The Ultimate Guide to Fall in the Northeast 🍂🍁
Explore fall in the USA in some of the best destinations in the Northeast. See what the fall colors in the Northeast have in store from Maine to New York and everywhere in between.
Here’s what you can expect from this guide:
-Hours of trip planning from different highways and routes to see the best colors
-Timing such as date ranges that are typically the most colorful
-Locations compatible with google maps or Apple Maps that I have either wished to go to or have been myself
-Thought out hiking trails, food and drinking stops, and other tips
Feel free to send me an email with your feedback & tag me in your photos! @lifeofthetravelingpin
55 Places • 3 Saves • ago
Free
When should you visit in the fall?
The best timing is usually between early of September through end of October, but it normally peaks sometime in early October. The foliage develops from north to south in the Northeast, with northern spots like New York, Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire generally experiencing “peak” before Massachusetts, Rhode Island, southern New York, and Connecticut.
There is a map to check real-time foliage for the Northeast and New York. Here are the links to both:
What are the top locations? 🍂
Location 1: The Adirondacks, NY
Autumn every year in the Adirondack Mountains is the best, with the brightness of the leaves and extensive mountain viewing areas. The region actually boosts one of the longest leg peeping areas in the country. Start by picking on which region, either north, east, or west. Personally, we picked the east just with the closest proximity to NYC, but you can’t go wrong with either.
⭐️ My top city to visit would be:
Lake Placid
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Things to do and see include:
The Olympic Center
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Ice rinks are at the Olympic center and are open to the public. It was home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games.
Add to
Details
Cliffside Coaster
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This was an amazing and unique adventure as it stands to be the longest cliffside coaster in the USA. It can be great to do alone or with a group of friends! It puts you in the driver seat of the 1980 Olympics and gives you a voice overview as you plunge down the mountain.
Add to
Details
High Falls Gorge
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is a 22-acre park that holds a vast overview of the fall colors in the area. From a nice low impact hike to a raging waterfall, this is great for all ages. It was a great natural wonder and would definetly recommend a visit.
Add to
Details
Great Adirondack Brewing Company (formerly Great Adirondack Steak and Seafood)
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is a great place to grab a drink after some time hiking!
Add to
Details
Mount Jo
@lifeofthetravelingpin
There is a parking fee and it can sometimes get very crowded especially during leaf peeping season. The loop trail is moderately challenging and takes about an hour and some change to complete. Dogs are welcome as well!
Add to
Details
Fish Hawk Cliffs
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs provide some of the best views of the Adirondacks in the fall. It’s a 10.4 mile loop that is lengthy and moderately challenging. This is one of the best hikes in the state. Would highly recommend, although it is a very popular trail because of its beauty. Make sure to get a permit to park!
Add to
Details
Big Crow Mountain Trailhead
@lifeofthetravelingpin
It’s a 1.3 mile out and back trail that’s moderately challenging, but offers some amazing views! This takes you over two peaks with views of the High Peaks regions along the way.
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to stay:
Crowne Plaza Lake Placid, an IHG Hotel
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
High Peaks Resort
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to eat:
Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe
@lifeofthetravelingpin
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Details
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Big Slide Brewery & Public House
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Location 2: White Mountain National Park, NH
Beginning in Lincoln, NH and driving a scenic, tree-lined 34.5 miles allows you to peak through the White Mountain National Park along the Kancamagus Highway.
Kancamagus Highway
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️My top city would be:
North Conway
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Things to do and see include:
Echo Lake
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Beautiful Lake that looks reflects a granite face mountain. Plenty of parking and well-maintained hiking paths. Lots of picnic tables for families to enjoy the view. Fall colors are more pronounced along the Northern end of the lake.
Add to
Details
Cathedral Ledge Lookout
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Beautiful view of the valley. You can hike up from the bottom (about an hour up) or drive up the road and park and just enjoy the view. No cost to get in. Bathrooms at the top of you need them.
