Boston to Maine Road Trip: 7 Day New England Fall Itinerary

Are you planning to see Fall colors? There’s nothing better than doing Boston to Maine Road Trip during Fall in New England. You’ll love chasing fall colors, eating cider donuts and having maple creme! Here is my ultimate Guide for 7 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary.

Having lived in the East Coast of the United States, I have experienced some of the best fall foliage destinations in the world! Be it Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Blue Ridge Parkway, I bet you’ll not find amazing colors anywhere in the states!

But among all places, New England States are more vibrant for the Colors and its vibes which is very unique to the region! You should experience at least once in your lifetime and add in your bucket list! In this Post, I will include everything you need to know to Plan your ultimate 7 day Boston to Maine Roadtrip for ultimate Fall foliage colors in New England.

New England is absolutely dreamy at this time of the year- it’s like postcard perfect! Imagine cozy vibes, Pumpkin Spice lattes, fall colors, crisp air, fresh cider and driving through charming small towns, this New England Fall Road Trip will make you fall in love with stunning Fall foliage colors!

I’m detailing a 7 day New England Fall road trip that covers the route from Boston to Portland, Maine. It includes the best scenic routes, hidden gems as well as the top spots for leaf peeping in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine! There is something Magical about the adorable towns, Apple orchards, Pumpkin Farms, cider mills, Maple Sugar works and so on! I was just enchanted by this region! It was indeed dream come true for me.

In this Post, I have also included a 5 day New England fall road trip, a 3 day trip, and a 10 day New England Fall Roadtrip options as well! You can also add New York if have more time in hand. The fall foliage in New York state is equally beautiful!

So, keep reading to find out the must-see places for fall foliage in New England for your Boston to Maine Road Trip, the best time to visit, best things to do in each town, Places to Stay, scenic routes, Must do hikes, fall photography tips, and more. 

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Quick Guide About New England: Boston to Maine Trip

🍁 Where is New England?

New England is the Northeastern region of the United States, comprising the six states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

🍁When is the best time to visit New England for fall foliage?

The best time to visit New England for fall foliage depends on the weather and temperature every year. Also, higher elevation peaks early and then lower elevation. But generally the first Week or second Week of October is best time to see fall foliage in New England. When I visited in 2023, there was flooding in Vermont and NH that year, so the colors weren’t that good but still I loved the spectacular White mountains of New Hampshire.

🍁 How to Track the Peak Fall Foliage Color In New England?

Peak color doesn’t happen at the exact same time every year, usually varying a week or so either way! There are several foliage prediction maps available online and I followed them to plan my Fall Roadtrip Itinerary. I recommend checking each of them when you plan your trip and change your Itinerary accordingly if needed!

• This Fall Foliage map shows New England as a whole.
• This foliage prediction map is exclusively for New Hampshire.
• This foliage prediction map is for Vermont. I recommend to subscribe their newsletter for latest weekly updates.
• For Maine, check this foliage map.
• Check Massachusetts fall foliage predictor map
• Jeff Foliage – This is a blog that updates regularly about when you can expect the Peak Colors.

Remember, the map is just a guide and that foliage color is based on many factors including summer temperatures and rainfall throughout the year! Overall, after the Peak fall Foliage, it remains for almost a week if there is NO Rain in the card! So, I suggest if you can’t decide, just book the trip in the first week of October for the best chances to see the colors.

PRO TIP: I recommend checking the Foliage reports to track the updates when you plan your New England Fall Road Trip. If you don’t see colors when you arrive, make your way NORTH! If you are leaf peeping, you need to Be Flexible! You can go to the areas that are at “Peak Color” rather than spend time in a spot that isn’t yet fully changed or worse, the leaves have fallen. This way, You can drive to wherever the colors happen to be best in that moment.

Here is each regions approximate Fall Foliage Timeline:

• North Vermont: Earliest fall color, end of September to Early October
• Central Vermont: Mostly First Week of October
• North New Hampshire: Mostly First week of October
• South New Hampshire: About One Week after North New Hampshire
• Acadia, Maine: Mostly First or second week of October

✈️ Where to Fly into for a New England fall road trip?

I recommend flying in to Boston, Massachusetts. It’s the best airport for most flights and one of the cheaper options. Other Options also includes Hartford, Connecticut or Burlington, Vermont. For this itinerary, it’s best to fly into Boston or Bangor (near Bar Harbor), Maine.

🚗 How to Get Around for Your Boston to Maine Fall Trip?

Since New England is one of the best places to go on fall road trip, you’ll need to hire a car. You can easily drive from New York State, Washington DC or Eastern Canada to New England. But if you’re flying in to New England area, you’ll need to rent a car.

It is best to get the cars via Discover Cars, which is our favorite site for rentals nowadays. They search hundreds of other rental companies and tend to always come back with the best deals. They also have good cancellation/amendment policies. 

Bear in mind it’s often cheaper to rent for a week-long period rather than an odd number of days (you often get a discount for seven days or a month). Find the latest car hire deals here. Also, at this time of the year Car Rental Prices can be expensive so make sure to book it in advance!

Travel Tips to Plan Your Boston to Maine Fall Road Trip

• Book Early : Fall in New England is possibly the MOST POPULAR time to visit. So, expect hotels, Airbnbs, campsites, rental cars, and restaurant reservations to be FULLY booked up Months in advance. The earlier you can book, the better! Also, Hotel Prices during Mid week can be cheaper than weekend. If you are flexible with your dates, try to visit Mid week if having less than 7 days in hand!
• Check Fall Foliage Reports : Check the Fall Foliage reports from Each State very often. Also keep in mind that fall color changes dramatically depending on elevation levels, so fall color in the mountains will often occur much earlier than at lower elevations. If in doubt, plan to arrive just before “Peak” color or a week after a Peak!
• Be Ready For Big Crowds : People from All over the World come to see the Fall colors in New England and first two weeks of October sees high crowds. So, Pack your patience and expect traffic jams on Highway! Make sure to Leave early for a roadtrip and if possible hit the popular trails on Weekday!
• Stay flexible : Fall color can change literally OVERNIGHT. Temperature drops, rainfall, storms, sunny days, and other environmental shifts can take early color into peak in the span of a day; or storms and wind could completely blow leaves right off the trees and leave the area colorless. If you can, try to stay flexible to chase the colors!
• Download Offline Google Maps: As you enter the White Mountains of New Hampshire, you’ll not find cell coverage through much of the area and hikes. So, download the Google Offline Maps before your trip, and download the trail maps for the hikes.
• What To Wear: Fall in New England can be chilly and rainy. Make sure you wear rain boots or shoes that can get wet. Viewing fall colors means you’ll be outside a lot and remember the old saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, it’s just wrong clothing”, so pack your colorful clothings along with Rain Jackets, Rain Boots and you’re good!
• Short on Time? You can skip Few Places from this Itinerary, if you have few days in hand. You’ll still see some amazing colors on scenic byways of New Hampshire with rivers and covered bridges!

New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: Boston to Maine in 7 days

Before sharing the New England Road Trip Itinerary, let me share the fact that Fall in New England is fall colors are different every year, and colors change at different times. 

So, I highly recommend to adjust your Itinerary according to the Fall Color changes during Your Year of Visit! I suggest driving to where the colors are best, and planning your stops accordingly from this Itinerary!

Boston to Maine Fall Road trip Overview

Below I’m sharing a suggested 7 day Boston to Maine Roadtrip Itinerary for your New England fall road trip, based on my own experiences. Here is an overview of ho to spend 7 days in New England, means you’re arriving at Boston earlier Night!

