When it comes to embracing the magic of autumn, there are few better places to be than in New England. As leaves turn vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, New England becomes a wonderland of fall festivities.

In this post, we'll explore 11 of the most festive ways to celebrate fall in New England, including iconic events like Haunted Happenings in Salem, the Jack O Lantern Spectacular in Providence, one of the most thrilling haunted houses on the East Coast, and more!

Grab your Pumpkin Spice Latte, don your coziest flannel, and get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate autumn adventure. 🍂🍁🎃👻🚗☕ From Maine to Massachusetts, here are 11 of the most festive and picturesque ways to celebrate fall in New England!

1. Drive the Kancamagus Highway near Lincoln, NH.

During fall months, the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire is one of the most picturesque roads in the United States. Stretching for 34 miles through the White Mountain National Forest, this scenic byway is a haven for leaf-peepers!

Whether you're a photographer, a family seeking a festive picnic spot, or someone hoping to immerse in stunning fall foliage, the Kancamagus Highway is one of the best roads to drive this fall.

Fall foliage in this part of New Hampshire typically reaches its peak around early to mid-October. Because the White Mountains are known to be one of the best places to experience fall, be prepared for crowds and plan to head out early and stay out late for better access to parking and overlooks.

Some recommended stops along the Kancamagus Highway include Pemigewasset Overlook, Kancamagus Pass Overlook, Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Lower Falls, and Albany Covered Bridge.

For more spectacular fall drives in New Hampshire, consider adding a scenic drive through Crawford Notch State Park, Mount Washington Auto Road, or Currier & Ives Scenic Byway. Our recommendation is to create an epic mini road trip by driving along the Kanacamagus Highway from Lincoln, NH, to Conway, NH, then driving through Crawford Notch State Park to Mount Washington Auto Road, and finally driving through Franconia Notch State Park on your way back to Lincoln. This is an epic way to spend a fall day!

2. Attend ‘Haunted Happenings’ in Salem, MA.

Salem, Massachusetts, known for its historical ties to the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, takes its eerie reputation to new heights every October with Salem's “Haunted Happenings."

This month-long celebration of all things spooky and supernatural draws visitors from far and wide. It's an enchanting fall experience that delves into Salem's history and embraces the Halloween season like no other!

Throughout the month of October, you’ll find haunted houses, museums, and ghost tours that explore the city's past. You can immerse in witch trial reenactments, gaining a deeper understanding of the trials' historical significance, and watch as streets and shops come alive with costumed revelers and spooky decor, both of which add to the festive atmosphere in Salem during the fall.

Salem's Haunted Happenings is a blend of history, celebration, and the supernatural, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a thrilling and immersive Halloween experience.

3. Sip on hot apple cider (and eat cider donuts) in Stowe, VT.

To me, fall is synonymous with hot apple cider and if I’m lucky, a few (dozen) cider donuts, too. Nowhere does this delectable combination come to life quite like it does in the charming town of Stowe, Vermont.

The Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Stowe is one of the best places to be on a crisp fall morning. Grab a cider to go and explore Stowe’s fun boutiques, or savor your drink on a picnic table outside. Whatever you do, just be sure to pair this fall beverage with some legendary cider donuts for a match made in fall heaven!

Cold Hollow Cider Mill’s cider donuts are served fresh and warm, with a blend of cinnamon and apple flavors, offering a delightful crunch on the outside and a melt-in-your-mouth goodness on the inside. Don’t forget to grab some to go for a perfect afternoon snack!

No trip to New England during the fall is complete without a hot apple cider and a bag of cider donuts. Our recommendation is to taste-test as many cider mills as possible to find your favorite!

4. Hike in Acadia National Park.

Fall is one of the best times of the year to explore Acadia National Park, located along the coast of Maine.

Cooler temperatures make it comfortable for hiking, and trails provide breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean lined by stunning fall foliage!

Some of the most popular trails in Acadia National Park, such as Jordan Pond Path, the Beehive Trail, Precipice, and Jesup Path, become even more beautiful during fall months.

Plus, Acadia National Park weaves in and out of the town of Bar Harbor, Maine, which is another great place to be this fall. After a morning of hiking, grab lunch and check out the shops downtown.

Here’s our pick for the best way to spend a day in Acadia National Park during the fall. Or click the button below for 5 different Acadia National Park itineraries!

5. Walk through an enchanted Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular in Providence, RI.

Taking place at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is one of the most captivating ways to celebrate fall in New England.

After dark, the zoo comes alive with thousands of intricately carved pumpkins, each one transformed into a mesmerizing work of art.

These illuminated pumpkins are skillfully arranged along scenic trails, creating an immersive Halloween experience that’s different every year. This is spooky season MAGIC… without the spooky 🎃🎃

Note: Be sure to purchase tickets in advance for the night you want to visit as dates and times may sell out.

6. Detour to the Adirondacks near Lake Placid, NY.

While not technically in one of the six quintessential New England states, a detour to Lake Placid during the fall season is undeniably worth it.

Nestled within the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lake Placid is a gem that offers a fall foliage experience to rival any in the New England region. The Adirondacks, with their rugged terrain and pristine wilderness, boast some of the most spectacular hiking opportunities of the season!

Plus, cooler temperatures and the absence of summer crowds make it an ideal time to explore these trails and enjoy downtown Lake Placid, which sits on the shores of the serene Mirror Lake.

Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or someone hoping to visit as many charming towns as possible, Lake Placid is worth the trek this fall.

