There perhaps may be nothing more visually spectacular than the vibrant, burnished colors of autumn in New England. Hundreds of thousands of visitors each year flock to the six states of New England in the early months of fall to witness the kaleidoscope of colors created by changing leaves while breathing in the crisp, autumn air. Road-tripping such a journey allows visitors to delight in the seasonal wonder.
Those wishing to experience the vast and gorgeous colors of fall in New England will want to plan their road trip between mid-September and late October. Visitors may consult a foliage map provided by Visit New Hampshire to make the most of their experience.
Begin your colorful journey in the gorgeous state of Maine. This northern most state of the country borders Canada, and is lined with vast waterways and a rocky eastern coastline, both of which add a peaceful dimension to the road trip. Be sure to visit the Pine Tree State’s Maritime Museum, and stop to savor the locally sourced lobster and seafood entrées.
The next stop on your foliage road trip is Vermont. The country’s leading producer of maple syrup is not short on cozy charms. Known for its dense forests, road trippers are guaranteed to witness an unending sea of colorful foliage tucked in with New England’s 17th-century colonial architecture and pastoral countryside.
Driving east from Vermont will land visitors the glorious state of New Hampshire. About a quarter of this state is covered by the White Mountains. Be sure to the region, which springs forth new life in the fall, bursting with the colors of autumn and creating a sensory experience for avid hikers. Climbing enthusiasts can scale the 3,165 foot Mount Monadnock, one of the country’s most climbed peaks which was popularized by authors/poets Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
Boston, Massachusetts is a New England dream filled with big city offerings juxtaposed with quaint charm. Road trippers won’t want to miss Massachusett’s Mohawk Trail, dubbed “the first scenic road in New England,” as stated on the Mohawk Trail Region website. The website describes the trail as “63 miles of unsurpassed splendor and 50,000 acres of state parks and forests.” The autumn wonderland of Massachusetts is made complete by a number of colored bridges and grand, centuries-old trees bursting with the patina of autumn colors.
Rhode Island may be small in stature (it is well known as the smallest state in America), but it is big on charm and revivifies as colors change from lush greens to warm shades of red, orange and gold. The state is dense with rural farms and vineyards, and shares its bounty with exploring travelers. The website Discover New England describes a visit to the tiny state, promoting the exploration of Slater Mill, a relic remaining from the Industrial Revolution and a tour of the Blackstone Valley Explorer, a historic boat housed on the Blackstone River. Guests may take a tour by boat, allowing them to enjoy the falling leaves and immense beauty of the season.
Autumn travelers will want to spend time in Connecticut, a New England destination whose many offerings combine for a picturesque and memorable road trip. The Constitution State, home to coastal cities as well as rural countryside, makes for a memorable a combination of maritime and bucolic traditions. Known for wineries, cider mills, and seaports, Connecticut makes for a fragrant stop during a New England road trip. Visitors often stop at the roadside farms which offer apple or pumpkin picking to their heart’s delight.
Snuggle into your booties, warm up to a steaming cup of coffee or cider, and begin planning a fall adventure to the country’s inviting and charismatic northeast. Welcome the changing of seasons by spending autumn in New England. Visit Fodor’s, the Travel Channel, or TripAdvisor to learn more.
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