Picture-Perfect: New England Fall Road Trip

This New England Fall Road Trip is all about gorgeous views, refreshing morning hikes, and festive celebrations. We’re calling this one ‘Picture-Perfect’ because we’re headed to one of the most picturesque Autumn destinations in the world.

Pack your bags and hit the road to explore charming towns, wind through foliage-lined roads, and sip on hot apple cider. Whether you're a leaf-peeping enthusiast, a fan of all things cozy, or someone who simply loves crisp fall air, this is your road trip for quintessential autumn fun!

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What is the best time to visit New England in the fall?

Mid-October is the best time to visit New England for gorgeous foliage and sweater weather. For this NE Fall Road Trip, we recommend the second week of October as that’s the best time of year to experience everything New England has to offer, from hot lobster rolls in Maine to changing leaves in New Hampshire to corn mazes and Haunted Happenings in Vermont and Massachusetts.

Although it’s challenging to predict peak foliage from year to year, generally, mid-October is prime season and offers a good chance of seeing vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange along the trees.

Is October a good time to be in New England?

Summer has its perks, with longer daylight hours and lake days, but there’s nothing quite like New England during October. It’s an amazing time of year to visit!

Treats like hot apple cider and cider donuts are best served with October’s cooler temperatures, plus this is generally a great time of year to partake in “spooky season” activities like the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Providence or Haunted Happenings in Salem.

Early to mid-October is best if you’re hoping to also take part in lobster rolls in Maine or the largest NE corn maze in Vermont. However, if you’re in the mood for an extra epic fall road trip, consider planning your trip for the end of October so that you land in Salem on Halloween for a truly special Halloween night. 👻

Planning a summer trip to NE? Check out our Wicked Good: 10-Day Summer Itinerary.

New England Fall Road Trip Map

This NE Fall Road Trip covers almost 1,000 miles, 5 states (with the option to easily visit all six New England states), and plenty of fun fall-themed activities!

Scenic Falls Drives in New England

Some of the most scenic fall drives in New England include the Kancamagus Highway in NH, Acadia Park Loop Road in ME, Green Mountain Byway (and Smugglers’ Notch) in VT, State Route 169 in CT, and the Mohawk Trail in MA.

This ‘Picture Perfect’ NE Fall Road Trip will focus mostly on two of these scenic drives, the Kancamagus Highway and Acadia Park Loop. This way, you’ll also have plenty of time for other amazing things to do in New England in the fall, like wandering through large corn mazes and sipping on hot apple cider.

10-Day NE Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s our pick for a Picture-Perfect 10-day New England Fall Road Trip.

Day 1: Travel to Maine
Day 2: Acadia National Park
Day 3: Bar Harbor, ME
Day 4: Lincoln, NH
Day 5: The White Mountains, NH
Day 6: Stowe, VT
Day 7: Woodstock, VT
Day 8: Providence, RI
Days 9-10: Salem, MA

Day 1: Travel to Maine

If you’re flying, it’s probably easiest to fly to Boston Logan International Airport and rent a car. (If you’re driving, make your way to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.)

It’s about 5 hours from Boston to Bar Harbor. You’ll follow the coast on I-95/295 through Portland and Augusta, then take US-1A to Bar Harbor once you get to Bangor.

We include a day of exploring Boston in our 10-Day NE Summer Road Trip but suggest skipping it for this road trip to give you more time in nature than the city. However, all road trips at Road Trip Locals are “Pick Your Own Adventure,” so depending on your perfect NE fall trip, consider one or more of the following Boston activities once you arrive.

Grab a coffee at Thinking Cup and stroll through the Boston Commons.
Walk The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route connecting 16 historic sites in Boston. (Begin at the Boston Common Visitor Center and end at the USS Constitution in Charlestown.)
Along the way, shop and dine at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, also called Quincy Market.
Spend an afternoon at the Sam Adam’s Brewery.

On your way to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, you’ll also pass by Portland, Maine. Portland’s a beautiful waterfront city with lots of great things to do, so if you’d like, make a pit stop here as well.

Once you arrive in Bar Harbor, consider a famous Maine lobster roll for dinner! Check out The Travelin’ Lobster, C-Rays, Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound, or Bar Harbor Lobster Company. Some of these restaurants close in the middle of October, so double-check the website of each restaurant you’re considering before your visit.