Add to
Details
Flume Gorge
@lifeofthetravelingpin
An easier hike with amazing views. The wolf’s den requires getting a little dirty, but it’s a fun little detour. The bugs weren’t bad and the trail was super easy to follow. Just so you know it costs money to enter!
Add to
Details
Mount Washington
@lifeofthetravelingpin
The ride up was harrowing but great when we got up there. It was expensive for a car of 4. Great views, Once in a life time, but make sure you watch times and dates that they are open.
Add to
Details
Glen Ellis Falls
@lifeofthetravelingpin
A stop at Glen Ellis is a must if you're a fan of waterfalls. A short hike from the parking lot, down a well maintained path, leads you to the first section of the falls. If you're not limited in mobility, you can proceed further down the stairs to the base of the falls with a couple different view points. The parking lot is usually on the heavy side as this is the parking for some nearby hiking trails, so the falls are usually pretty quiet. Be careful, the rocks are slippery, and there is no cell service!
Add to
Details
Conway Scenic Railroad
@lifeofthetravelingpin
A great friend or family adventure that does not take the entire day away! We took the 2 hour tour. It was very scenic and they did a great job with explaining all of the local details along the way. It’s worth the cost if you like trains and knowing the local history.
Add to
Details
Artist's Bluff Loop Trailhead
@lifeofthetravelingpin
An absolutely stunning hike to do! You can either take the short steep way up, or take the longer loop around.
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to stay:
North Conway Grand Hotel
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Home2 Suites by Hilton North Conway
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to eat:
Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co.
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Red Fox Bar and Grille
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Black Mtn. Burger Co.
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Location 3: Green Mountain National Park, VT
Starting at the hike in Mount Killington where it has some impressive views from above take the 11 mile drive on the Green Mountain Byway. This will hold views of colorful red, yellow, and orange leaves. It also allows you to stop off at some of my favorite village towns such as Waterbury, Stowe, Morristown, Morrisville, Hyde Park, Johnson, Jeffersonville and Cambridge.
⭐️My top village town would be:
Add to
Details
⭐️Things to do and see include:
Smugglers Notch
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Hike areas of Smugglers Notch State Park and as you follow trails, you'll be able to admire the changing leaves and will see lots of wildlife. You can also camp overnight.
Add to
Details
von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Remember Sound of Music? This is an Austrian beer hall known for the rustic decor and signature lagers. I also enjoyed their pretzel with beer cheese.
Add to
Details
Stowe Cider
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Came here for a few ciders after sightseeing for the day and had a great experience! Our favorites were the cider donut and their original cider. The rose cider was also delicious!
Add to
Details
The Alchemist Brewery
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Family run brewery specializing in fresh, unfiltered IPAs. You should drink them fresh as they lose flavor as they get older! The artwork is cool inside and the atmosphere is super relaxed. The best beers are the IPAs and was very fond of the stouts.
Add to
Details
Stowe Community Church
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is an iconic picture spot located close to the downtown Stowe area.
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to stay:
Trapp Family Lodge
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
The Lodge at Spruce Peak
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to eat:
Piecasso
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Harrison's Restaurant
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Whip Bar & Grill
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Location 4: Acadia National Park, ME
Begin your trip by driving on the Drive Park Loop Road by making your way through forests, past lakes and mountains, and along the shoreline of this 27-mile Park Loop Road. There is a spectacular display of colorful landscapes at every turn. Some popular stop offs are Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Otter Point, and Jordan Pond.
Park Loop Road
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️My top town would be:
Bar Harbor
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Things to do and see include:
Cadillac Mountain
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is the highest point in Acadia National Park for views overlooking most of the region. The scenery here is amazing especially during the fall time. The best time to witness the area is beginning to middle of October. If you are visiting, you need a vehicle reservation and these can be found at recreation.gov.
Add to
Details
Jordan Pond
@lifeofthetravelingpin
You can come here and soak in the views from a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard that can be rented, even in the fall time. The other option is to hike around the lake which can be done in two different ways: the nature trail which is roughly a mile and is perfect for all ages or the Jordan Pond Path which is 3.3 mile loop that traces along the shoreline.
