10 Places to Visit in New England in Fall

Fall is one of the best times to visit New England: the air is crisp, the apples are ripe, and the leaves are colorful. The only real downside might be that there’s just too much to experience! Never fear — we’ve compiled a list of 10 places to visit in New England in fall that will help you make the most of the season, and maybe even inspire the perfect fall weekend getaway. Read on for our picks for the best places to see fall foliage in New England.

Ranging from the rustic to the historical, our picks are located in some of the most beautiful places in the region — from the shores of Rhode Island to the mountains of Maine. No matter where you end up going, though, you’re sure to find plenty of that stunning New England fall foliage.

Ready to start planning your perfect fall weekend in New England? We think these 10 places to visit in New England in fall are the perfect spots to inspire several days of fun.

10 Great Places to Visit in New England in Fall

The Great Vermont Corn Maze | St. Johnsbury Region, VT

Located within Vermont’s fabled Northeast Kingdom, the St. Johnsbury region is home to a multitude of outdoor fall activities. One of the best corn mazes in New England is the Great Vermont Corn Maze in North Danville, where visitors can spend hours exploring the mammoth agricultural construction (and for the more impatient among us, there are “cheater poles” along the way to permit a quicker exit). Also on the premises are a barnyard nature center and a smaller maze geared for younger children.

Everyone who finds this place is enthusiastic about it, but beware: GPS is not always reliable in Vermont. Begin at the blinking light on Rt. 2 in Danville and head north. It’s wise to download the map from the website.

For a complete list of favorite things to see, places to stay, and things to do in the St. Johnsbury region in fall, see 10 Perfect Fall Weekends in New England.

Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm | Mad River Valley, VT

Tired of enjoying those gorgeous mountain views on foot? Do it on horseback instead! At the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm, you can take a guided ride through the beautiful Vermont countryside on an Icelandic horse. Brought to Iceland by the Vikings, these strong, pony-sized mounts are used for one- and two-hour, half- and full-day trail rides.

For a complete list of favorite things to see, places to stay, and things to do in the Mad River Valley in fall, see 10 Perfect Fall Weekends in New England.

Mount Washington Cog Railway | Mount Washington Valley, NH

In 1869, the Mount Washington Cog Railwaywas such a novel idea that its creator was told he might as well “build a railway to the moon.” We’re glad Sylvester Marsh continued on with his dream. Today, the world’s most iconic cog railroad is still operating with steam engines angled for the steep (average 25% grade), 3.25-mile climb from Crawford Notch to the summit. Visit in the fall to enjoy the colorful fall foliage that lines the railway — until you hit the tree line, that is!

For a complete list of favorite things to see, places to stay, and things to do in the Mount Washington Valley in fall, see 10 Perfect Fall Weekends in New England.

Sunday River Resort | Bethel Region, ME

Located only minutes from the quaint mountain town of Bethel, Sunday River operates as a ski resort during the winter months, but opens its facilities for a variety of outdoor activities the rest of the year. Ride up to North Peak on an open chair or gondola lift, or take a zip line tour of nearby treetops. The resort also offers 20 miles of lift-accessed mountain bike trails and the opportunity to play at the 18-hole Sunday River Golf Club.

For a complete list of favorite things to see, places to stay, and things to do in the Bethel region in fall, see 10 Perfect Fall Weekends in New England.

Hildene | Manchester Village, VT

Many presidents have visited Manchester over the years, but it was Lincoln’s family who made the village a second home. A visit here must include a stop at the 412-acre estate created by Robert Todd Lincoln, the president’s only son to live to adulthood. Plan to spend several hours between the Welcome Center, the 24-room mansion and gardens, Hildene Farm, and the 12-plus miles of walking trails. Bring a picnic, and you’ll get the full effect for why we’ve named Hildene one of our favorite places to visit in New England in fall.

SEE MORE: Hildene | The Lincoln Family Summer Home in Manchester, VT

For a complete list of favorite things to see, places to stay, and things to do in Manchester Village, VT in fall, see 10 Perfect Fall Weekends in New England.

Mount Greylock | Williamstown Region, MA

At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts and has views that encompass five states. The mountain is located on a state reservation that borders several nearby towns, including Williamstown, and is accessible from Rt. 2 in North Adams and Rt. 7 in Lanesborough. At the base of the mountain, you’ll find the Mount Greylock Visitor Center, where you can pick up a trail map before starting your upward trek. For the less hiking-inclined, Mt. Greylock also sports an auto road with a parking lot at the summit.

SEE MORE:The New American Hogwarts at Mount Greylock is So New England and We Love It

For a complete list of favorite things to see, places to stay, and things to do in the Williamstown region in fall, see 10 Perfect Fall Weekends in New England.

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta | Damariscotta, ME

Every Columbus Day weekend, Damariscotta celebrates its annual Pumpkinfest and Regatta. Main events include a pumpkin parade, pumpkin boat races, and a crane-assisted pumpkin smashing! If that’s not enough to make you want to visit, let us also remind you that Damariscotta ranks among the prettiest coastal towns in Maine!

For a complete list of favorite things to see, places to stay, and things to do in Damariscotta in fall, see 10 Perfect Fall Weekends in New England.

The Bridge of Flowers | Shelburne Falls, MA

Originally built to carry trolleys, this New England icon now serves as a unique common for the village of Shelburne Falls. The hundreds of flowers and shrubs that line the bridge’s path are beautiful, and the views of the river and nearby mountains are especially stunning in the fall. Shops on both sides of the river showcase quality works by area craftspeople, and on weekends (through Oct.) a restored 1896 trolley makes short runs from the nearby Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum.

SEE MORE: The Bridge of Flowers│From Ragweed to Roses

For a complete list of favorite things to see, places to stay, and things to do in Shelburne Falls in fall, see 10 Perfect Fall Weekends in New England.

Kent Falls State Park | Kent, CT

A bench-spotted trail winds up the slope beside Kent Falls, where visitors can take in a series of cascades and pools. Park facilities include picnic tables and grills, which can be found dotted among open fields. In the past, Kent was named one of the best towns for fall foliage by Yankee Magazine, so you can be sure you’ll experience a real New England fall here.

For a complete list of favorite things to see, places to stay, and things to do in Kent in fall, see 10 Perfect Fall Weekends in New England.

Coggeshall Farm Museum | Bristol, RI

Famed for its mid-September Harvest Fair, this 1790s saltwater farm is a favorite for photographers well into October, when marsh grass in the Mill Gut turn bronze and the maples still glow in Bristol, Rhode Island. A final checkmark for our “favorite places to visit in New England in fall” list? Staff in period dress work inside and out and mind the heritage breed sheep, cows, and multi-colored “Dung” chickens.

For a complete list of favorite things to see, places to stay, and things to do in Bristol in fall, see 10 Perfect Fall Weekends in New England.

What tops your list of favorite places to visit in New England in fall? Let us know!

This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.

MORE NEW ENGLAND FOLIAGE:
Best Corn Mazes in New England
Prettiest Fall Foliage Villages in Vermont
Best Apple Orchards in New England
5 Best Pumpkin Festivals in New England