In the heart of autumn’s embrace, there’s a spectacle that unfolds across New England, a vivid tapestry of nature’s artistry. As the East Coast dons its fall attire, vibrant greens give way to bold oranges, mellow yellows, shining golds, fiery reds, and warming browns. Yet, among these stunning landscapes, there are certain towns that possess that elusive extra charm, a scenic je ne sais quoi that elevates the beauty of foliage to unparalleled heights. Over the years, I’ve journeyed through many New England fall foliage picturesque towns, from White Mountains in New Hampshire to the Green Mountains in Vermont, and each is like a chapter in a beloved novel. Here, I offer my honest town-by-town review—a tale of what to expect and what to discover in each New England fall foliage town. When it comes to ratings, you’ll see I don’t give 9 or 10s away very easily. Rest assured, when I bestow a perfect 10, it’s truly worth its weight in autumn gold. If you have a cherished favorite among these towns, make your case in the comments at the end of this post, perhaps I’ll add it to my cherished list of must-visit destinations for fall 2023.
A Town-by-Town New England Fall Foliage Review
- Kent, CT: Hiking and Antique Shops
- Essex, CT: Alternatives to Hiking – Rail Bikes, Steamship Trains and River Boats
- Bar Harbor, Maine: Bustling Town and National Park On the East Coast
- Woodstock, VT: Cyclists Dream and Foodie Pleasures
- Burlington, VT on Lake Champlain: Alternative Town and Foliage On A Lake
- Stowe, VT: Hiking, Hot Air Balloon Above the Trees, and Breweries
- White Mountains, New Hampshire: A Hikers Paradise
- Alternatives:Upstate New York, Catskills
New England Fall Foliage Town Review: Kent, CT
9 Things to Do in Kent, CT in the Fall
Go here if you like: Hikes on the Appalachian trail, waterfalls, antique shops, and a small town charm (and I mean small!)
Ratings:
Hikes: 8/10
Town: 6/10
If you look at any Connecticut Fall Foliage tourism brochure, the first picture you see is likely to be the former mining town of Kent in Litchfield County, CT. The drive up is stunning enough, but don’t just keep to the car, make sure to get onto the trails too. Kent, CT is famous for its state parks like Kent Falls State Park, Appalachian trails, waterfalls, covered bridges, farm stands, and antique stores. If the outdoors isn’t your thing, stroll along Main Street and admire the beautifully preserved colonial architecture.
New England Fall Foliage Town Review: Essex, CT
Go here if you like: A cute waterfront village on the Connecticut River, antique shops, and an alternative way to view foliage such as rail bikes, steamship trains, and river boats.
Ratings:
Hikes: 6/10
Town: 10/10
Begin your Essex adventure with a leisurely stroll along Main Street, where colonial-era architecture meets charming boutiques. This has to be one of my favorite towns of all time in Connecticut (along with Stonington, just a few miles down). Delight in the crisp air as you explore the Connecticut River, where the foliage is mirrored in its serene waters, creating a scene of pure enchantment. For a unique experience, you can try one of the below ways to see foliage in the area:
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New England Fall Foliage Town Review: Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine: The Town That’s Wild For Blueberries
Go here if you like: A very active town with plenty of restaurants and resorts next to one of the most popular national parks on the East Coast with plenty of activities for people of all levels. Activities including driving, hiking, biking, walking, and kayaking.
Ratings:
Hikes: 10/10
Town: 8/10
Maine is famed for more than lobster rolls and an epic moose population; it’s also the largest producer of wild blueberries in the world, hence my “wild” for blueberries pun. As golden leaves flutter gently, the New England fishing village offers some of the worlds best culinary delights, an abundance of nature experiences, blueberry traditions, and a down to earth vibe that combines to create a peaceful escape, like something Ernest Hemingway would recount in one of his novels. The symphony of reds and oranges in Acadia National Park envelops you as you share a picnic amidst the vibrant canopy, the Atlantic Ocean’s murmur providing a soothing serenade. Every moment is etched in the amber glow of a quintessential fall day in Bar Harbor, a tale for the ages.
New England Fall Foliage Town Review: Woodstock, VT (& Quechee)
Go here if you like: Small town Vermont charm with plenty of places to bike to, and a nearby specialty glass blowing shop on the river with an award-winning Vermont farm-to-table restaurant and bar. If you’re into cheese – this is one of the many stops along the Vermont cheese trail.
