11 Unique Places to Peep Fall Foliage in New England Right Now [09/17/24]

If there was ever motivation to get out of Boston for a bit, it’s to see the fall foliage. New England is famous for the stunning hues of red, yellow, and orange that bathe its scenery every autumn. Though you can spot the change in the city, there’s something special about seeing a mountainside lit up with color. Get out of dodge to leaf-peep at these New England destinations.

2024 fall foliage map for New England: Head to newengland.com's peak foliage map to see when leaves are predicted to reach peak around the region. For the vast majority of New England, peak is expected around October 24th.

1) Lenox, MA

Distance: 130 miles from Downtown Boston

Details: The Berkshires has been a country getaway for Bostonians for over a century and there’s no better time to see it than in the fall. You’ll see the leaves in full foliage bloom while strolling through the scenic small town of Lenox, or you can hike the nearby Parsons Marsh Reserve for a more immersive experience. (Photo by @seaskymountains)

2) Kancamagus Highway, NH (pictured)

Distance: 148 miles from Downtown Boston

Details: The Kancamagus Highway is the drive to view fall foliage. The 34.5-mile scenic drive has been a staple route for leaf peepers for decades. You’ll wind along the state and end up right in the heart of the White Mountains and the heart of foliage blooms. (Photo by @skibbleyd83)

3) Woodstock, VT

Distance: 141 miles from Downtown Boston

Details: This charming small town is the height of quaint New England. In addition to enjoying peak small town America in this historic downtown, you can view the most stunning foliage along a series of trails in Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park or at the infamous Sleepy Hollow Farm (pictured) right down the road. (Photo by @bucketlistboston)

*Please note that Cloudland Road and the surrounding roads leading to this view of Sleepy Hollow Farm have been blocked off for the 2024 season due to the overwhelming amount of visitors.

4) Portland, ME

Distance: 115 miles from Downtown Boston

Details: Portland is a charming and bustling city, but it’s surrounded by beautiful nature. Here you can opt whether to enjoy the foliage from a seat at a craft brewery or by walking the wooded paths of Robinson Woods Preserve near Cape Elizabeth. (Photo by @bucketlistboston)

5) Franconia, NH

Distance: 146 miles from Downtown Boston

Details: Nestled in the stunning White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Franconia is the ideal spot to watch fiery colors overtake the landscape. Grab your hiking boots and head to Artist’s Bluff (pictured) at Franconia Notch State Park for the best views. (Photo by @smcc_photography)

6) Bristol, RI

Distance: 64.3 miles from Downtown Boston

Details: Bristol, Rhode Island is home of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center where you can spot stunning fall foliage and local flora and fauna. Take a guided tour to learn how the seasons change the area. (Photo by @k___elizabeth)

7) Mohawk Trail Hairpin Turn - North Adams, MA

Distance: 141 miles from Downtown Boston

Details: Mohawk Trail State Forest in North Adams, MA offers 7,700 acres of unforgettable foliage views. There are miles of trails to hike along where you can take in the beauty of the bright leaves as they stretch out across the forest. (Photo by @derrickphotos_)

8) Hobbit House at The Preserve Sporting Club - Richmond, RI

Distance: 80.5 miles from Downtown Boston

Details: If you’re looking for a photo-specific experience, head to Richmond, Rhode Island to see the Hobbit House at The Preserve Sporting Club. Decorated in full for the festival fall season, you can reserve a 45-minute photo session at this charming hobbit home for up to four people. Don’t forget to wear your plaid! (Photo by @kjp)

9) Conway Scenic Railroad - North Conway, NH

Distance: 138 miles from Downtown Boston

Details: View some of the region’s most stunning foliage while enjoying an old-fashioned 1874 train experience on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Choose from one of several different tour options, including one where the train stops to allow time for photos. (Photo by @derrickphotos_)

10) Hidden Valley Preserve - Washington Depot, CT

Distance: 152 miles from Downtown Boston

Details: Wander through 700 acres of forest and meadows, all aflame with the colors of the season, at Hidden Valley Preserve in Connecticut. With 17 miles of trails available, walkers and hikers of all abilities can enjoy this seasonal display. (Photo by @andybottphoto)

11) French King Bridge - Erving, MA

Distance: 91.8 miles from Downtown Boston

Details: The French King Bridge, straddling the towns of Erving and Gill, Massachusetts sitting 140 feet above the Connecticut River. From the bridge, you can see two beautiful expanses of foliage-covered land cut by the beautiful, calm river. It’s a spectacular way to take in the fall colors. (Photo by @derrickphotos_)

BONUS:

The following places are no less charming than those above, but a little farther away from Boston.

Lake Willoughby, VT | 208 miles from Downtown Boston (photo by @jackdarylphotography)

Crawford Notch State Park, NH | 164 miles from Downtown Boston (photo by @derrickphotos_)

Dixville Notch, NH | 218 miles from Downtown Boston (photo by @whitneyrshaw)

Main photo by @skibbleyd83

11 Unique Places to Peep Fall Foliage in New England Right Now

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