For some, the changing colors of tree leaves signal a sad end to summer. But for millions, it marks the beginning of the sweetest season of all:

Fall foliage in New England

From late summer to around November 1, Mother Nature paints her paintings in every shade of the spectrum, from the deepest oil colors of reds and purples to the delicate pastels of yellows and greens. Starting in the northernmost points of New England, he slowly sweeps across the landscape with his brush, from mountain tops to city parks, from the sea to rural western settings.

Planning your fall foliage tour depends on the vacation dates you have available. But anytime during this nearly two month period it will provide a lot of “peeking leaves” if it goes to the right places. In other words, in mid-September, the leaves in Maine are nearing their peak, while the trees in Connecticut are just beginning to change. By contrast, by November 1, when western Connecticut is in full bloom, Maine trees will have shed their leaves.

The hotter and wetter the summer, the longer and later the season will last. A cooler and / or drier summer than normal will speed up the process and reduce the maximum display times to a narrower shutter. The best way to get an idea is to visit each state’s websites for their predictions of the best time to view the leaves. Additionally, most New England newspapers keep an active report during the season, signaling the arrival of perfect landscapes throughout the region.

For those of you who like the comfort and convenience of a guided tour, there are many bus tours (and even a train / bike option) that keep up with the changes and can provide optimal viewing from the comfort of the bus or from frequent stops at the viewpoints and to stroll through the trees.

DIYers can always plan a driving tour that leaves you free to stay in a particularly beautiful location or move on if an area doesn’t meet your expectations.

And, of course, the more adventurous traveler will find that walking, hiking, and biking can provide opportunities to view spectacular foliage that would not otherwise be accessible from main roads.

Coinciding with the arrival of harvest time, hotels and inns, restaurants, and farm stalls will provide you with many spectacular dining experiences along your route.

Remember, New England fall foliage tours attract millions of people not just from across the country, but from around the world. It is not uncommon to meet not only many Europeans in the autumn in the region, but also people from the Far East! Don’t be swayed by the feeling that peak tourist season is over and accommodation will be plentiful. Be sure to make reservations early so you don’t miss out on some of the most spectacular scenes.

Here are some state-by-state tips for fall foliage planning.

MAINE

To catch a glimpse of peak foliage season, Maine is your destination. As of September, the leaves in the northwestern part of the state have started to change. Starting in the mountains north of Baxter State Park, the leaves will quickly peak in a long arc to the southeast, steadily sweeping towards the shoreline near the southern coastal resorts in the Kennebunk / Ogunquit area. A 10-day hike through Maine at this point will provide you with all the scenery to see spectacular foliage, from the mountain tops through the freestanding forests to the forested areas directly west of the Atlantic coast.

VERMONT

The state of Vermont is considered the center of New England’s spectacular fall foliage. Starting in the northern part of the state near Canada, St. Johnsbury hosts an annual Fall Foliage Festival. To the south, the Green Mountains and Smuggler’s Notch State Park are great for viewing. Ski resorts are perfect places from which to centralize a trip. There are plenty of room and board and other amenities that are not in peak demand and the season lasts longer than many others.

N.H

The White Mountains is the place to go. It’s New England’s most popular foliage tourist destination, but they’re pretty well prepared too. Simply driving the Kancamagus Highway from Conway to North Woodstock will provide you with a host of amazing opportunities. And the locals will be more than happy to give you hints about out of the ordinary scenes. For a quick trip from New York or southern New England, the Mount Monadnock State Park region is a cornucopia of delicacies in just a few hours by car.

MASSACHUSETTS

The Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts are easily accessible from any starting point. These foothills of the Adirondacks are one of the most popular destinations for “leaf peepers.” In the heart of the state, the two major highways, Mass Turnpike and Route 2, provide dozens of great opportunities as you go east to west or vice versa. There are many easily accessible areas right off the main roads, but simply sticking to those main roads will provide you with spectacular scenery without even leaving your car. This is a really easy way to see the sights, especially for beginners.

CONNECTICUT

A trip around the border of this state will provide you with multiple opportunities and can be done in just a couple of days. For a longer stay, the Northwest area of ​​the state is an optimal place for a longer stay.

RHODE ISLAND

The beauty of fall foliage in “The Little Biggest State in the Union” is that not only are the colors spectacular, but it also has the longest and most recent season. And being so small, it is possible to travel throughout the state on the 2 main highways that go from east to west (routes 101 and 6) or north to south (routes 95 and 102) and see everything there is to see in just a couple of days. , while staying in one of the coastal communities of southern Rhode Islands or enjoying luxurious accommodations in the greater Providence area.

Here’s a checklist to help you plan your fall foliage tour.

Look for foliage festivals, harvest celebrations, or other fall-oriented events. They are typically focused on a prime foliage location and can provide plenty of opportunities for other types of recreation when you’re ready for a break or at night.

Reserve your rooms in advance. Fall in New England is as busy in the fall as it is in midsummer and during ski season. You are competing with people from all over the world for accommodation.

Try to plan excursions Monday through Friday. You can enjoy the scenery in less crowded conditions during the week and then relax around your accommodation at the weekend without fighting the crowds.

Make sure to bring your camera! Just look at the number of award-winning fall foliage photos to give you an idea of ​​how many memories you want to keep.

Take advantage of the full range of possibilities. Whether driving yourself or on a tour, make sure there are opportunities to hit the back roads and back roads and explore on foot or by bike. Many of the most spectacular scenes are available only out of the ordinary.