Visiting New England in the fall has become quite popular due to social media. As a local Bostonian, I’ve always known that this special place in America has some of the best fall foliage in the entire world! Over the years I’ve made it my mission to find all the best locations for fall foliage and the best things to do in New England in the fall. This post contains all the best New England towns with fall foliage, the best hikes with foliage views, and where you can find the best cider donut! Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to all the best things to do in New England in the fall.

Top 14 Things to Do in New England in the Fall

1 New England’s best fall hike: Crawford Notch in Bartlett, New Hampshire

Located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest is the Crawford Notch. This is also a stone’s throw away from Mount Washington located in Bartlett, New Hampshire. You will find an abundance of hiking trails in this area, but one of the best New England hikes for fall colors is Mount Willard. Due to social media, this hike has become very popular. Even though it’s a fairly trafficked trail, you’ll see hikers of all ages. I would rate this hike’s difficulty level easy to moderate. If you’re hiking at a leisurely pace it will take you around forty-five minutes one way. Hiking this trail is one of the best things to do in New England in the fall, so don’t forget your camera. The views from the summit are simply stunning!

Meliss Meets World uses affiliate links and earns a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our affiliate links. This is at no additional cost to you, for more information please refer to our policies.

2 Fall Road trip in New England: Kancamagus Highway in Conway, New Hampshire

One of the best fall road trips in New England is the Kancamagus Highway. Take New Hampshire 112 from Lincoln to Conway, vice versa, or back and forth! Must-see stops along the way include Sugar Hill Overlook, Sabbaday Falls, and the Russell-Colbath Homestead. You can also find beautiful autumn foliage in New England at Rocky Gorge, Lower Falls Scenic Area, and everyone’s favorite the Albany covered bridge. When you’re in Conway, make sure to stop at Zeb’s, an iconic New England general store. You can also pick up the Conway scenic railway right in town, and enjoy the colors at a higher elevation!

Searching for some of the best things to do in New England in the fall? Check out how to visit and where to find fall colors in New Hampshire or Vermont.

3 New England autumn leaves: Portsmouth, New Hampshire

One of my favorite New England towns to visit in the fall is Portsmouth. This city has a quaint, historic waterfront located less than sixty miles from Boston. It is also one of the best day trips from Boston. Known as ‘tugboat city,’ the downtown area with beautiful ocean views is very walkable. You have to also visit the Strawbery Banke Museum and its surrounding neighborhood. The New England fall colors here are so idyllic!

If you’re looking for other day trips from Boston, here’s a comprehensive list from a local Bostonian!

4 Best New England coastal town for fall colors: Camden, Maine

Some describe Camden as the jewel of the Maine coast. One of the best things to do in Camden during the fall season is to marvel at the views from Mount Battie. You can choose to drive straight to the top or hike one of the many trails. You can find information on their website or check out the AllTrails app as well. Don’t forget to stop in the downtown and harbor area, enjoy some shopping, and grab a bite to eat. Don’t take my word for it, Travel and Leisure also agree this is one of the top towns to spot autumn foliage in New England!

5 Explore Maine’s pumpkin trail: Bath, Maine

Bath is a small, coastal town in Maine not far from Freeport and Portland. Depending on New England’s fall foliage tracker for the year, different areas will have different levels and vibrancy of fall colors. Known as the ‘City of Ships’ there is a large maritime museum in town. Another reason this is one of the best things to do in New England in the fall is the museum is included in Maine’s pumpkin trail. Bath Brewing Company downtown was a great stop along the way, as well as the famous Red’s Eats and Doubling Point lighthouse. Be prepared to queue, as Red’s Eats has one of the best lobster rolls in New England!

Red’s Eats is known to have the best lobster roll in Maine, and I would highly recommend it! Make sure to wander through Library Park, you’ll easily see why this is a top town to experience fall foliage in New England.

6 New England’s Halloweentown: Salem, Massachusetts

Who doesn’t want to spend the spooky season in Salem, especially if you’re familiar with the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus? It’s believed Salem might throw the largest Halloween party in the USA, and you’ll find crowds in costumes all month long. Not only can you visit some of the famous sites where the Hocus Pocus movie was filmed, but you can also learn more about the historic Salem witch trials. You can visit the Salem Witch Museum, but in my opinion, it’s quite expensive to visit and a bit of a tourist trap.

