New England Road Trip to See Fall Colors: 7 Stops

It was my dream for many years to do a New England Road Trip in the fall. If you are new to my blog by searching about this topic, I am living in Arizona (see my Arizona blog here). I hadn’t been north of Virginia for my 3o years of life until I completed this trip, and it definitely lived up to the hype.

I divided this road trip into “stops” instead of “days,” because you can make this roadtrip as short or long as you want. I did a red-eye and landed Tuesday morning, and left on Friday night, so about 3.5 days of exploring. I loved it. I had friend that stayed 8 days, too. There’s no right or wrong answer!

Stop 2: Salem, Massachusetts

Just a 30-minute drive from Boston, Salem is famous for its witch history — but it’s also one of the most atmospheric fall towns in New England. October is the busiest time here, for good reason, so keep that in mind. I definitely suggest adding this to your New England road trip. Let’s go over a few awesome spots to visit while you’re there. Salem is located only a half hour out of Boston.

Visiting Salem, Massachusetts in the fall is a must for anyone who loves a little history and a touch of magic. Start at the Witch House, the 17th-century home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and the only building in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 witch trials. Then, take a quiet moment at the Witch Trials Memorial, where stone benches honor the names of those wrongfully accused. Finally, head downtown to see the famous Bewitched statue of Samantha Stephens — a fun nod to pop culture that perfectly captures Salem’s mix of history, charm, and whimsy.

Salem’s downtown is packed with unique cafés and shops that embrace the town’s witchy aesthetic. Stop by Blackcraft Café, where dark decor and creative lattes set the mood (reservation only during the fall- I didn’t get to go), or grab a cozy seat at Odd Meter Coffee, a local favorite known for its small-batch roasts and minimalist vibe. For shopping, browse Blackcraft Cult for gothic-inspired apparel, Broom City for handmade brooms and mystical home goods, and Coon’s Card & Gift Shop, a Salem staple for classic souvenirs. Whether you’re sipping a spooky latte or picking up a charm for good luck, Salem’s local spots make every corner feel delightfully enchanted.

Stop 4: Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway — often called “The Kanc” by locals — is one of the most scenic drives in New England, especially during fall. Stretching 34 miles (52 minutes) between Lincoln and Conway, New Hampshire, this winding mountain road is lined with brilliant red, orange, and gold foliage in October. Along the way, you’ll find scenic overlooks, waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge, and picnic spots perfect for soaking up the views. With no billboards or towns along the route, it’s a peaceful, uninterrupted drive through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, and a must for anyone chasing peak fall colors.

Just off the Kancamagus Highway on the east side, the Albany Covered Bridge is a classic New England photo stop that perfectly captures the region’s charm. This red wooden bridge spans the Swift River, surrounded by vibrant foliage in the fall. It’s one of the most photographed spots on The Kanc — and for good reason. You can walk or drive across it, listen to the river below, and take in postcard-worthy views from both sides. Did you know they built covered bridges to protect the infrastructure from the elements? That’s what makes them last so long!

The Rocky Gorge Scenic Area is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible stops along the Kancamagus Highway. Just a short walk from the parking area, you’ll find a picturesque waterfall and a wooden footbridge overlooking the rushing Swift River. I’m really sad I didn’t know about this stop!!

The short hike to Sabbaday Falls is one of the most rewarding stops along the Kancamagus Highway. This easy, family-friendly trail is about 0.7 miles round trip and follows Sabbaday Brook through a peaceful forest before reaching a beautiful three-tiered waterfall tucked into a narrow gorge. Wooden stairways and railings make it easy to view the falls from multiple angles, and the crystal-clear water looks especially stunning surrounded by fiery fall foliage. It’s the perfect quick hike to stretch your legs and experience one of the White Mountains’ most picturesque natural spots.

The Kancamagus Highway is packed with scenic overlooks that showcase some of the best mountain and foliage views in all of New England. Each stop offers a slightly different perspective of the White Mountain National Forest, from sweeping valleys to rolling, tree-covered ridges that glow with fall color. Whether you’re after the perfect photo or just want to soak up the scenery, these lookouts are worth pulling over for.

Best Lookouts on the Kancamagus Highway:

• Hancock Overlook – Panoramic views of the Osceola Mountains, especially stunning at sunrise.

• Pemigewasset Overlook – A peaceful stop with broad valley views and interpretive signs.

• Sugar Hill Overlook – One of the most photographed spots on the Kanc, with sweeping foliage views (below)

• CL Graham Wangan Overlook – Offers one of the highest and most dramatic vistas on the drive.

• Potash Mountain Trailhead Overlook – Great for photos or a quick hike if you want to stretch your legs.

