Best Places to Visit in the Northeast This Fall
Best Places to Visit in the Northeast This Fall
You may have just purchased Indianapolis real estate or you are just thinking about taking a vacation this fall to experience some of the nation’s most vibrant fall foliage.
Either way, you’ll be happy to know that you’re within a day’s drive or so of some of the top spots in the Northeast region of the U.S. This area offers some of the best of the best when it comes to autumn color.
Including those fiery reds, vibrant orange, and golden yellows, and a whole lot more.
New Hampshire
In 2017, the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism expected nearly 10 million visitors to arrive in the fall. Many of those tourists coming specifically to view the season’s kaleidoscope of colors. The very best are showcased inland.
In the higher elevations, can be seen in Lakes Region. That includes Mirror Lake, Lake Ossipee, Lake Winnisquam, Squam Lake, Newfoundland Lake, and Lake Winnipesaukee.
As the area is protected from harsh winds, the calm water is ideal for paddling in a kayak or canoe. Often times, it reflects the beautiful red maples along the edge and provides a longer leaf season than most areas. In fact, an entire month from around the end of September through late October.
The Adirondacks of New York
The Adirondack Mountains not only provide an especially serene getaway but magnificent autumn foliage. You may want to embark on a road trip along the 170-mile Olympic Trail which links Lake Ontario to Lake Champlain.
Here you’ll witness color at its best, including maple, birch oak, and beech trees. They will be bursting with yellows, reds, and oranges among the densely forested landscapes.
The higher elevations tend to transform by around mid-September, while lower areas often peak during the first half of October.
Mount Killington, Vermont
There are practically endless postcard-perfect villages in New England. You’ll find peaceful country lanes, quaint old-fashioned general stores, and towering church steeples. They are all surrounded by striking shades of color in the fall. Hike to the top of Mount Killington for a bird’s-eye view of the patchwork of hues below. You can even take the drive along the Green Mountain Byway that spans between Waterbury and Stowe.
There, you’ll find some of the most stunning scenery, typically from late September through mid-October. You can also enjoy multiple thrills at Snowshed Lodge. It hosts a 4,800-foot-long alpine coaster with 360-degree corkscrew turns, along with scenic gondola rides.
Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
Maine’s coast is famous for its picturesque lighthouses. Cadillac Mountain provides a dramatic backdrop and plentiful foliage in Acadia National Park. This haven for adventure lovers offers the chance to enjoy both water and mountain scenery. Autumn brings an array of colors at every turn. The leaves begin to change in September, with peak time typically around the middle of October.
Some of the best foliage can be experienced by hitting the trails. Including the trek that leads to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Visitors can also enjoy awe-inspiring autumn hues by driving the 40-mile stretch of the Acadia Byway.
Now you know the best places to visit in the Northeast to explore beautiful foliage. Now, get out there! For more travel suggestions and guides, visit our travel section.
Have you ever visited any of these locations?
Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!

Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
I love Fall and all the amazing colors and smells but I dislike the thought of winter.The photo is beautiful!
Me too! It is my fave season.
oh man New York in the fall would be beautiful! i have only been in the summer. but there are so many areas and parks that would be awesome to visit in the fall
So many beautiful places indeed!
I would love to travel the Northeast in the US. I have been to Maine and it was beautiful. It would be nice to experience this area in the fall.
It is incredibly beautiful there.