• Day 1: Boston to Woodstock, VT
• Day 2: Waterbury, Stowe Town & Gondola Ride
• Day 3: Smuggler’s Notch, Drive to Franconia
• Day 4: Kancamagus Highway Drive & Crawford Notch
• Day 5: Mount Washington Railway & Drive to Bar Harbor, Maine
• Day 6: Acadia National Park, Maine
• Day 7: Maine to Boston via Salem, Massachusetts

Day 0 : Arrive at Boston, Massachusetts

This 7 day Boston to Maine New England Road Trip Itinerary kicks off in Boston, whose urban streets transform under autumn’s spell, particularly in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. If you are flying, you’ll land at Boston Logan International Airport, so grab a 10-minute Uber/Lyft into the city.

If you’re arriving early in the day, you can do full sightseeing for the day of the city popularly known as “Beantown“. You can roam on your own- follow the Freedom Trail sites which is significant to Boston’s Revolutionary War History, you can follow the red line on the Pavement from Boston Common. I suggest joining this Guided Tour for more information.

You can also explore Beacon Hill. This dreamy neighborhood is straight out of a storybook. Stroll along its brick-paved streets lined with Federal-style and Victorian row houses, and don’t miss Acorn Street—one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Day 1 of Boston to Maine Road Trip: Woodstock, Vermont

Wake up early and start your drive to Hallmark Movie Town Woodstock, VT. It will only take 2 hours from Boston. On the way, you can make a stop at Lake Sunapee State Park if you start early.

Woodstock in Fall is absolutely magical. This small town is must visit for quintessential autumn vibes. And best Part, there are so many amazing things to do in and around Woodstock in one day. This place is absolutely magical and my favorite from the trip!

Best Things to do in Woodstock, Vermont

• Queeche Gorge & Bridge: Must visit when in Vermont, this 165-feet gorge (Vermont’s deepest) was formed by glaciers 13,000 year ago. You view the gorge from the bridge or hike the Quechee Gorge Trail at Quechee State Park.
• Visit the Covered Bridges: New England is famous for its wooden covered bridges and you should visit a few with beautiful foliage background. You can visit Taftsville Covered Bridge, Middle Covered Bridge, Elm Street Bridge, Queeche Gorge Bridge etc.
• Explore the Town: You can walk around the main downtown area, and visit the covered bridge, cafes, local antique shops. I loved exploring the decorated houses that lined with pumpkins! But also Don’t forget to pay for the Parking!
• SugarBush Maple Farm: When you’re doing Fall Foliage Roadtrip, visiting Sugar Farms are must. This is privately owned Property and very famous for its Maple Syrup and cheese. You can even try maple syrup tasting. They are open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
• Billings Farm and Museum: For $17 you can explore the grounds and stables of this working farm tucked among the rolling hills. Apart from the activities, the farm offers stunning fall foliage grounds!
• Hike to Mt Tom: If you love hiking, just Park your car in Billings Park across the street from Billings Farm & Museum and hike to Mt Tom for the stunning foliage views. It is easy 30 minutes hike, but the views from the top are worth to go for it.
• Have a Maple Creme at Woodstock Scoops.
• President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site: The site of several preserved buildings from Calvin Coolidge’s childhood home at Plymouth Notch, including his family homestead.

P.S: Read my detailed guide about how to spend one day in Woodstock here.

Where To Stay In Woodstock:  The Village Inn of Woodstock and Woodstock Inn & Resort

Day 2 : Woodstock – Waterbury – Stowe

Grab the Breakfast at Mont Vert Cafe. They have amazing Vegan & Vegetarian Breakfast and Bruch options. If you’re not up for the breakfast, have Maple Latte here.

After the breakfast, drive from Woodstock to Stowe. It is 1.5 hours drive through I-89. But I suggest to drive through Route 100 for more scenic drive. This will take one hour more but worth for stunning fall foliage views while at few places on the way.

If you don’t know, Route 100 of Vermont is one of the most scenic fall foliage drive in New England. So, take your time and drive through Killington – Waitsfield- Warren – Waterbury to Stowe.

As you reach Waterbury, a charming town with rich history and scenic valleys, head over to Cold Hollow Cider Mill to try their cider – but DON’T miss their Apple Cider Donuts! They are freshly made in front of you! There is even Cafe that serves Lunch. It is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.