Stop 6: Franconia Notch State Park

Up next on this epic New England Road Trip is Franconia Notch State Park. Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, it’s home to dramatic mountain views, waterfalls, and some of the state’s most iconic hikes. Walk the Flume Gorge, a narrow granite canyon with boardwalks running alongside waterfalls, or take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway for sweeping views of the valley below. In the fall, the park bursts into color, making spots like Echo Lake and The Basin especially picturesque. Whether you’re hiking, photographing foliage, or just enjoying the fresh mountain air, Franconia Notch is pure New England beauty worthy of your fall itinerary.

The Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park is one of New Hampshire’s most breathtaking natural attractions — a 2-mile loop trail that winds through towering granite walls, wooden boardwalks, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a must-see stop for any New England fall road trip, especially when the foliage is at its peak. I loved thtis hike- beautiful!!!

Know Before You Go:

• 🐾 Dog-friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the Flume Gorge trail.

• 💵 Entrance fee: Adults $18 (online) / $21 (walk-up); Youth (6–12) $16 (online) / $18 (walk-up).

• ⏰ Hours: Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., typically from mid-May through late October.

• 🎟️ Reservations: Strongly recommended in fall and peak weekends — book online via the New Hampshire State Parks website.

• 🚗 Parking: Large, free parking lot near the visitor center.

Artist’s Bluff is one of the most popular short hikes in the White Mountains, offering unbeatable views of Echo Lake and the surrounding peaks — especially during fall foliage season. The loop is just under 1.5 miles, making it the perfect quick stop to stretch your legs and soak in some of New Hampshire’s most photographed scenery. PLEASE add this to your New England Road Trip.

Know Before You Go:

• 🥾 Trail length: ~1.5-mile loop, moderate with some steep and rocky sections.

• ⏰ Time needed: About 45–60 minutes round trip.

• 🐾 Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome.

• 🚗 Parking: Small lot across from Echo Lake Beach — however in the fall they redirect you up the road to a larger lot.

• 💡 Best time to visit: Early morning or golden hour for fewer crowds and perfect lighting over Echo Lake.

Stop 8: Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont is one of the most picturesque mountain towns in New England, especially in the fall when the hills explode with vibrant color. I loved it so much. Known for its charming downtown, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures, Stowe perfectly blends small-town coziness with alpine beauty. You can stroll along the Stowe Recreation Path, drive through Smugglers’ Notch Pass, or visit Bingham Falls for a quick nature escape. The village is also packed with great coffee shops, breweries, and local boutiques, making it an ideal place to slow down, take in the views, and enjoy classic Vermont charm.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill outside of Stowe is one of the most well known “farms” in the area and one of the most iconic places to stop on a new england road trip. I’ll be totally honest- to me it was over-rated. The staff was rude to me, it was way too busy, and the donut was no good. However, the cider was delicious.

The Stowe Gondola SkyRide is one of the best ways to experience Vermont’s fall foliage from above. The ride takes you up Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak, offering sweeping views of the Green Mountains painted in red, orange, and gold. At the top, you can grab lunch at the Cliff House Restaurant, take short alpine walks, or just enjoy the crisp mountain air and panoramic scenery. Even though it was pricey, it was worth it for me!

Know Before You Go:

• 🎟️ Tickets: Available at the base lodge or online through Stowe Mountain Resort.

• ⏰ Hours: Typically open 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., mid-September through mid-October for foliage season.

• 💵 Cost: Around $40 per adult (check for updated seasonal pricing).

• 🧥 What to bring: A light jacket — it’s often 10–15°F cooler at the summit.

• 📸 Tip: Visit on a clear morning for the best visibility and photo lighting.

The Smugglers’ Notch Pass is one of Vermont’s most breathtaking mountain drives — and also one of the most unique. Winding through a narrow gap between Mount Mansfield and Sterling Mountain, this stretch of Route 108 connects Stowe to Jeffersonville with hairpin turns, towering cliffs, and vibrant foliage that makes it a must-do in the fall. The road is steep and incredibly narrow, with sections where only one car can pass at a time, so take it slow and enjoy the journey. Note that RVs and trailers are not permitted, and the pass is closed in winter due to snow and ice. For the best experience, drive during daylight hours, stop at the pull-offs for photos, and soak in the feeling of being tucked between Vermont’s glowing fall peaks. I wish I spent more time here!

Downtown Stowe perfectly captures the charm of a classic Vermont mountain town, with its white-steepled church, colorful shops, and cozy cafés framed by brilliant fall foliage. Stroll down Main Street to see the iconic Stowe Community Church and the vibrant “Greetings from Stowe” mural (location on my google map), both perfect photo spots. Pop into local favorites like Black Cap Coffee & Beer, Woodland Baking & Coffee, or PK Coffee for a warm drink and pastry before browsing boutiques like Shaw’s General Store and Stowe Mercantile for locally made goods and souvenirs. Just outside the village, stop by von Trapp Brewing for mountain views and Austrian-style beer, or enjoy a relaxed dinner at Idletyme Brewing Co (pictured below), another Stowe staple known for its cozy vibe and hearty fare.