Every fall the hardwood forests of New England turn red, orange and gold, and people come from around the world to see it. Sugar maples give the brightest reds and oranges, birches and aspens go yellow, and oaks turn a late russet. The color moves from north to south and from the mountains down to the coast over a few weeks, and a good foliage trip is mostly a matter of being in the right place at the right moment.

When color usually peaks

Peak timing changes every year with temperature and rainfall, but a rough pattern holds:

  • Northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine: late September to early October.
  • Central and southern Vermont and New Hampshire, the Berkshires: early to mid October.
  • Southern New England and the coast, including the Boston area: mid to late October.

The New England states publish foliage reports during the season. Check them in the days before you go and adjust your route; a few hours of driving north or south can make all the difference.

The best drives

The Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Route 112 runs about 34 miles through the White Mountain National Forest between Lincoln and Conway, climbing over a high pass with overlooks, waterfalls and riverside picnic spots. There are no gas stations or services along the way, and traffic is heavy on peak weekends. From Boston, Lincoln is about two and a half hours north on Interstate 93. Nearby, Franconia Notch State Park has the Flume Gorge and views of Cannon Mountain, right off the interstate.

Vermont Route 100

Often called Vermont's main street, Route 100 runs north to south along the spine of the Green Mountains through small towns such as Weston, Ludlow, Waitsfield and Stowe. Pick a section rather than the whole thing. From Stowe, Route 108 climbs through Smugglers' Notch, a narrow, twisting pass between rock walls; it is not suitable for large vehicles and closes in winter.

The Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts

Route 2 across northwestern Massachusetts follows an old Native American trail through the hills from near Greenfield to North Adams and Williamstown. Look for the hairpin turn above North Adams and the views across the Berkshires. It is about two and a half hours from Boston to the start.

The Berkshires

Western Massachusetts' rolling hills, around Lenox, Stockbridge and Great Barrington, combine color with music, theater and museums, and peak a little later than the north. Route 7 runs the length of the region and continues north into Vermont through Bennington and Manchester, so you can link the Berkshires with southern Vermont in a single day of driving.

Mount Washington

The highest peak in the Northeast can be reached by a private toll road in the warmer months. The views over the White Mountains in color are tremendous on a clear day, but the summit has notoriously severe weather, and the road may close at short notice. Check conditions before you go.

Closer to Boston

If time is short, the countryside of central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire turns in mid October and is reachable in an hour or two. Even the leafy suburbs and the trees along the Charles River put on a show.

Practical tips

  • Book early: inns in Vermont, New Hampshire and the Berkshires fill months ahead for peak weekends, especially the Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day holiday weekend in October. Staying in Boston and driving out works for southern routes; see where to stay in Boston.
  • Go midweek: roads and viewpoints are far quieter Monday to Thursday.
  • Start early: morning light is beautiful, and parking at popular overlooks fills by late morning.
  • Fuel: fill up in towns before mountain roads. Services can be far apart.
  • Pull over safely: use marked turnouts for photos. Stopping on the road is dangerous on curves.
  • Watch for wildlife: moose and deer are active at dawn and dusk.
  • Layers: days can be warm, but mornings and evenings in the mountains are cold, and early snow is possible at high elevations.

Hiring a car for the trip? See renting a car in the US. Maine's coast is also lovely in October; see Boston to the Maine coast.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best week for New England foliage?

There is no single week. Northern areas often peak in early October and southern ones later. Watch the foliage reports and stay flexible.

Can I see fall color on a day trip from Boston?

Yes. The Kancamagus Highway, the Mohawk Trail and central Massachusetts are all reachable in a day, though it is a long one for the first two.

What if it rains?

Colors often look richer under cloud, and wet leaves glow. Heavy wind and rain can bring leaves down early, though.