Our favorite lobster roll is found at The Travelin’ Lobster, but they generally close the second or third week of October each year. Facebook is the best place to get updates on open hours.

Day 2: Acadia National Park

It’s time to explore New England’s only national park, Acadia National Park. Fall is one of the best times of the year to visit Acadia because the weather is just right, and gorgeous fall foliage adds to the scenic waterfront vistas.

Here’s our recommendation for how to spend a day in Acadia National Park in the fall. (Note: For this day, be sure to pack a lunch or make a reservation for / plan to carry out from Jordan Pond House.)

(1) Start just before sunrise on Gorham Mountain.

From early October through March, you’ll have the opportunity to catch the first sunrise in the United States from Acadia National Park as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s beautiful and worth the early wake-up call. Our favorite sunrise spot in Acadia can be found just 20 minutes along the Gorham Mountain Loop. (Start your trek about 30 minutes before the estimated sunrise for the day you’re visiting.)

In the fall, the Gorham Mountain Loop is an extra special place to watch the sunrise and enjoy the foliage along the trees below.

Sunrise, Gorham Mountain Loop, Acadia National Park

(2) After sunrise, continue following the Gorham Mountain Loop to the Beehive Trail. The Beehive Trail is one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park!

Are you bringing your dog on this NE Fall Road Trip? The Gorham Mountain Loop is dog-friendly, but the Beehive Trail is not. If you’re road-tripping with your dog, consider the Ocean Path instead. You can follow the Gorham Mountain Trail to the Ocean Path Trail, passing Sand Beach and Thunder Hole on the way back to your car. Consider walking past your car to Otter Cliffs as well.

The Beehive Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Acadia, which is famous for its ladder trails. On Beehive, you’ll get your heart racing as you climb rungs and ladders to a gorgeous overlook of Sand Beach (and more stunning foliage below!).

Next: 10 amazing hikes in Acadia National Park

(3) The Beehive Loop will bring you back to the Ocean Path Trail. Check out Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs on your way back to your car.

(4) Pick Your Own Adventure: Continue driving Acadia’s Park Loop to Jordan Pond or the Bubbles parking lots for a classic Acadia hike on the Bubbles Trailhead. Or, drive further to the Beech Cliffs Trailhead for a second, quieter ladder hike. Both hikes offer beautiful foliage views during the fall months.

If you choose the Bubbles Trailhead, park at the start of the Bubbles Trailhead and hike to both South Bubble and North Bubble Summits. (If there’s no parking at the start of the Bubbles Trailhead, you can park at Jordan Pond and walk the Jordan Pond Loop to the Bubbles.)

Although Bubble Rock, on South Bubble Summit, is one of the biggest attractions on the Bubbles, we recommend hiking to both summits as you’ll find a gorgeous overlook of Eagle Lake at North Bubble.

Dog-Friendly? Yes! Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake are also dog-friendly if you’d like to add these hikes to your day. Just a heads-up that dogs are not allowed to swim in the pond as it’s a public water source.

While Jordan Pond and the Bubbles are more popular things to do in Acadia in the fall, we’re partial to the Beech Cliffs Trail, as it’s a fun ladder trail that offers gorgeous panoramic views of the trees below. (And it’s much quieter than most trails in Acadia National Park!)

If we had to pick, we’d choose the Bubbles and the Jordan Pond Loop in the summer and Beech Cliffs in the fall.

(4) Head to the Travelin’ Lobster for dinner after a long but full day in Acadia National Park. Try a hot lobster roll and a bowl of clam chowder.

Note: We spent three weeks in Maine during our 2022 Travel Season with two main goals: explore Acadia National Park and eat as many lobster rolls as possible! Click here for a full recap of the spots we tried, or take our word for it and visit our favorite: The Travelin’ Lobster.

The Travelin’ Lobster generally closes each year the second or third week of October. Facebook is the best place to get updates. If they’re not open when you’re in town, also consider C-Rays, Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound, or Bar Harbor Lobster Company. There are also many places to eat in downtown Bar Harbor and more still in the nearby Ellsworth. (Consider Provender in Ellsworth.)

Want a different recommendation for how to spend a day in Acadia National Park during your fall road trip? Consider one of these five itineraries. All are great ways to spend one day (or five different days) in Acadia National Park.