After lunch, definitely don’t miss a stop at Ben & Jerry’s for Ice cream and a factory tour! You may also want to check out the Ben & Jerry’s Graveyard for retired Ice Cream flavors. When you’re done with the Ice cream, make your way to Cabot Farmers Store to buy some local cheese.

After the Beautiful Drive and having Lunch, make your way towards Stowe. Spend rest of the day exploring its charming streets, cute gift stores, and scenic walks.

Best Things to do in Stowe, VT

• Walk around the downtown and browse through the cute shops and Stop by Welcome to Stowe Sign.
• Stowe Community Church: From the main street, take a quick walk along the bike path that runs along the river. You can put “Stowe Community Church Viewpoint” in map for exact coordinates. This is one of the best fall foliage viewpoint in Stowe. From this vantage, there are some great views of the church and river that is worth photographing.
• Visit the Giles W Dewey Memorial Covered Bridge and Gold Brook Covered Bridge (Said to be Haunted Emily’s Bridge) with river views.
• Sunset Rock Hike : You can take the easy 1 mile hike to Sunset Rock for views over the Stowe Community Church in evening. 

• Stowe Gondola Ride: I recommend to ride the Gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort for the views of Mt Mansfield(Highest Peak of VT). It is little pricey but worth the views from top during Fall season. It runs from 10 AM to 4 PM. We absolutely loved the ride!
• Take a brewery tour in Stowe to sample locally made beer, spirits and ciders. You can check the Stowe Cider, The Alchemist or Ideltyme Brewery for the same.
• If want to have best views with drinks, visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge. They offers guided beer tastings set against a beautiful mountainside views. It is also a perfect place to stay for a night during your New England Fall Roadtrip.
• Hike to Moss Glen Falls: This is tallest waterfall in Vermont. The hike is short and easy 0.5 miles from Parking lot.

After the whole day of exploration, finish your day with dinner at Piecasso Pizzeria. If you’re tired from the long day, you can just order delivery or takeout. I definitely recommend to try their Garlic Knots!

➜ Want to read detailed guide about Stowe? Read this Stowe Fall Foliage Itinerary.

Where to Stay in Stowe: The Green Mountain Inn | Grey Fox Inn

Day 3: Smuggler’s Notch & White Mountains of New Hampshire

Start Day 3 of your Boston to Maine Fall Road Trip very early. Grab Breakfast Bagels and Coffee from Cafe on Main or Sandwiches from Green Goddess Cafe.

After the quick Breakfast, start your drive to Smuggler’s Notch (Route 108)! This area has a road that goes up and through a small gap between two mountains (referred to as a “notch”). Also Note: this is a very curvy road and at times very tight, so it’s not suitable for big RVs.

Finish your drive at Grist Mill Covered Bridge! The drive is very spectacular, and enjoy the windy, colorful driving views along the way. This is one of the best locations to see foliage on your New England Fall Roadtrip.

If time permits, hike the Bingham Falls (30 min RT), again very scenic trail during fall. At the end, finish your drive with Maple Creme at Vermont Maple Outlet in Jeffersonville,VT.

Have Lunch nearby and, Jump in your car to drive 2 hours for your next stop of Boston to Maine Fall Road Trip Itinerary, Franconia in New Hampshire. You’ll pass through scenic towns, mountains and lakes. I recommend stopping at Joes Pond on the way for beautiful views. And you’ll arrive at Franconia Notch State Park.

You’ll surely get mesmerized with the views of White Mountains once you arrive in Franconia Notch State Park. There are so many hiking trails in the Park with waterfalls and cascades along the way.

But among all, Flume Gorge is most beautiful hike with stunning valley and mountain views. The trail is 2-miles RT, runs along an 800-foot natural gorge at the base of Mount Liberty. There is an entry fee to visit and book here. There is an adorable covered bridge, waterfalls, and colorful forests all within one hike! The whole area is just gorgeous! We arrived late afternoon and trail was much peaceful without crowds.

After the hike you can choose to walk along Echo Lake or take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway that lifts you 4,080 feet to the peak of Cannon Mountain.