Add to
Details
Jesup Path and Hemlock path loop
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is a beautiful, easy walk that is accessible at any time of the year. It is about a mile out and back which is a completely forested path and boardwalk.
Add to
Details
DeepWater Brewing Company
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is slightly away from the park and could be a good thing to do for a seasonal fall beer after a day of hiking. There is some food at the adjoining restaurant as well.
Add to
Details
Frenchman Bay
@lifeofthetravelingpin
You can take a boat tour of the Frenchman Bay, which can be done to offer the best overview of the red and gold colors of the leaves.
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to stay:
The Inn on Mount Desert
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to eat:
Beal's Lobster Pier
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Galyn's
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Jordan Pond House Restaurant
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Downeast Deli and Boxed Lunch Co.
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
**Be mindful that many restaurants operate only during certain times of the year, so make sure to check times and closures!
* * *
CURATED BY
Hello! My name is Elizabeth! I’m here to help you prepare for your trip without having to do hours of research yourself! That's a win-win!!
My guides focus on:
- Places to Stay
- Itineraries ranging from 3 to 5 days
- Places to Eat and Drink
- Bookable Experiences
______________________________________
About me:
- based out of New York City 🌃
- meteorologist by day ⚡️🌦️
- digital nomad for parts of the year
- studied abroad in Florence in college 🇮🇹
- featured in Reuters and Bloomberg articles about traveling 🗞️
- avid traveler (30+ states and 20+ countries!) 🌎
- strong supporter of solo female travel 💃🏼
______________________________________
Find me on Instagram 📸 @lifeofthetravelingpin for your daily female solo travels
Email me at lifeofthetravelingpin@gmail.com
PERSONALIZED TRAVEl SERVICES
Connect
with
a
local
expert
to
help
plan
your
ideal
trip
Send A Tip
Support Elizabeth Palumbi’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
The Ultimate Guide to Fall in the Northeast 🍂🍁
Explore fall in the USA in some of the best destinations in the Northeast. See what the fall colors in the Northeast have in store from Maine to New York and everywhere in between.
Here’s what you can expect from this guide:
-Hours of trip planning from different highways and routes to see the best colors
-Timing such as date ranges that are typically the most colorful
-Locations compatible with google maps or Apple Maps that I have either wished to go to or have been myself
-Thought out hiking trails, food and drinking stops, and other tips
Feel free to send me an email with your feedback & tag me in your photos! @lifeofthetravelingpin
55 Places • 3 Saves • ago
Free
When should you visit in the fall?
The best timing is usually between early of September through end of October, but it normally peaks sometime in early October. The foliage develops from north to south in the Northeast, with northern spots like New York, Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire generally experiencing “peak” before Massachusetts, Rhode Island, southern New York, and Connecticut.
There is a map to check real-time foliage for the Northeast and New York. Here are the links to both:
What are the top locations? 🍂
Location 1: The Adirondacks, NY
Autumn every year in the Adirondack Mountains is the best, with the brightness of the leaves and extensive mountain viewing areas. The region actually boosts one of the longest leg peeping areas in the country. Start by picking on which region, either north, east, or west. Personally, we picked the east just with the closest proximity to NYC, but you can’t go wrong with either.
⭐️ My top city to visit would be:
Lake Placid
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Things to do and see include:
The Olympic Center
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Ice rinks are at the Olympic center and are open to the public. It was home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games.
Add to
Details
Cliffside Coaster
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This was an amazing and unique adventure as it stands to be the longest cliffside coaster in the USA. It can be great to do alone or with a group of friends! It puts you in the driver seat of the 1980 Olympics and gives you a voice overview as you plunge down the mountain.
Add to
Details
High Falls Gorge
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is a 22-acre park that holds a vast overview of the fall colors in the area. From a nice low impact hike to a raging waterfall, this is great for all ages. It was a great natural wonder and would definetly recommend a visit.