7. Conquer the Great Vermont Corn Maze.

For those seeking a unique and memorable autumn adventure in New England, the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville is an absolute must. This sprawling corn maze, set amidst the picturesque countryside, offers an exhilarating (and sometimes frustrating!) challenge each fall.

As you step into the maze, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering cornstalks and an intricate labyrinth of twists and turns. Navigating through the maze can be both exciting and perplexing, but don’t worry, there are plenty of optional clues (and quick exits) should you need a break.

The Great Vermont Corn Maze is generally open from August 1st until the middle of October (and only open to enter from 9am to 12 noon/1pm- so you have plenty of time to solve the maze before closing!), so be sure to plan in advance. Click here to check open dates during the year you’re visiting, and grab tickets ahead of time to ensure they don’t sell out.

8. Explore charming towns, such as Burlington, Woodstock, Mystic, and Newport.

Strolling through charming small towns in the fall is a quintessential New England experience that captures the essence of the season.

Places like Burlington, Vermont, with its vibrant Church Street Marketplace, and Woodstock, Vermont, with its picturesque downtown streets and historic architecture, offer the perfect blend of local boutiques, cozy cafes, and colorful foliage.

These towns, alongside Mystic’s waterfront main street and the Cliff Walk in Newport, come alive with the warm colors of fall, offering not only charming streets to explore but also a wealth of activities that make for a fun autumn getaway!

9. Savor fall flavors and football fun in towns like Boston, MA, or Portland, ME.

Portland, Maine, is a thriving hub for craft beer lovers, and when fall arrives, it becomes an even more enticing destination for brewery hopping.

Breweries like Shipyard Brewing Company and Allagash Brewing Company are known for their creative seasonal offerings, including pumpkin ales and robust stouts, while local favorites like Rising Tide Brewing and Bissell Brothers provide a cozy setting to savor the flavors of the season.

Or if you’re looking to celebrate Oktoberfest, Novare Res Bier Café in Portland is a great place to start!

You may also enjoy brewery hopping in Boston, Massachusetts, combining seasonal flavors with football fun. Consider breweries such as Harpoon Brewery, Samuel Adams, and Night Shift Brewing, and maybe even catch a game at Gillette Stadium.

Whether you're a beer enthusiast or simply seeking a delightful fall experience, brewery hopping in Portland, ME, or Boston, MA, offers an excellent way to celebrate the season's flavors while enjoying a day of fall football, too!

10. Visit a pumpkin patch and go apple-picking.

Pumpkin patches and apple picking are two great fall activities, and there are a plethora of places to enjoy these festivities in New England. Here are some orchards throughout New England that offer pumpkin patches, apple picking, and more!

Applecrest Farm Orchards, located in southern New Hampshire, is New Hampshire’s oldest and largest apple orchard. Here, you can pick your own pumpkins from a large pumpkin patch or enjoy apple picking in scenic apple orchards. In addition to picking your own produce, Applecrest Farm Orchards offers hayrides, a farm store with fresh cider donuts, and other fun fall activities.

Shelburne Orchards, located in Shelburne, Vermont, is a family-owned orchard that allows visitors to pick a variety of apples and pumpkins. They also offer stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Climb aboard a tractor for a scenic ride through the orchard, or visit the Tasting Room to savor apple brandy.

Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, Connecticut, is a well-known pick-your-own farm that’s great for apple picking and also has a pumpkin patch. They often have family-friendly events and activities during the fall season.

Although not a pick-your-own farm, you may want to check out B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill in Mystic, Connecticut. B.F. Clyde’s holds the distinction of being the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States. Here you can purchase a range of apple-related products, including apple wines, apple jellies, apple pies, and cider donuts.

Ward's Berry Farm in Sharon, Massachusetts, is a popular spot for fresh produce, and they offer apple picking and a pumpkin patch during the fall season. Plus, their farm store is full of seasonal delights, from freshly baked pies and cider donuts to locally sourced jams, jellies, and other farm-fresh products!

11. Brave ‘Halloween Nights’ at Eastern State Penitentiary.

Also technically outside the six New England states, but this one is worth including because the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia takes the concept of haunted attractions to an entirely new level with its ‘Halloween Nights’ event. On select nights from late September through early November, this former prison is transformed into a spine-chilling experience that draws thrill-seekers from far and wide.

The immersive event boasts five haunted houses, historical tours, themed bars, live performances, and more. With Hollywood-quality sets, special effects makeup, custom soundtracks, and over 200 performers each night, Halloween Nights is sure to be an unforgettable fall experience. You can even opt-in for an extra terrifying experience that can send you down hidden passageways or temporarily separate you from your group. 😱

From ominous cell blocks to dimly lit corridors, Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary is a heart-pounding experience that offers a unique and spine-tingling way to celebrate the Halloween season, all within the hauntingly historic confines of one of America's most infamous prisons.

Have time for more? Keep Planning Your Trip to NE

Keep planning your trip to New England with our ‘Picture Perfect’ NE Road Trip Itinerary here!

Your turn! Leave us a comment below

What’s your favorite thing to do in New England in the fall, or which of these festive activities would you most like to do? Please share with us in the comments below!

Save this itinerary for a future road trip

Hover over the image below and click on the red “Save” button that pops up in the upper lefthand corner of the image to save this on Pinterest for later. (If you’re on mobile, you might have to tap the image first to see the red ‘Save’ button.)