You can end the day with dinner around Littleton, Franconia or Bethleham. We stayed in Littleton and Had dinner on the Main Street restaurant. I must say this town is very scenic!

Where to Stay : To end your day, depending on availability you can stay in the nearby towns of Franconia, Littleton, Lincoln or Bethlehem.

• Littleton: Hampton Inn 
• Franconia: Franconia Inn 
• Lincoln, NH: Holiday Inn & Suites Lincoln East
• Sugar hill: Sugar Hill Inn 
• Littleton: Thayers Inn 

Day 4: Drive Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Wake up early because it’s going to be very long day! Start your day with early morning hike to Artists Bluff Trail. It’s just easy 1-mile RT trail, starting at from the Eco Lake Parking lot. The hilltop overlooks the Echo Lake, and gives you insane fall foliage views! 

But if you want to ditch the crowd, my recommendation will be leave your hotel very early and arrive at sunrise. We hiked this trail during afternoon and it was huge mistake! The trail was too busy and hadn’t great experience! So, I highly recommend doing it first thing in the morning!

After the hike grab breakfast from Polly’s Pancake Parlor or Hungry Bear Cafe in Franconia. Make sure to book table in advance. You can also stop at cute Sugar Hill Church. Once you’re fueled up for the day, begin your scenic drive of the Kancamagus Highway. And let me tell you, this is my favorite from the trip!

The Kancamagus is one of the most scenic fall foliage drives in the world, but I also have another favorite — Blue Ridge Parkway. The colors here are just fantastic but there’s so much beauty along the scenic highway. There are so many pull-outs that will allow some great photo opportunities. You will pass scenic overlooks, covered bridges, river views, waterfalls all in one drive!

This 34.5 mile scenic drive along Route 112 is one of the BEST places to see amazing fall foliage. Enjoy overlooks, waterfalls, and/or some hiking to stretch your legs. Start your drive from Lincoln, NH and drive towards Conway.

Must-see spots on Kancamagus Highway: Lower Falls, Swift River, Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Albany Covered Bridge, and Sabbaday Falls. Read my detailed guide about Kancamagus Highway in Fall here.

Keep in mind there are NO GAS Stations along this route, so fill up your tank before heading out. You’ll need to pay $5 per day to park in White Mountain National Forest. You can simply put the cash or check in an envelope to leave at a drop box at the first stop along the highway.

Don’t be afraid to pull over frequently along the Kancamagus Highway. Otherwise, this enchanting stretch only takes about an hour to complete without stopping.

Continue east until you hit the Rocky Gorge Parking Lot. Here you can take a walk along the beautiful Swift River and get views of the beautiful Falls Pond. At the end of the highway, you’ll reach to Conway, a charming town on the east end of the Kancamagus Highway, and a great spot for lunch or a stroll around town.

But From Rocky Gorge, I suggest driving to Bear Notch Road. Bear Notch provides a scenic drive along a mountainside and more roadside pullouts for some gorgeous photo opportunities minus the Crowd!

At the end of Bear Notch Road, drive north to Crawford Notch State Park. Here, you can explore the backroads and snap photos of all the beautiful fall colors.

Here are few recommended stops for your drive:

• Willey Pond & Saco Lake
• Hart’s Location (Fourth Iron, Silver Cascade, Flume Cascade)
• Arethusa Falls: Tallest waterfall of NH (2.8 miles RT moderate trail)
• Diana’s Baths: A short, 1.3-mile hike to a cascading series of small waterfalls
• Bartlett Covered Bridge & Shop
• Cathedral Ledge Lookout (Drive/ hike)

Even if you don’t want to hike, just drive scenic Route 302 From Conway to Bartlett,NH. Flume Cascade and Silver Cascades are just two waterfalls you can even pull off to see right from the road!

PRO TIP: After the Kancamagus Highway Drive, we detoured from Conway to get the very yummy Maple Creme at Eldridge Family Sugar House & Ice Cream Shop. They have the best maple soft serve that comes in Puffle cone! The place is worth the hype after the long day of travel and chasing the colors! You can also visit Chocorua Lake in Tamworth if time permits!

