Fall foliage - where to start?

Question

I want to plan a trip this fall to see the gorgeous colors! My husband and I are retired so dates for about a 10 road trip are flexible. I'm from Louisiana and know very little about the northeast! So where do I start? We would fly (what airport? - not Boston) and rent a car, but we want to do more than just drive all day. 1-2 hour scenic hikes would be great. We can go through multiple states. I need some direction to get started - possible routes with things to do along the way? Is this a good time to visit the coast? Would boat tours and lobster places still be open? Thanks for any and all advice!

Answer

Planning a fall foliage road trip in the northeast is a wonderful idea! The vibrant colors of the changing leaves combined with the region’s scenic beauty will make for an unforgettable experience. Here’s a general plan to help you get started and some suggestions for a 10-day trip, including scenic hikes, places to visit, and some lobster-related activities that will still be available in the fall.

To start, the best time to visit for peak foliage in the northeast is usually from late September to mid-October, depending on the year and elevation. You can also experience beautiful coastal areas and visit lobster shacks during this time, though some boat tours and coastal attractions may begin to close as fall progresses, so it’s best to check ahead. Since you mentioned you don’t want to just drive all day, I'll focus on routes with interesting stops and hikes along the way.

Fly into Portland, Maine: Portland is a great starting point, as it has a charming coastal atmosphere and offers easy access to some of Maine’s best fall foliage. It’s less hectic than Boston and has a range of activities. From Portland, you can drive north to explore more of Maine and other nearby states.
Route 1: Coastal Maine and Acadia National Park: Start by driving north along Maine’s beautiful Route 1, a scenic highway that hugs the coastline. You’ll pass through quaint towns like Camden, Rockport, and Damariscotta, where you can stop for local seafood and enjoy the views. Acadia National Park, near Bar Harbor, is a must-see with stunning vistas, scenic drives, and easy-to-moderate hikes like the Jordan Pond Path or the Ocean Path (both are about 1-2 hours). This is one of the most popular places for fall foliage, and the park has plenty of places to stay and eat.
Route 2: New Hampshire’s White Mountains: After Acadia, consider heading west into New Hampshire. The White Mountains are famous for their colorful foliage in the fall, and there are plenty of short hikes to enjoy. The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a scenic drive that cuts through the mountains and offers numerous places to stop for short hikes, such as the Sabbaday Falls Trail or the Mount Willard Trail, both of which are 1-2 hours long.
Vermont: A Foliage Haven: From New Hampshire, you can head south into Vermont. The state is renowned for its vibrant fall colors. A must-visit area is the Green Mountains, where you can take a hike on the Long Trail or the Camel’s Hump Trail (both are short to moderate hikes). The town of Stowe is also a great stop for its beautiful views, local art galleries, and cozy atmosphere.
Massachusetts – The Berkshires: You can finish your road trip in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts, which is famous for its fall foliage. The region has lovely small towns like Lenox and Stockbridge, as well as scenic drives and hikes. Consider a hike at Mount Greylock State Reservation, which is the highest peak in Massachusetts and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. In addition, the area has arts and cultural attractions, including Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which is still worth visiting in the fall.

Along the way, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy lobster. Many lobster shacks remain open in the fall, and you can enjoy fresh lobster rolls and other seafood dishes. Some well-known spots include:

Portland Lobster Company (Portland, ME): A popular spot for lobster rolls, located right on the water.
Red’s Eats (Wiscasset, ME): Known for its huge lobster rolls and local Maine seafood. It’s a bit of a roadside stop but a favorite for many.
Thompson’s Clam Bar (Newburyport, MA): A great place in Massachusetts for fresh seafood and lobster rolls if you head that way.

For boat tours, some companies may still offer them in the fall, but you may want to book ahead. While many boat tours slow down after Labor Day, you can still enjoy scenic boat rides along Maine’s coastline or through the lakes of New Hampshire. Some popular options in Maine include:

Portland Harbor Cruises (Portland, ME): Offers scenic harbor tours, including lighthouse tours and wildlife watching.
Acadia National Park Boat Tours (Bar Harbor, ME): If you’re in Acadia, consider taking a boat tour around Frenchman Bay to enjoy the autumn views from the water.

Overall, this itinerary would allow you to experience the best of New England’s fall foliage, combined with some outdoor activities and local seafood experiences. While fall is a wonderful time to visit the coast, it’s also a great season for hiking and enjoying the changing colors in the mountains. Enjoy your trip, and make sure to check the fall foliage forecast to time your visit for peak color!

Fall foliage - where to start?

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