Add to
Details
Great Adirondack Brewing Company (formerly Great Adirondack Steak and Seafood)
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is a great place to grab a drink after some time hiking!
Add to
Details
Mount Jo
@lifeofthetravelingpin
There is a parking fee and it can sometimes get very crowded especially during leaf peeping season. The loop trail is moderately challenging and takes about an hour and some change to complete. Dogs are welcome as well!
Add to
Details
Fish Hawk Cliffs
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs provide some of the best views of the Adirondacks in the fall. It’s a 10.4 mile loop that is lengthy and moderately challenging. This is one of the best hikes in the state. Would highly recommend, although it is a very popular trail because of its beauty. Make sure to get a permit to park!
Add to
Details
Big Crow Mountain Trailhead
@lifeofthetravelingpin
It’s a 1.3 mile out and back trail that’s moderately challenging, but offers some amazing views! This takes you over two peaks with views of the High Peaks regions along the way.
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to stay:
Crowne Plaza Lake Placid, an IHG Hotel
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
High Peaks Resort
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to eat:
Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Big Slide Brewery & Public House
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Location 2: White Mountain National Park, NH
Beginning in Lincoln, NH and driving a scenic, tree-lined 34.5 miles allows you to peak through the White Mountain National Park along the Kancamagus Highway.
Kancamagus Highway
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️My top city would be:
North Conway
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Things to do and see include:
Echo Lake
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Beautiful Lake that looks reflects a granite face mountain. Plenty of parking and well-maintained hiking paths. Lots of picnic tables for families to enjoy the view. Fall colors are more pronounced along the Northern end of the lake.
Add to
Details
Cathedral Ledge Lookout
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Beautiful view of the valley. You can hike up from the bottom (about an hour up) or drive up the road and park and just enjoy the view. No cost to get in. Bathrooms at the top of you need them.
Add to
Details
Flume Gorge
@lifeofthetravelingpin
An easier hike with amazing views. The wolf’s den requires getting a little dirty, but it’s a fun little detour. The bugs weren’t bad and the trail was super easy to follow. Just so you know it costs money to enter!
Add to
Details
Mount Washington
@lifeofthetravelingpin
The ride up was harrowing but great when we got up there. It was expensive for a car of 4. Great views, Once in a life time, but make sure you watch times and dates that they are open.
Add to
Details
Glen Ellis Falls
@lifeofthetravelingpin
A stop at Glen Ellis is a must if you're a fan of waterfalls. A short hike from the parking lot, down a well maintained path, leads you to the first section of the falls. If you're not limited in mobility, you can proceed further down the stairs to the base of the falls with a couple different view points. The parking lot is usually on the heavy side as this is the parking for some nearby hiking trails, so the falls are usually pretty quiet. Be careful, the rocks are slippery, and there is no cell service!
Add to
Details
Conway Scenic Railroad
@lifeofthetravelingpin
A great friend or family adventure that does not take the entire day away! We took the 2 hour tour. It was very scenic and they did a great job with explaining all of the local details along the way. It’s worth the cost if you like trains and knowing the local history.
Add to
Details
Artist's Bluff Loop Trailhead
@lifeofthetravelingpin
An absolutely stunning hike to do! You can either take the short steep way up, or take the longer loop around.
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to stay:
North Conway Grand Hotel
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Home2 Suites by Hilton North Conway
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to eat:
Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co.
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Red Fox Bar and Grille
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Black Mtn. Burger Co.
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Location 3: Green Mountain National Park, VT
Starting at the hike in Mount Killington where it has some impressive views from above take the 11 mile drive on the Green Mountain Byway. This will hold views of colorful red, yellow, and orange leaves. It also allows you to stop off at some of my favorite village towns such as Waterbury, Stowe, Morristown, Morrisville, Hyde Park, Johnson, Jeffersonville and Cambridge.
