Take a Leisurely Trip to Enjoy the
New England Fall Foliage

Fall foliage tours provide glimpses of bright, vibrant autumn colors.

Those who live in climates where the leaves change color and fall each year are used to some pretty amazing sights. But for those who don't know how beautiful the change of seasons can be, a New England fall foliage excursion is in order.

New England foliage is among the most beautiful in the country and, each year, thousands flock to Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island to enjoy the sights and photograph the amazing colors.

When to Go
Getting to New England at just the right time is of the utmost importance. Being early or late can result in lots of disappointment for those hoping to photograph the oranges, reds, and yellows of the fall season.

New England's fall foliage appears a little earlier than in other states. Predicting exactly when the leaves will be at their best is difficult.

Peak foliage works its way down from the North so if you're heading to Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont, plan on visiting during the last week of September or first week of October.

For the lower New England states, the 2nd week of October is usually a good bet. Many visitors use the long Columbus Day weekend to visit.

However, if you're flexible, keep an eye on the amount on rainfall that New England has experienced as well as other factors (temperature, wind, etc.) that may have affected the New England foliage and plan your trip accordingly.

Where to Go
The possibilities for enjoying the fall colors are endless but here are a few suggestions on where to go in New England for some of the most picturesque scenery.

In Connecticut, the five regions all boast some great fall colors. Check out scenic Fairfield County with its white clapboard houses and lots of lakes and ponds. You'll find the Revolutionary War town of Ridgefield here, as well as beautiful Roxbury and New Milford.

Also consider a drive through Litchfield County, known for its natural beauty. Besides great New England fall foliage, you'll view small villages, farms, and classic New England churches and homes.

Visitors to Massachusetts may want to drive the Jacob's Ladder Trail (U.S. Route 20), designated a National Scenic Byway. In the western part of the state, the Mohawk Trail offers some of the prettiest fall foliage seen anywhere.

In Vermont, any roads that take you into higher elevations are good candidates for leaf peeking. Try a trip into the "Northeast Kingdom" from St. Johnsbury all the way to the Canadian border. The Lake Champlain area is ideal as well.

In neighboring New Hampshire, the Kancamagus Highway has long been touted as New England's most scenic drive and a great place to discover the colors of autumn. This 34-mile road cuts through the stunning White Mountain National Forest.

In tiny Rhode Island, you'll see plenty of leaves and lots of fine Colonial architecture to go with it. Don't miss the town of Newport and its stunning mansions!

Maine visitors may want to consider the drive between Portland and Rangeley Lake, where they can enjoy canoeing and kayaking on the waters, surrounding by magnificent fall foliage.

Guided Tours
If you'd prefer not to drive, many guided tours are offered each fall. Visitors may sign up for a motorcoach trip, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Fun train tours are also available to those who wish to enjoy the magnificence of New England's fall foliage.

Posted by Pat on Saturday, September 10, 2005