When (and Where) To See Fall Foliage In New England
All the best places to leaf peep this season. Plus fun fall recs for recipes, movies, decor and more.
New England is known for many things, our sports teams, our lobster rolls, our universities, our rich history, Dunkin Donuts (lol), but if there’s one thing that sets us apart, it’s foliage season. People come from all over the world to enjoy foliage in New England, and each of our 6 states offer a variety of stunning landscapes and experiences.
Whether you’re craving a mountain, countryside or coastal escape, New England fall foliage can be found in all of those places. We are seeing early bits of color here in Vermont, which means foliage season is already underway. If you’re looking to plan a trip to experience foliage, this is your guide for when and where to see fall colors in New England.
This newsletter is a long one so grab a cozy beverage and dive in. Don’t miss the very end with some fun fall recs for recipes, movies, style and more.
When is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage in New England
Generally, the best time of year to visit New England for fall foliage is late September through October. Depending on where you are in New England though, the foliage can peak at different times. The good news is, this gives you some flexibility. Typically the farther north you are, the earlier the foliage will be, and the further south you are the later it will be.
Peak foliage also changes from year to year, but you can expect to see good color in Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire in late September and early October (some southern parts of those states will peak later). Places that are farther south in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts typically get good color in October and even into November.
Here are foliage trackers for every state:
Massachusetts foliage tracker (Farmer’s Almanac but pretty accurate)
Rhode Island foliage tracker (Farmer’s Almanac but pretty accurate)
It’s important to remember that weather has a significant impact on peak foliage. An early cold snap or freeze will speed up foliage and warmer weather typically means a later peak. Storms and hurricanes also impact foliage, wind can be a major factor in blowing leaves to the ground.
Where Are The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New England?
The good news is there are so many incredible places to see fall foliage in New England. It really depends on what you are looking for, and when you would like to plan your trip. If you want to get the first of the fall colors, you’ll need to head to the northern part of Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine. If you want to see foliage by the ocean, you can’t go wrong on the coast of Maine, or later in the season, coastal Rhode Island.
These are some of the best places to see fall foliage (in my opinion). I’ve listed them in order of peak foliage, with the first destinations seeing the earliest color and peak getting later as the list goes on.
I’d love to hear your favorite places to see foliage, or where you would like to see fall foliage in New England.
My Favorite Places to See Fall Foliage in New England
Check out this recent post on the best places for foliage in New England. Here are some of the highlights and helpful extras for every destination.
Vermont
Mad River Valley
Woodstock
Maine
Camden
New Hampshire
North Conway
Massachusetts
Boston
Boston Weekend Guide (an older post but photos of foliage for reference)
Rhode Island
Newport
Because Rhode Island is so small you could easily do Newport, Providence, Tiverton/Little Compton, Bristol/Warren and Westerly/Watch Hill in one trip.
Connecticut
Mystic
Some more fall things you might like:
Save your floors. The best doormats ever.
You’ll want to eat this all fall. Roasted tomato basil soup recipe.
Cute sweater vests and how to style them.
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Thanks for this - we’re so looking forward to crisp fall days here in Vermont!
Events to consider for authentic ways to experience Vermont makers & artists while visiting include: the Peru Fair on September 28, when the entire tiny town of Peru Vermont hosts “an old fashioned country fair” complete with a parade, cloggers, & antiques & art exhibits. Or the 50th annual Woodstock Apples & Crafts Artisans Fair on October 12 & 13, which raises money for the town Recreation Center. Both events are filled with quality jewelry, pottery, woodwork, fiber art, & food to discover - all crafted by locals.