⭐️My top village town would be:
Add to
Details
⭐️Things to do and see include:
Smugglers Notch
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Hike areas of Smugglers Notch State Park and as you follow trails, you'll be able to admire the changing leaves and will see lots of wildlife. You can also camp overnight.
Add to
Details
von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Remember Sound of Music? This is an Austrian beer hall known for the rustic decor and signature lagers. I also enjoyed their pretzel with beer cheese.
Add to
Details
Stowe Cider
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Came here for a few ciders after sightseeing for the day and had a great experience! Our favorites were the cider donut and their original cider. The rose cider was also delicious!
Add to
Details
The Alchemist Brewery
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Family run brewery specializing in fresh, unfiltered IPAs. You should drink them fresh as they lose flavor as they get older! The artwork is cool inside and the atmosphere is super relaxed. The best beers are the IPAs and was very fond of the stouts.
Add to
Details
Stowe Community Church
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is an iconic picture spot located close to the downtown Stowe area.
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to stay:
Trapp Family Lodge
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
The Lodge at Spruce Peak
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to eat:
Piecasso
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Harrison's Restaurant
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Whip Bar & Grill
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Location 4: Acadia National Park, ME
Begin your trip by driving on the Drive Park Loop Road by making your way through forests, past lakes and mountains, and along the shoreline of this 27-mile Park Loop Road. There is a spectacular display of colorful landscapes at every turn. Some popular stop offs are Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Otter Point, and Jordan Pond.
Park Loop Road
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️My top town would be:
Bar Harbor
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Things to do and see include:
Cadillac Mountain
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is the highest point in Acadia National Park for views overlooking most of the region. The scenery here is amazing especially during the fall time. The best time to witness the area is beginning to middle of October. If you are visiting, you need a vehicle reservation and these can be found at recreation.gov.
Add to
Details
Jordan Pond
@lifeofthetravelingpin
You can come here and soak in the views from a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard that can be rented, even in the fall time. The other option is to hike around the lake which can be done in two different ways: the nature trail which is roughly a mile and is perfect for all ages or the Jordan Pond Path which is 3.3 mile loop that traces along the shoreline.
Add to
Details
Jesup Path and Hemlock path loop
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is a beautiful, easy walk that is accessible at any time of the year. It is about a mile out and back which is a completely forested path and boardwalk.
Add to
Details
DeepWater Brewing Company
@lifeofthetravelingpin
This is slightly away from the park and could be a good thing to do for a seasonal fall beer after a day of hiking. There is some food at the adjoining restaurant as well.
Add to
Details
Frenchman Bay
@lifeofthetravelingpin
You can take a boat tour of the Frenchman Bay, which can be done to offer the best overview of the red and gold colors of the leaves.
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to stay:
The Inn on Mount Desert
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
⭐️Where to eat:
Beal's Lobster Pier
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Galyn's
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Jordan Pond House Restaurant
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
Downeast Deli and Boxed Lunch Co.
@lifeofthetravelingpin
Add to
Details
**Be mindful that many restaurants operate only during certain times of the year, so make sure to check times and closures!
* * *
CURATED BY
Hello! My name is Elizabeth! I’m here to help you prepare for your trip without having to do hours of research yourself! That's a win-win!!
My guides focus on:
- Places to Stay
- Itineraries ranging from 3 to 5 days
- Places to Eat and Drink
- Bookable Experiences
______________________________________
About me:
- based out of New York City 🌃
- meteorologist by day ⚡️🌦️
- digital nomad for parts of the year
- studied abroad in Florence in college 🇮🇹
- featured in Reuters and Bloomberg articles about traveling 🗞️
- avid traveler (30+ states and 20+ countries!) 🌎
- strong supporter of solo female travel 💃🏼
______________________________________
Find me on Instagram 📸 @lifeofthetravelingpin for your daily female solo travels
Email me at lifeofthetravelingpin@gmail.com
PERSONALIZED TRAVEl SERVICES
Connect
with
a
local
expert
to
help
plan
your
ideal
trip
Send A Tip
Support Elizabeth Palumbi’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount