to dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Thunder Hole: A natural rock inlet where waves crash with a thunderous boom. Time your visit for mid-tide to experience the full effect.
• Otter Cliffs: One of the highest Atlantic coastal headlands in North America, offering stunning views of the ocean.

For 2nd half of the day, drive to the Schoodic Peninsula, the only part of Acadia National Park located on the mainland. The drive from Bar Harbor takes about an hour, offering a scenic route through small towns and coastal landscapes. The Schoodic Peninsula is a hidden gem of Acadia, known for its dramatic coastal scenery, fewer crowds, and peaceful atmosphere.

Head back to Bar Harbor and spend your evening exploring this charming coastal town with a amazing arts scene, unique shops, and plenty of dining options. Take a stroll along the Shore Path, a picturesque walk along the waterfront that offers beautiful views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands.

There are several dining option here, we had dinner at Stewman’s Lobster Pound where we ordered Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll. Loved it!

Day 9 : Bar Harbor to Portland, Maine

Next day, say good by to Bar harbor and head to another coastal town of Maine – Portland. It will take 3-4 hours to reach which means you will arrive in the city during lunch hour. Before heading to Portland, take a quick detour to the town of Camden and visit Camden Hills State Park. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking coastal views adorned with vibrant fall colors.

Portland is known for its foodie scene, indulge in fresh seafood, including lobster rolls at a bustling waterfront eatery. Stroll through the Old Port district revealed cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a lively atmosphere.

Try Clam Chowder at Gilberts Chowder House and Lobster Roll at The Highroller Lobster Co. Our mantra is when you are in Maine, you have to eat all the Clam Chowder and Lobster Rolls whenever you get a chance, haha!

In the evening, spend your time at the most popular place in Maine – Portland Head Light. Situated on the scenic shores of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Portland Head Light is one of the most iconic and photographed lighthouses in the United States

Where to stay near Portland: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland, ME

Day 10: Driving back from Portland, Maine

After an amazing road trip, its time to head back home. If you started your trip from Albany NY or Burlington, its about 4-5 hours drive back. If you started your trip from Boston, its about 2 hours to head back.

We started from Jersey city, NJ so it was 6-7 hours drive back home. As we drove back, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the memories we made and the beauty we witnessed. New England in fall is truly a sight to behold, and it’s a journey we will cherish for years to come.

>> Looking for more Fall road trip inspiration – Check out for more!

Things to know before you go!

Timing is Key: The peak fall foliage season can vary, but late September to mid-October is generally the best time to experience the vibrant colors. Just remember – Every year is unique. The timing, duration, and colors of peak foliage vary from year to year. Whether you witness the colors before the peak, after the peak, or during the peak, embrace the magic of this season.

Pack Layers: Autumn weather in New England can be unpredictable. Be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings, with warmer temperatures during the day.

Take Your Time: The beauty of a road trip is the freedom to explore at your own pace. Don’t rush from one destination to the next; take time to enjoy the journey.

Plan Ahead for Cadillac Mountain: If you’re visiting between mid-June to mid-October, you’ll need to reserve a spot to drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise or sunset. Reservations can be made on the National Park Service website.

Limited cell service: Many areas of New England, the cell service is limited. So, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make sure you have offline Google Maps downloaded.

Be prepared for crowds: Many people, just like us, are excited to see the New England fall foliage. People from all over the country (and even from around the world!) travel to enjoy the vibrant, changing colors of the leaves. So get ready for the crowd, especially on weekends!

FAQ

How many days enough for New England Fall Road Trip?

I would say 7 – 10 days are enough to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in New England. If you have extra time you can also include Adirondacks region of NY.

Which state New England or Colorado is better for viewing Fall Foliage?

Both state offer the best fall foliage view. Colorado is popular for golden Aspen fall where as New England is famous for burst of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. We visited both and its hard to choose, so I would say plan for both in different year. If you have to one choose one, I would say go for New England fall foliage.

Is Maine or Vermont better for fall foliage?

Maine and Vermont are excellent places to admire the vibrant fall foliage in New England. Maine typically experiences the autumn colors earlier than Vermont due to its cooler temperatures and northern location. However, it’s important to note that the coastal region of Maine experiences the peak of fall foliage later in the season.

Final Thoughts

New England is undeniably one of the most stunning places in the world during the fall. Therefore, adding this New England fall foliage road trip to your bucket list is a must!

So, pack your bags, grab a cozy sweater, and get ready to hit the road for an unforgettable journey through one of the most picturesque regions in the country!

I hope this blog helps you to plan your New England fall foliage trip. Let us know in the comments if have any questions. Happy to answer! or if you find our blog useful. Happy to know!

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