New England Fall Foliage: 10
There is nothing quite like autumn in the Northeast. We’re hitting the quintessential loop: starting with the rocky coast of Maine, cutting through the rugged White Mountains, and finishing with the rolling "Green" (well, orange and red) Mountains of Vermont. Pack a light jacket and get your camera ready.
Boston → Kennebunkport → Portland → Acadia → Bethel → North Conway → Franconia Notch → Stowe → Woodstock → Boston
Coastal Beginnings
Pick up your rental car and head north immediately to escape the city traffic.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Pick up your rental car and head north immediately to escape the city traffic.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth (pronounced "ports-muth" and nicknamed "Pompey") is a large city in the county of Hampshire, on the south coast of England. Portsmouth plays a major role in British history, especially naval history.
Nubble Lighthouse
Located in York, this is one of the most photographed lighthouses in America. The contrast of the white tower against the autumn sky is stunning.
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is a coastal town in southern Maine. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. It is known for its shopping, atmosphere, and for providing access to Maine breaches. The Bush family, including two United States presidents, often visit their compound on nearby Walker's Point.
The Way Life Should Be
Day 2｜The Way Life Should Be (135km, 1h 45m drive)
Portland Head Light
Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The light station sits on a headland at the entrance of the primary shipping channel into Portland Harbor, which is within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine. Completed in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine.
Portland Old Port
Spend your afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets. You have to grab a lobster roll at The Highroller Lobster Co. or Eventide Oyster Co.
Freeport
A quick stop at the L.L. Bean Flagship Store (open 24/7) to grab any extra flannel or boots you might have forgotten.
Into the Wilds of Acadia
Drive to the top of Mount Battie for a sweeping view of Camden Harbor framed by fall colors.
Camden Hills State Park
Camden Hills State Park is a 5,710-acre (2,310 ha) public recreation area overlooking Penobscot Bay in the town of Camden, Knox County, Maine. The state park features multi-use trails to Mount Battie, Mount Megunticook, and other scenic locales. The park is managed by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a village on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County in the Down East area of Maine. It is a useful base for those visiting Acadia National Park.
Ocean Path
A gentle walk along the pink granite cliffs of Acadia. The "Thunder Hole" is a must-see if the tide is coming in.
Acadia National Park Peaks
Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is located on Mount Desert Island, within Acadia National Park, in the U.S. state of Maine. With an elevation of nearly 1,530 feet, its summit is the highest point in Hancock County and the highest within 25 miles (40 km) of the Atlantic shoreline of the North American continent between the Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia, and peaks in Mexico.
Jordan Pond House
Jordan Pond House is a restaurant in Seal Harbor, Maine. It is situated at the southwestern corner of the Park Loop Road, overlooking Jordan Pond from its southern shore. Two roche moutonnées, known as "The Bubbles", provide the backdrop to the view from the house's lawn at the rear of the 60 acres (24 ha) property.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Bass Harbor Head Light is a lighthouse located within Acadia National Park in the southwest portion of Mount Desert Island, Maine, marking the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay.
The Long Drive West
Today is a transition day as we leave the coast for the mountains.
Bar Harbor
Today is a transition day as we leave the coast for the mountains.
Bethel
Bethel was an ancient Israelite city and sacred space that is frequently mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.
Sunday River White Cap
Take a "chondola" ride up the mountain for a bird's-eye view of the Mahoosuc Range turning deep shades of crimson.
The White Mountains & Kancamagus
If your brakes are good, drive to the highest peak in the Northeast. If the weather is clear, you can see all the way to the ocean.
Mount Washington Auto Road
The Mount Washington Auto Road—originally the Mount Washington Carriage Road—is a 7.6 mi (12.
Kancamagus Highway
New Hampshire Route 112 is a 56.39-mile-long (90.75 km) east–west state highway in northern New Hampshire. The highway winds across the state, connecting Bath to Conway through the heart of the scenic and mountainous White Mountain National Forest.
Albany Covered Bridge
A classic wooden bridge that looks like a postcard. Perfect for a quick photo op.
Notches and Trains
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia is in New Hampshire. It is the home of Franconia Notch and Cannon Mountain Ski Area. Franconia Notch is a mountain pass in northern NH with mountains rising 2,000-3,000 feet on each side. It is the location of the former "Old Man of the Mountains" which is featured on the New Hampshire quarter dollar coin.
Echo Lake
Rent a pedal boat or just sit on the beach. The reflection of Cannon Mountain in the water is incredible.
Littleton
Visit Chutters, which claims to have the world's longest candy counter. It’s a great vibe for a late afternoon stroll.
Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom
Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom
Dog Mountain
Dog Mountain rises above the north side of the Columbia River Gorge in the U.S. state of Washington. The base of the mountain is in Skamania County along Washington State Route 14, about 9 miles (14 km) east of Stevenson and 53 miles (85 km) east of Vancouver. From its base at 150 feet (46 m), it climbs steeply to an elevation of 2,948 feet (899 m).
Willoughby Lake
Admiral Sir Willoughby Thomas Lake KCB was a Royal Navy officer who went on to be Commander-in-Chief, North American Station.
Stowe
Stowe is a four-season resort town of 4,400 people (2014) in north-central Vermont at the base of Mount Mansfield—Vermont's highest peak. It is home to Stowe Mountain Ski Resort. It is 10 miles north of Waterbury along Highway 100.
Classic Vermont Icons
A narrow, winding pass through massive boulders and thick forest. It’s a slow drive, but the canopy of yellow maples is breathtaking.
Smugglers' Notch
Smugglers' Notch Resort is a ski resort area in the town of Cambridge, Vermont, United States, located near the village of Jeffersonville. Its vertical drop of 2,610 feet (800 m) is the fourth largest in New England and the third largest in Vermont. Its namesake is a narrow notch running adjacent to Sterling Mountain, which smugglers used in the early 19th century.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Stop for hot apple cider and cider donuts. You’ll smell them from the parking lot.
Von Trapp Family Lodge
Yes, the Sound of Music family. Their property in Stowe offers incredible views of the Worcester Range.
Burlington
Head to the Church Street Marketplace for dinner and watch the sunset over Lake Champlain.
The Route 100 Finale
We're taking the scenic "backbone" of Vermont.
Route 100 South
We're taking the scenic "backbone" of Vermont. Stop in Waitesfield to see the covered bridges.
Woodstock
The Woodstock Music and Art Fair, commonly referred to as Woodstock, was a music festival held from August 15 to 18, 1969, on Max Yasgur's dairy farm in Bethel, New York, 60 miles (95 km) southwest of the town of Woodstock. Billed as "an Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music" and alternatively referred to as the Woodstock Rock Festival, it attracted an audience of more than 460,000.
Jenne Road Farm
Located in Reading, this is the most photographed farm in New England. It's a private farm, so stay by the road, but the view is free.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Head back to Boston to drop off the car. Give yourself plenty of time for the I-93 traffic.
- Peak foliage moves from North to South. If you go in early October, focus on Maine/Northern NH. If mid-to-late October, focus on Southern VT/MA.