Instead of visiting the museum check out the Witch House, both need bookings in advance! Make sure to also stroll around the perfectly decorated New England homes amongst the fall foliage. If you’re looking for lunch or dinner options, I would highly recommend Ledger. Red’s Sandwich Shop is also delicious and has the cutest storefront!

7 Best fall foliage in the USA: Beacon Hill in Boston, Massachusetts

If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in New England in the fall you have to plan a trip to Boston. Beacon Hill comes alive with New England autumn leaves during this special time. There is something about the brownstones and historical brick buildings adorned with pops of red, orange, and yellow hues. Wander around to my favorite not-so-hidden garden on Chestnut Street, Louisburg Square, and the most photographed street in the country, Acorn Street. Stroll down Charles Street and have lunch at Tatte or browse around Covet, a women’s consignment shop selling everything from luxury to vintage items. Here are some other ideas for some of the best things to do in Boston!

If you’re traveling to Boston during the spring season here are the best bloom locations. Visiting Boston is a great way to see the rest of New England, here are a few day trip ideas for your next trip! You can find some of the best places to stay in Boston here, here, and here.

8 Visit the cutest fall farm stand: Guilford, Connecticut

Strawberry Hollow Farm in Guilford, Connecticut is straight out of an autumn fairy tale. It was one of the most idyllic settings to revel in the beauty of the New England fall foliage. If you’re looking for other fall activities in New England, this small town is only an hour’s drive from Mystic, Connecticut.

9 Fall Activities in New England: Essex, Connecticut

Another classic New England town for leaf peeping is Essex, Connecticut. Take a stroll down Main Street, and stop for a bite to eat at the historic Griswold Inn. If you’re looking for unique leaf-peeping experiences, look no further than the Essex steam train and riverboat.

If you’re looking for other nearby Connecticut towns to explore, Mystic is one of the best small towns in New England!

10 Drive the Mohawk Trail: Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

One of the most scenic drives in Massachusetts to experience beautiful autumn hues is the Mohawk Trail. The most unique area along the trail to discover fall foliage is the Bridge of Flowers. Another point of interest is the Golden Eagle restaurant. This is one of the oldest sites on the Mohawk trail at the famous ‘hairpin turn’. Even if you’re not able to dine at the restaurant the views from this stop are incredible. Even the New York Times thinks it’s one of the best things to do in New England in the fall.

11 Visit Vermont’s small town: Bennington, Vermont

Vermont is where you can find some of the best fall foliage in the USA. Start a small town tour of Vermont in Bennington and continue on Route 7A. This route is known as the Shires of Vermont Byway. Make sure to wander down back roads as you can find incredible fall foliage here as well.

Here’s a complete itinerary that will help you plan your next trip to some of Vermont’s best small towns for fall foliage in New England! If you also need some recommendations here are some of the best places to stay in Vermont!

12 Enjoy the Vermont Country Store: Weston, Vermont

Family-owned and operated since 1946, this location could not be more perfect for such an idyllic Vermont vibe. This town is also a perfect place to see fall foliage, even Boston.com agrees! After exploring this country store head over to the Town Square or Village Green and the Old Mill Museum. You’ll find lovely hues of orange and yellow all around you.

13 Find New England fall in the mountains: Dorset, Vermont

Even though this town is quite small, it certainly packs a punch. Located not too far from its neighboring town Manchester it’s nestled in the hills of the Green Mountains. Start your visit at the Dorset Union Store. You can grab an apple cider doughnut and coffee, and head to a picnic table along the Dorset Green. Make sure to explore the Green and the marble sidewalks that will take you past classic New England homes. Make sure to plan your next New England getaway at one of the town’s quaint inns. You’ll easily see why it’s such a great town for New England leaf peepers!

If you need some recommendations here are some of the best places to stay in Vermont!

14 The best place to see fall colors in New England: Woodstock, Vermont

Saving the best for last, this is my all-time favorite for fall foliage and one of the best things to do in New England in the fall. Woodstock is a beauty during all seasons and is no longer a secret! This town consistently makes the list of the most beautiful towns in America and is one of the best small towns in Vermont! My favorite stops in Woodstock include Billings Farm and Sleepy Hollow Farm. Make sure to stop at Worthy Kitchen for a burger, or make a reservation for a unique dining experience at Simon Pearce Restaurant. It really is such a magical little town and the best to spot fall foliage in New England!

The heart of this town is the iconic and luxurious Woodstock Inn and Resort. We’ve had Christmas dinner here and even visited the spa, and it is worth the hype. It is one of the best hotels in Vermont and New England!