Ratings:
Hikes: 8/10
Town: 8/10
Like all of these towns, a stroll down Main Street is a must. If you decide to bike from Woodstock to Quechee, which is easy and a must, keep your eyes peeled for black bears. While Pat and I were biking, we spotted 3 black cubs stuck in a tree. No mama in sight…worrisome, but hopefully she wasn’t too far behind. As the foliage unfurls its fiery hues, embark on a scenic drive along the meandering Ottauquechee River, where the iconic Taftsville Covered Bridge carries you back in time. If it’s history you’re looking for, stop by Billings Farm and Museum, a living testament to Vermont’s rural heritage. Conclude your day with a cozy meal at a local inn or in Quechee’s famous award-winning Vermont restaurant on the water, The Mill. Before you leave, don’t miss Quechee Gorge and the visual drama of Vermont’s deepest gorge, formed by glaciers some 13,000 years ago!
New England Fall Foliage Town Review: Burlington, VT on Lake Champlain
Go here if you like: An alternative Vermont town with a younger, collegiate scene or if you want a spectacle on a lake.
Ratings:
Hikes: 6/10
Town: 6/10
Wander through the city’s neighborhoods, such as the Hill Section and the Old North End, to witness the stunning autumn colors against the backdrop of historic architecture. Grab lunch on Burlington’s lively Church Street Marketplace welcomes you with cozy cafes, where the scent of warm apple pie fills the air. If you’re craving something sweet for dessert, grab an apple cider donut at bakeries like Cold Hollow Cider Mill and Old North End Farmers’ Market. Don’t forget your bikes when you visit Lake Champlain. There’s a scenic bike ride along what is known as the Island Line Trail, which goes across Lake Champlain to the Champlain Islands. If you’re more of a water person, enjoy a cruise and witness the foliage reflect off the calm waters while sipping a warm cider or mulled wine.
New England Fall Foliage Town Review: Stowe, VT
Go here if you like: Hot Air Balloon among the trees and stop by a few breweries after working up an appetite.
Ratings:
Hikes: 8/10
Town: 8/10
Historic Stowe Village is steeped in colonial charm within the Green Mountains of Vermont. It’s a place where cozy stores and quaint cafes line the cobblestone streets, their warmth and character a sanctuary from the brisk autumn air. Our journey continued along the enchanting Route 108, aptly known as Mount Road, with a visit to the nearby Smugglers Notch State Park. For those who seek a more gentle embrace of the season, the Stowe Recreation Path beckons—a 5.3-mile ribbon of paved trail that meanders through woods, past rustic farms, and along the tranquil West Branch River. If on the other hand you are in the mood for a challenge, trails lead to Mount Mansfield or the heights of Stowe Mountain Resort.
After a hike, your stomach will definitely start to grumble like the rustling of leaves. Luckily, Stowe is know for its local craft breweries. The beer scene here is hopping (no pun intended!). Amidst these amber-tinted brews is the legendary von Trapp Brewing, where a visit carries the essence of both beer and history. It’s a place where the spirit of the Trapp family, immortalized in “The Sound of Music” and “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers,” is palpable, surrounded by the ethereal beauty of Vermont’s landscapes. If your daring, Stowe offers the chance to ascend above the vibrant foliage in a hot air balloon, where the world below transforms into a breathtaking tapestry.
New England Fall Foliage Town Review: White Mountains, New Hampshire
Go here if you like: A hiker and nature lovers paradise with endless options in the White Mountains all within arms reach.
Ratings:
Hikes: 10/10
Town: 5/10
For those seeking an intimate communion with the wild, there’s no grander canvas than the White Mountains in New Hampshire. There’s an infinite number of opportunities all within an arms reach. The longest and most arduous hike there is Franconia Ridge Loop Trail—a journey of extremes, where what began as an “8-mile hike” evolved into a 7-hour odyssey, a 10.5-mile ascent through the heavens, ascending 5,200 feet into the crisp, thin air. Was it one of the hardest hikes I’ve ever done aside from Panorama trail in Yosemite? Yes, but god was that vista worth it. The view from the peak stretches beyond the limits of the horizon—an expanse that, in the summer when I hike it awakened awe, but in fall, I’m sure blazes like a thousand suns.
Post hike if you continue driving down Route 93, a stone emerges—a fractured remnant of the Old Man of the Mountain, a rock formed like the profile of an old man. His nose has broken off, but a bit of the profile remains. Beyond the Franconia Ridge, other arduous quests beckon, like the captivating Pemi Loop. Yet, for those who seek a gentler immersion with nature, treasures like Flume Gorge, the enchanting Artist Bluff, the cascading waters of Arethusa Falls (along the Franconia Ridge Trail), and the short Mt. Willard Trail are just as stunning.
Nearby towns, nestled by lakeshores or cradled in the mountains, may not boast an active scene, but are a good home base to one of the most beautiful mountain ranges on the East Coast (in my opinion at least). When you finally bid farewell to the White Mountains, let the Kancamagus Highway cradle you home, a highway hailed as one of the East Coast’s most enchanting drives in the fall. If you have a bit more time, ascend the Mt. Washington Auto Road, where the vistas stretch far and wide, revealing a tapestry of lakes.
