The Mohawk Trail (New England’s first official “scenic tourist route”) has had millions of drivers tool along its 60-mile stretch into the Berkshires since its opening in 1914.
New England
4 Favorite Quiet Fall Foliage Drives in New England
The most popular fall foliage drives aren’t the only way to experience New England’s spectacular autumn foliage display.
By Jim Salge|Sep 30 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanWhile Smuggler’s Notch, the Acadia Loop Road, the Mohawk Trail, and the Kancamagus Highway may be the most popular foliage drives in New England thanks to their scenic beauty and classic New England charm, they aren’t the only way to experience the splendor of autumn. With 32 million acres of forest, there are countless alternative routes that still feature road trip essentials like stately maples, classic steepled meetinghouses, stone walls, and old cemeteries. Want to experience a fall drive without the crowds? Here are four “quiet” foliage drives in New England that won’t disappoint.
4 Favorite Quiet Fall Foliage Drives in New England
Vermont Fall Foliage Drives
Popular Route: Smuggler’s Notch
This narrow winding road over a mountain pass northwest of Stowe provides countless recreational opportunities and stunning views.
Quiet Route: Route 58 from Lake Willoughby to Hazen’s Notch
Sitting between the steep walls of two mountains, Lake Willoughby is a stunning start to this trip through some of Vermont’s earliest fall foliage. The route winds through beautiful villages with plenty of mountain views. It even briefly turns to dirt near the village of Lowell, a testament to its under-the-radar status.
Photo Credit : Jennifer Hannux
New Hampshire Fall Foliage Drives
Popular Route: The Kancamagus Highway
Prized for its wilderness views, the Kanc is one of the most popular scenic drives in all of New England.
Quiet Route: Evans Notch (Route 113)
Beginning and ending in Maine, this route along the New Hampshire border is steep, winding, and spectacular. Maple, birch, and beech trees growing close to the road create a true tunnel of foliage until you reach the views at the height of the route. Trailheads lead to spectacular waterfalls and high mountain vistas. And Basin Pond is one of the true gems in the White Mountains.
Photo Credit : Jim Salge
Maine Fall Foliage Drives
Popular Route: The Acadia Loop Road
The Acadia Loop Road offers both mountain and ocean views along Maine’s rocky coast.
Quiet Route: The Camden Hills Loop
Camden isn’t terribly far from Bar Harbor as the crow flies, but as they say in Maine: “You can’t get there from here.” And saving the extra two-hour trip north from southern New England to Acadia does mean sacrificing some of the wildness; still, there are plenty of similar scenes here: from mountains that meet the sea to lakes lined with amazing autumn foliage, all near a fine coastal village.
Photo Credit : Susan Cole Kelly
Massachusetts Fall Foliage Drives
Popular Route: The Mohawk Trail
Quiet Route: Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway (Route 20) Loops
Route 20 is the longest highway in the United States, and the trip through Becket, Massachusetts, brings you over its highest point east of the Mississippi. Taking a loop off the highway by the Berkshires brings you past lovely pastoral scenes and mountain views. We recommend Route 8 and the Skyline Trail for a reasonable detour off the main route.
Photo Credit : Bryan Farr
Though a brilliant backdrop of autumn leaves can be found almost anywhere in New England, there are many ways and places to view the foliage display. The popular routes are tried and true, while the back roads offer surprises and adventure.
This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.
SEE MORE:
Hidden Gold | Vermont’s Best Little-Known Foliage Spots
The Kancamagus Highway | The Ultimate New Hampshire Fall Foliage Drive
How to Take Your Best New England Fall Foliage Photos
I’m planning to fly from CA to East Coast, rent a car to drive to see New England Fall Foliage. I’m seeking for a recommendation to the following subjects:
When is the best time to start my trip. I’ve 2 weeks to do this trip.
What airport is best to flight to? New York or Boston?
Best route to drive as I’m trying save time and resources.
Place to stay
Place to eat.
Any recommendation is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Lynn
Fly in to Boston, or Portland, ME, or Manchester, NH. NOT NYC.
If you are AAA member, there are great publications and maps.
Check Weather Channel for timing! I used to live in central NH, north of Manchester.
planning leaf trip in oct. flying into Boston. plan on seeing Mass. rt 6A, Acadia national park, Lubec Maine , Portland Maine, Woodstock Vermont, Montgomery Vermont, Stowe Vermont , Rt 100 and Kanc. Hwy New Hampshire, Jacobs Ladder to Rt 8 Mass. to fly out of Boston …quick 7 day trip. 2nights in Maine, 2 nights Vermont. Suggestions, train wreak, better ideas….????
You could fly in to Manchester or Portland NH to save some time, otherwise Boston. The second week until the end of October are a pretty safe bet for NH VT and MA for northern main such as Acadia NP maybe a week earlier. Also be aware that most of New England celebrates Columbus day witch is Oct 14 this year and that weekend will be hard to get around all of the popular routes like kancamangus hi-way, although it should be fine midweek.
Portland is NOT in NH. It’s in Maine! Portland, ME
I think that Steve S meant Portsmouth, NH.
Try the nine to ten mile long ride on Tyringham road between route 102 and route 23, you won’t be disappointed.
Escape the crowds by exploring the many little towns in southwestern, NH. Go E-map crazy and discover as many small towns as you can. Be sure to stop in the diners for breakfast and lunch, but be careful they are often closed in the evenings. The bigger towns like Peterborough, Keene and Lebanon. While you are there, drift over to Vermont.
For folks like me who can’t get back to New England during the pandemic, there are some New England fall tours on YouTube. If you’re in New England, take videos while touring and please put them on YouTube. Thanks!
My favorite activity this time of year is hopping into a roadster or grandtourer for a spirited jaunt through mountain roads and backroad twisties with a colorful backdrop.
Awesome Article’s , Suggestions and Recipes for the Fall.
Make your Massachusetts ride even quieter and join us for the 34th annual Great River Ride, a foliage bicycle tour of Jacobs Ladder and the Skyline Trail on Oct 10. Organized by New Horizons Bikes of Westfield and a fundraiser for the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail. Visit GreatRiverRide.com for ride info.