Keep reading: Acadia National Park Itineraries (1-5 Days)

Day 3: Bar Harbor, ME

With cooler days and the leaves changing color, Bar Harbor is a cozy coastal haven in the fall.

(1) Eat, shop, and stroll through downtown Bar Harbor.

Acadia National Park weaves in and out of Bar Harbor, Maine. There’s so much to do and see in downtown Bar Harbor, so eat, shop, and even stroll across the Mount Desert Narrows to Bar Island if you’re visiting around low tide.

Here are a few things to consider in and near Bar Harbor:

Have breakfast or brunch at Cafe This Way. (The outdoor patio is dog-friendly.)
Shop along Main Street. (Many stores along Main Street are dog-friendly, just ask!)
Walk across the Bar Island Land Bridge during low tide to visit Bar Island. (Bar Island is part of Acadia National Park and is dog-friendly.)
Spend a few hours at Fogtown Brewery.
Grab a drink on the lawn of Ivy Manor Inn. (The lawn is dog-friendly.)
Eat (more) lobster at Bar Harbor Lobster Co. (The outdoor patio is dog-friendly.)

(2) Challenge yourself on the Precipice Trail.

This one’s just for those who don’t mind heights or are up for another adventure. The Precipice Trail was Jon and my favorite trail in Acadia National Park and one we highly recommend while you’re in town. You’ll feel like a kid as you climb a mountain using iron rungs and ladders while taking in gorgeous views of Mount Desert Narrows. This is the most fun hike in Acadia National Park, but heads up: it’s also the scariest as you’re walking along sections with steep cliffs and no railings.

Similar to the Beehive Trail, this is a ladder trail and one of the most popular ones in the park. Rather than arriving early, we actually recommend you hike Precipice in the early afternoon.

Most people hike Precipice first thing in the morning, so making your way here in the afternoon likely means better parking and fewer people on the rungs and ladders, which is great for going at your own pace.

Dog-friendly? No. The ladder trails in Acadia National Park are not dog-friendly.

(3) After your hike on Precipice, or in its place if you’d rather not get your blood pumping this afternoon, make your way to the Jesup Path Trailhead near the Wild Gardens of Acadia.

This is possibly the best and most surprising fall hike in Acadia National Park! It’s truly stunning as you follow a boardwalk lined with fall colors. Bonus: It’s flat so that you can enjoy a nice leisurely stroll through this fall foliage fairyland!

We recommend walking this trail during golden hour, the hour before sunset.

Dog-Friendly? Yes.

Day 4: Lincoln, NH

(1) You’ll drive about 5 hours from Bar Harbor to Lincoln, New Hampshire for the next stop along your New England Fall Road Trip.

Grab a coffee and breakfast at Dunkin Donuts on your way out of town, then take the route to Lincoln that runs through Conway, NH. This way, you’ll drive one of the most scenic drives in New Hampshire, The Kancamagus Highway, on your way.

Consider a stop at Cheese Louise in Conway for delicious grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.

(2) If you make it to Lincoln before sunset, check out Artists Bluff. This short trail is one of the most popular hikes in New Hampshire, particularly in the fall.

And while it is a gorgeous trail, the best thing about this hike is its length and effort-to-view ratio. The Artists Bluff Trail is quick, relatively easy, and packs a BIG view during the fall when the leaves are changing color.

Dog-Friendly? Yes! Just know there are steep drops at the overlook.

(3) For dinner, consider One Love Brewing in Lincoln or drive a little bit further to the Covered Bridge Farm Table in Campton. (Opt for the cider donut ice cream sandwich at the Covered Bridge if it's on the menu during your visit.)

Next: 7 Fun Hikes in New Hampshire's White Mountains

Day 5: The White Mountains, NH

There are tons of amazing things to do in New Hampshire in the fall.

You can drive, hike, or ride the cog railway to Mount Washington.

You can challenge yourself with an all-day hike along the Franconia Ridge in the White Mountains.

You can leisurely drive the Kancamagus Highway, one of the most scenic fall drives in the world, stopping at all of the overlooks and hikes along the way.

Or you can take the road-less-traveled and head towards the Currier & Ives Scenic Byway between Henniker and Salisbury instead (and then stop at Carter Hill Orchard on your way back for delicious cider).

