When & Where to Go in 2023

New England is a popular destination for fall getaways, with its crisp, cool weather; the pick-your-own produce and fresh-pressed cider at family-owned farms; some of the country’s best harvest festivals; and – the main attraction – stunning foliage.

Perhaps the only challenge of visiting New England (or any destination known for its fall foliage) this time of year is figuring out exactly when to go for prime leaf peeping. Visit too soon and the fall colors may not have peaked; visit too late and the trees may be bare. So when (and where) should you go?

For peak (or close to peak) fall foliage in 2023, plan to visit New England the first week of October.

“With El Niño possibly impacting our autumn, I think we may see a little bit of a ‘slow-burn,’ which means the fall colors are slow to develop,” explains Jeff “Foliage” Folger, a New England resident, photographer and former fall foliage blogger for Yankee Magazine. “I suspect if we get enough rain during the summer, there may not be a big impact, but I would slide a few days later into October from the usual dates (in late September) for the best colors.”

He also notes that prime leaf-peeping times vary by location. “The best time to be in New England is in October but remember it does not change all at once. It starts up north near Canada and over the next 30-plus days (into November) it will flow to the South and West until all the fall colors have drained out of New England into New York and points west.”

On his website, jeff-foliage.com, where he shares fall predictions, photo tips and New England travel ideas, he notes that it wasn’t until about the second week of October (specifically Oct. 6 to 10) that the fall colors made their appearance last fall – and this was under “normal” conditions, with New England seeing average rainfall throughout the summer. But summer 2023 is predicted to be especially dry and hot across the U.S.

Folger prefers going off the beaten path in Vermont. “A drive on Route 58 in Hazen’s Notch near Montgomery means you will almost be alone (usually),” he says. You’ll also spot as many as seven covered bridges – the perfect backdrop for fall foliage photos – as Montgomery is considered the “Covered Bridge Capital” of Vermont.

Before the first snowfall descends upon this famous ski town, Stowe touts another reason to visit: the stunning fall foliage. Nicknamed “Fall’s Color Capital,” Stowe offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from biking and zip lining amid the changing leaves to strolling through downtown Stowe, a quintessential Vermont experience.

There’s no shortage of scenic drives, either. Folger recommends heading north on state Route 108 (also known as the Smugglers’ Notch Pass Scenic Highway) toward Smugglers’ Notch. For the ultimate experience, book a stay at the dog-friendly Topnotch Resort, located in the foothills of Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain in Vermont.

One of the most scenic drives in New England, the Kancamagus Highway bursts with color in the fall. The roughly 35-mile remote route takes travelers through White Mountain National Forest, with views of the White Mountains in the distance and the smell of fresh pine up close.

“The Kanc” is also convenient for another epic experience in New Hampshire: the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Opened in 1869, it is the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway.

Visit NH recommends starting your journey in Lincoln. Drive along the Kancamagus Highway (state Route 112) to Conway, then take state Route 16 north through North Conway. From there, you’ll carry on along U.S. Route 302 through Crawford Notch to the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Then, from the Cog, you can take U.S. Route 3 to Interstate 93 through Franconia Notch State Park back to Lincoln. Or, you might consider spending the night at the famous Omni Mount Washington Resort – the perfect spot for a romantic New Hampshire getaway.

While Acadia National Park and the neighboring town of Bar Harbor are undeniably stunning (and particularly popular) in the fall, don’t overlook the charming town of Camden, about 80 miles southwest.

One of the best places to visit in Maine, this coastal village offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails – including plenty of easy-to-moderate paths – at Camden Hills State Park. If you’re up for a challenge, take the famous Mount Battie Trail, which rewards hikers with stunning views of Penobscot Bay. Afterward, head into town for a bite to eat by the water and some shopping.

A stunning rural region in the mountains of western Massachusetts, the Berkshires are known for breathtaking scenery, especially in the fall. Leaf peeping experiences include hiking, scenic drives, hot air balloon rides and the Hoosac Valley Train Rides in Adams.

Ashley Rossi, managing editor at Roadpass Digital and a New England native, particularly likes the town of Lenox. “Lenox is home to historic museums, world-class spas, farms, and of course, incredible mountainous landscapes come fall,” she says. After you see the foliage up close on foot at October Mountain State Forest, Rossi recommends heading to Edith Wharton’s estate (The Mount) or the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum for a history lesson. You can also tour the grounds of Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. For unique, luxury accommodations, check into the Wheatleigh or Life House, Berkshires.

For the ultimate New England fall experience, you can book a trip with Vacations by Rail, which offers two fall foliage-inspired itineraries:

Autumn Tour in New England: This eight-day experience includes three different rail journeys, including the Cape Cod Dinner Train. It makes stops in Boston; Newport, Rhode Island; Mystic, Connecticut; North Conway, New Hampshire; and more.

Fall Colors, Scenic Trains & Martha’s Vineyard: A 10-day journey, this tour also covers three different rail journeys plus lake and river cruises and a variety of towns and attractions. Stops include Martha’s Vineyard and Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts.