It’s time for one of New England’s fall foliage bike tours.
Photo Credit : Donald Stetz (User submitted)
Fall is arguably the most beautiful season in New England. People come from all over to catch a glimpse of autumn’s colors. There are several methods to accomplish your leaf-peeping goals, including hiking, driving, fall foliage cruises, and fall foliage train tours, but if you’re looking for another great way to experience all things autumn, why not try one of the several fall foliage bike tours offered throughout New England?
Read on to learn about some of our favorite fall foliage bike tours!
NEW ENGLAND FALL FOLIAGE BIKE TOURS
CONNECTICUT FOLIAGE BIKE TOURS
Connecticut B&B Escapes | Various Locations in CT
With several self-guided routes to choose from, you can take as long or as short a time as you like. Trails vary in difficulty level, and can be fun for the whole family. Stay at one of several Bed and Breakfasts as you make your way through the colorful landscapes of Connecticut.
Connecticut B&B Escapes: Set your own dates. Various locations. 860-635-5600; www.ctbandbs.com
MAINE FOLIAGE BIKE TOURS
Backroads | Portland, ME
Book the Classic Maine Bike Tour in Acadia National Park & along Penobscot Bay early. Experience the beginning of fall on this five day tour of some of the most picturesque locations in Maine. Meals and lodging are included in the tour price.
Backroads: Through early October. See site for details. 800-462-2848; www.backroads.comDiscovery Bicycle Tours | Southwest Harbor, ME
Enjoy fall vistas of the hills and shoreline of Maine. Begin your tour in Southwest Harbor, from there spend the six day tour exploring Swan’s Island, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park among other destinations.
Discovery Bicycle Tours: Through early October. See site for details. 800-257-2226; discoverybicycletours.com
MASSACHUSETTS FOLIAGE BIKE TOURS
Discovery Bicycle Tours | Falmouth, MA
Spend six days pedaling around Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard on easy to intermediate level trails. Relish the fall weather as you take in views of beaches, marshes, and cranberry bogs. In the evenings relax at two classic New England Inns.
Discovery Bicycle Tours: Through early October. See site for details. 800-257-2226; discoverybicycletours.comEasy Rider Tours | Great Barrington, MA
Don’t miss this fall foliage bike tour through the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts. Make sure your camera is ready for stops in cozy New England towns and along paths that lead by peaceful farmlands. You’ll experience lots of culture, too, with stops at the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Clark Art Institute.
Easy Rider Tours: First week in October. See site for details. 800-488-8332; www.easyridertours.com
NEW HAMPSHIRE FOLIAGE BIKE TOURS
Bike the Whites | Various Locations in NH
This is a package deal. Provided with maps and roadside assistance among other things, start your self-directed tour of the beautiful White Mountain region at one of three inns along the route. Bike through the hills and terrain of northern New Hampshire, enjoying fall foliage at its best with stops at a covered bridge and waterfall.
Bike the Whites: Through early November. See site for details. 603-356-9025; www.bikethewhites.com
RHODE ISLAND FOLIAGE BIKE TOURS
Guided tours and package tours seem scarce in Rhode Island, but, like all New England states, there are plenty of trails to explore on your own. Spend a day biking in the Arcadia Wildlife Management Area or pedal along the shores of the Blackstone River for breathtaking views of fall leaves above the water.
VERMONT FOLIAGE BIKE TOURS
Back Roads | Burlington, VT
Book this six day loop through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Vermont. Experience all things New England from the brilliant fall foliage to quaint towns. And, what adventure in Vermont is complete without a maple syrup tasting?
Backroads: Through early October. See site for details. 800-462-2848; www.backroads.comCountry Inns Along the Trail | Various Locations in VT
Choose from either the Road Biking or Mountain Biking self-guided, inn to inn, three to five day fall foliage biking tours organized by Country Inns Along the Trail. Cycle through rolling terrain, mountains, and farmland surrounded by some of the best fall colors of New England.
Country Inns Along the Trail: Through late October. See site for details. 802-247-3300; inntoinn.comDiscovery Bicycle Tours | Various Locations in VT
Choose from several fall foliage bike tours offered by Discovery Bicycle Tours in October. They have varied itineraries including, but not limited to, stops such as Stowe, Lake Champlain, and Ben and Jerry’s. Soak in classic foliage views accented by quintessential towns and authentic New England farms.
Discovery Bicycle Tours: Through early October. See site for details. 800-257-2226; discoverybicycletours.comSojourn Bicycling & Active Vacations | Various Locations in VT
Get away to northern Vermont and bike through the gorgeous Champlain Valley. Vistas of autumn’s colors abound as you pedal your way towards Stowe. Explore covered bridges, sample cider and donuts, and take your rest in the evenings at charming country inns along the route.
Sojourn Bicycling & Active Vacations: Through early October. See site for details. 800-730-4771; gosojourn.comGreat Freedom Adventures | Various Locations in VT
Book the Best of Vermont Fall Foliage Tour for six days of crisp fall scenery. If you’re interested in a shorter excursion, you might prefer their four day Woodstock Vermont Bike Tour or the Short and Very Sweet Vermont Bike Trip. While these are the only tours that guarantee sightings of the fall foliage, be sure to check out some of there other bike tours throughout New England.
Great Freedom Adventures: Through early October. See site for details. (508) 545-1864; www.greatfreedomadventures.com
Is there a bike tour in your area that we missed?
Montana Rogers
Though originally from south Florida, Montana has a stronger affinity to New England’s quaint towns and extraordinary nature, and has no qualms about referring to New Hampshire as her true home. She is a graduate of Wheaton College (MA), where she studied Literature/Creative Writing and Music. She recently returned to the USA after spending two years teaching in Bulgaria. Montana is very excited to be working as an editorial intern at Yankee Magazine.