End your day with dinner at Conway Flat Bread Pizza Company. Their Wood Fired Pizzas are Yummy! We had to wait 30 minutes to get the table, so make sure to book in advance. But in the edn it was worth the wait!

Where to Stay: You can choose to stay in Conway, Jackson, Bartlett, or Gorham.

Day 5: Mount Washington & Drive to Acadia, Maine

After the breakfast, kick off your day 5 of New England Fall Road Trip with a train ride to the Highest Peak of New England: Mount Washington!

Mount Washington Cog railway will take you from the base to the Peak on 3-miles long steep track (2nd steepest track in the world)! It takes one hour to reach at the top, with stunning fall foliage views along the way. At the top, you’ll get about one hour but be prepared as at 6,300 ft weather can change anytime! If you’re lucky you may get snow too!

After the train ride, visit nearby Mount Washington Lodge. This huge resort, now owned by the Omni, was created in less than 18 months by Italian labor in 1902 surrounded by beautiful Mount Washington. It is very expensive to stay here but you can grab Lunch or Drinks with the views.

🍁 OPTION 2 : If you aren’t interested in Mount Washington Cog Railway ride, I recommend to do a bit drive North 1.5 hrs to Dixville Notch State Park. The drive passes through the stunning Lake Gloriette, pass-through incredible fall foliage with scenic picnic areas and walks. The Balsams is an abandoned resort that reflect on the lake with insane tree color. It’s really magical at this time of the year. If love hiking and not afraid of heights, make sure to follow the stunning Table Rock trail (1.5 miles RT) which gives you epic 360-degree views over Dixville Notch from above!

If both the above options aren’t working for you, I recommend driving Scenic Route 16 from Jackson to Gorham! The drive passes through Pinkham Notch, and includes beautiful trail heads, waterfalls and lots of river views. When you reach Gorham, you’ll be rewarded with small charming downtown district overlooking the Androscoggin River.

Here are few of best things to in Jackson,NH:

• Jackson Covered Bridge
• Browse shops in Jackson
• Jackson Pumpkin people
• Jackson Falls

After your chosen Fall Foliage adventure in the morning, it’s time for a long drive out to Maine – the last stop of this road trip! Take your time and stop when you needed for your 4 hour drive to Acadia National Park. I recommend staying in Bar Harbor for the night!

🏨 Where to Stay: Acadia Inn

Day 6: Acadia National Park

It’s the last full day of your New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary! Make the most of it by getting an early start to hike Cadillac Summit. This is a short hike to a viewpoint over the water and hopefully you’ll also be seeing some fall color if you’ve timed it right!

If you’re feeling adventurous, head over to the Beehive Trail; it’s only 1.5 miles but not for the faint of heart – at one point, you’ll be climbing up metal ladders ONLY! I recommend doing it on DRY DAY, avoid if its raining!

After your early hike, get brunch from The Independent Cafe in Bar Harbor, enjoy some local shops and visit Sand Beach for Ocean Views.

In the early afternoon, take a walk around the Jordan Pond path. There are adorable boardwalk sections with stunning fall color, and of course, water views too! And lastly, watch the sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. This is another extremely popular sunset spot, so I’d recommend arriving VERY early to get the Parking.

Day 7: Maine to Boston via Salem,MA

This is your last day of New England Fall Roadtrip. It will be long journey back to Boston! But on last day, I recommend to spend few hours in Salem, Massachusetts before your flight back home. And it’s only 40 minutes from Boston and has the perfect blend of history, charm, and spooky vibes.

Your 7 day New England Fall Itinerary would not be complete without a visit to the Witch City- Salem, MA, where the infamous 1692 witch trials took place, and 20 people were tragically tried and executed. It is one of the best town to visit during Fall and Halloween!