… And this is just to name a few of the great things to do in New Hampshire in the fall!

All of these are great ways to spend a fall day in New England, but if you’re up for a mini road trip, we recommend combining a few of these activities so you can explore various areas throughout New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

Drive from Lincoln along the Kancamagus Highway to Conway… then drive through Crawford Notch State Park up to the Mount Washington Auto Road… then drive back to Lincoln through Franconia Notch State Park.

Stretch your legs and take in the views with various hikes, overlooks, and attractions along the way.

(1) Drive the Kancamagus Highway.

The Kancamagus Highway is a 34-mile stretch of road between Lincoln, NH, and Conway, NH, and it’s one of the most scenic fall drives in the world. So put on a plaid flannel shirt, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and prep your fall playlist for your very own movie montage of cozy moments! 🍂

As popular and photogenic as it is, the Kancamagus Highway gets busy during peak foliage season, so be prepared to head out early, especially if you want to stop at the overlooks or add any hikes to your road trip. (If your trip works out to drive the Kancamagus Highway early morning on a weekday, that’s generally best.)

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

Dog-Friendly? Yes.

(2) Once in Conway, make your way toward the Mount Washington Auto Road, driving through Crawford Notch State Park. (You can use the point ‘Crawford Notch Scenic Parking Area’ as a focal point.)

This drive through the state park is absolutely gorgeous, especially in the fall. This is also a great drive if you’re not able to be in New Hampshire during peak foliage. During our trip in 2022, we were a couple of weeks early. But even when the trees along the Kancamagus Highway weren’t fully changing colors, the trees in the Crawford area were.

Consider the Mount Willard Trail or Arethusa Falls if you’re looking for a hike on the way.

(3) Drive the Mount Washington Auto Road.

In the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, Mount Washington is one of the tallest peaks in the U.S. Drive the Auto Road, take the Cog Railway to the top of the breathtaking summit, or challenge yourself to hike Mount Washington following the Mount Washington Loop via Tuckerman Ravine.

There is an admission fee to drive Mount Washington Auto Road (we paid $65 for two of us), but it’s a great way to see the area, and the 360-degree views at the summit are spectacular!

We recommend hopping out of your car at the summit and following one or two of the trails a few minutes down the mountain for even more beautiful views.

(4) Finish your road trip with a drive through Franconia North State Park, home to some of the best and most beautiful hikes in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

There are tons of great hiking trails to explore, like the Flume Gorge Trail, which takes you through a narrow chasm with cascading waterfalls, and the Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail, an epic all-day hike that boasts some of the most beautiful views in the state.

Franconia Notch State Park is also home to the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, offering more panoramic views from its summit.

Next: 3 Scenic Drives in New Hampshire

Day 6: Stowe, VT

The next stop along your NE Fall Road Trip takes you to Stowe, Vermont, about a two-hour drive from Lincoln, NH.

If open during your trip, we recommend adding about 15 minutes to your drive to make a pit stop at the Great Vermont Corn Maze, the largest corn maze in New England.

(1) The Great Vermont Corn Maze is a fun way to begin your morning and something we consider the epitome of a fall activity!

I mean… we can’t share a New England Fall Road Trip without including three things: fall foliage, hot apple cider, and corn mazes, right!?

Okay, and maybe pumpkins, too… which is why you’ll be getting your fill of pumpkins toward the end of your road trip. 🎃

The Great Vermont Corn Maze is located in Danville, Vermont, and is known as one of the largest and most intricate corn mazes in the States. It spans over 24 acres and boasts a new theme every year. When we visited in 2022, we navigated the Octopus. See past maze designs here; it’s incredible!!

The maze is open to enter from 9am to 12 noon (an hour later on weekends), so you’ll want to leave Lincoln early to drive about an hour to the Great Vermont Corn Maze.

Note: The Great Vermont Corn Maze opens on August 1st when the corn conditions are at their best and most challenging. The maze generally stays open until the middle of October. Check here for dates of the year you’re visiting. And be sure to grab tickets ahead of time!

(2) For your afternoon adventure in Stowe, consider a fall-themed foodie road trip.

Drive about an hour and ten minutes from the Great Vermont Corn Maze to Stowe. There, we recommend starting with lunch and hot apple cider at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. (Be sure to grab a bag of cider donuts to go!)

Next, pick up a bottle of maple syrup from Stowe Maple Products, before enjoying a flight from Stowe Cider or the Alchemist Brewery.

Head to the Cabot Farmers Store for some of Vermont’s most delicious cheddar cheese before finishing your day at Ben & Jerry’s for a factory tour and trip through the Flavor Graveyard.

Here’s everything you need to know about creating your own foodie road trip in Stowe, Vermont.

If you’re doing this Foodie Road Trip on a different day, or the Great Vermont Corn Maze is not open during your trip, consider starting with the Mount Hunger Trail instead. (Because… is there a better-named hike to kick off a foodie tour!?)

Day 7: Woodstock, VT

New England is a gorgeous area with close proximity to many incredible things to do and see. This means you’ll be able to explore a lot during your NE Fall Road Trip, but it also means you probably can’t do and see everything on your bucket list in just one trip.

From Stowe, there are multiple great places to check out next.

You may want to hop across Lake Champlain to hike through the Adirondack Mountains and dine on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid. We highly recommend this for our New England Summer Road Trip and have no doubt that fall in the Adirondacks is stunning, too!

Or maybe you want to stay in Vermont, making your way to Burlington next. You could take a mini road trip from downtown Burlington to Mt. Philo State Park to Stine Orchard and, finally, the Colchester Causeway. Read more about planning a visit to Burlington here.

Or perhaps you’re most interested in touring the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States courtesy of B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill near Mystic, CT, so you head there next.

All of these are gorgeous places to explore during the fall months! You may even want to spend another day in Stowe, as it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the US in the fall.

However, for this NE Fall Road Trip, we recommend heading to another one of New England's most iconic destinations, Woodstock, VT. Plan a day in Woodstock with this post here!

Day 8: Providence, RI

From Woodstock, drive about 3 hours to Providence, Rhode Island.

If you’re like me and want to stop at every cider mill you can, consider adding an hour to your drive and taking the longer route through Hartford, CT, to stop at B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill for hot apple cider and donuts on your way. Your recommended Providence activity doesn’t begin until the sun goes down, so you have plenty of time to explore!

Once you get to Providence, eat, shop, and explore downtown, or stroll through Roger Williams Park.

(1) Once dark, head to Providence Zoo for a Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular! (Note: Make sure to purchase tickets in advance for the night you want to visit.)

Held annually during the fall seasons, this Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is where you’ll get your pumpkin fill. You’ll enter an enchanted pumpkin forest with thousands of carved and lit pumpkins around every bend!

It’s spooky season magic (without the spooky!!). Learn more here.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, Roger Williams Zoo

Days 9-10: Salem, MA

The final stop along your NE Fall Road Trip takes you about 1.5 hours to the mecca of all things Halloween. You’re going to Salem!

On the way, consider stopping in Boston and exploring one or more of the suggestions above. (You’ll find those suggestions under Day 1.)

(1) Once you arrive in Salem, buckle up for a day of fun at Salem’s Haunted Happenings.

Our research for this New England itinerary took place during our 2022 Travel Season when the very end of our trip took us to Salem on Halloween. We’re not people who typically dress up for Halloween or make a point to celebrate in a big way, but I’d go back to Salem on Halloween every year if I could.

It’s the most immersive way to celebrate the holiday!

We recommend you spend the final day or two of your trip enjoying all of the events and activities Salem’s Haunted Happenings has to offer.

Take walking tours to the Hocus Pocus and Witch Houses.

Tour the Witch Museum.

Stop at the food trucks in the marketplace and pick up one more hot apple cider and a few cider donuts.

Attend the Salem Haunted Magic Show.

And, if you’re visiting on Halloween, make sure to stay for the Halloween Night Concert.

Learn more about Salem’s Haunted Happenings and check out the events on the day you’re in town here.

And read about our experience in Salem on Halloween here!

What It’s Like in Salem on Halloween👻🎃

Happy fall road-tripping!

That’s a wrap on our New England fall road trip. From corn mazes to scenic drives, you’ve checked off a lot of fall must-dos in one colorful trip. Enjoy!!!

Please leave us a comment below

There’s a lot to see and do in New England in the fall, so let us know below: Which hike, activity, or overlook listed would you most love to see, or what’s your favorite if not on this list? We'd love to hear about your adventures too!

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