Best Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts

• Photos at Hocus Pocus filming locations: It’s a classic for a reason! Most of the filming spots are easy to find, so try to hit a couple while you’re here. Here’s a list of where you can find all the spots.
• Visit The Witch House (The Jonathan Corwin House): This is the only structure still standing with direct ties to the Salem witch trials. Adult admission is just $9, and it’s open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
• Stroll through the shops: Downtown Salem is a lovely to wander through, with quirky shops, unique souvenirs, and even a few places to get a tarot reading.
• Take a History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour. In this 2 hours guided tour you’ll traverse through 400 tumultuous years of Salem’s past, and it will helps you unravel the layers of the 1692 Witch Trials Hysteria. You’ll also encounter modern-day witches, and hear chilling tales of Salem’s history that you’d likely miss otherwise.

After soaking up the magic of Salem, head to Boston to end your wonderful New England Fall Road Trip. If you haven’t explored Boston, you can spend final few hours in the city before dropping your car!

Just like the leaves eventually fall to the ground, this Boston to Maine Road Trip also reach its end. Hopefully you had the fall foliage experience you’ve been dreaming about and are already planning your return trip!

Have more time? Here’s a 10 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

If 7 days exploring fall color in New England isn’t enough and you have a bit more time, I suggest to add few days to visit Upstate New York! You could easily spend 10-12 days between New York and New England.

With these extra days, drive further into Upstate New York and the Adirondack Mountains, where the colors were absolutely incredible. There are also abundant hiking opportunities in the region. It’s totally underrated!

You can explore the Lake Placid, Kaaterskill Falls, and Hunter Mountain area. Finger Lakes is another Must visit for a New York fall road trip. Niagara Falls, Watkins Glen, and Taughannock State Park has a stunning waterfalls with foliage views. Also, note that fall color in New York peaks a bit later than New England.So it’s better to plan your destinations later for NY region.

Having more than one week in New England in fall means you could easily add on amazing fall color locations of your choice. Alternatively, you could just slow down this 7 day Boston to Maine Road Trip Itinerary I detailed above, which would give you more space and time to do each of the stops or have a backup day in case of rain or foggy weather.

Have less time? Here’s a 5 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Don’t quite have a full week? Acadia is quite a long drive away, so to cut down on time, skip Maine and chase color with this 5 day New England fall Itinerary instead:

• Day 1: Fly into Boston and Drive to Crowford Notch (White Mountains)
• Day 2: Drive Kancamagus Highway & Flume Gorge
• Day 3: Drive to Stowe & around
• Day 4: Smuggler’s Notch Drive, and Visit Waterbury
• Day 5: Explore Woodstock, Vermont & Fly out from Burlington,VT

3 Day New England Fall Road Trip

Only have short time for this trip?? You can do this New England fall road trip in 3 days with some adventurous spirit! It would be kind of rushed, but it’s definitely doable and would also be a blast. I hope you don’t mind missing out on some sleep though!! Being that said, pick your favorite New England state and spend your long weekend exploring it.

There are a few different options to chase fall color; so 3 days in New England could look like: 

• 3 days in Vermont : Stowe, Woodstock and Franconia with fall foliage hikes
• 3 days in New Hampshire : Franconia and Kancamagus Highway
• 3 Days in Vermont & NH: Visit Stowe and Drive around the White Mountains
• 3 days in Upstate New York: Explore Adirondacks and Lake Placid, and the Catskills and Finger Lakes.

Final Thoughts about epic Boston to Maine road trip itinerary to See Fall Foliage

If you are looking for a fall road trip in the USA, New England is one of the best. From Boston to Bar Harbor, Maine and each stop in between has so many unique things to offer. From the cobblestone streets of Boston, charming towns of VT, Maple Sugar Farms to colorful White mountains of New Hampshire and the cozy cider mills of Vermont, every stop is amazing!

With This trip gave me perfect fall foliage vibes, from crisp mountain air, warm apple cider, and postcard perfect fall colors. I will really want to go back some day to experience more of this region during Autumn Season.

I hope this helps you plan an incredible New England fall road trip! With a little flexibility in your days, you’ll sure have epic trip! Happy Fall Foliage Chasing!

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