New England Fall Foliage & Fall Colors (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)

New England Fall Foliage

You're heard about it, and now it's time to experience it: New England Fall Foliage—probably the best fall foliage in the country, if not in the whole world. The leaves start to change colors early—perhaps as early as Labor Day weekend—and because it gets cold so early, you'll only get at most six weeks to enjoy the rich oranges, bright yellows, and rustic reds. First you'll get to enjoy the sight of the colorful trees as you whir by on the highway, and then, as the weeks go by, you'll crunch through the warm-smelling leaves as you hike from your car in the driveway up to your front door.

Throughout those early months of fall, no matter where you live or visit in the area—Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine—you'll see the wonderful, idyllic, and picturesque scene of children jumping and playing in piles of leaves that their moms, dads, or older siblings just spent hours raking.

New England fall foliage is not just an occurrence or a part of the changing landscape; it is part of the rich, New England culture. It is a cultural phenomenon that draws in visitors from all over the country, from all walks of life, to stand in awe and to experience the wonderment.

New England Fall Foliage Cruises

Hiking, biking, and driving are all traditional methods of taking in New England fall foliage. But they're not the only means. New England fall foliage cruises have become a rather popular way for tourists and locals alike to get up close and personal with the ever-changing New England fall colors.

There are three major areas in New England that offer spectacular fall foliage cruises (though if you look closely, you'll probably find infinitely more). Starting at the northern end of New England, in Maine, you'll find lovely cruises along the coast and through some of the local rivers. In this area, you can opt for 1-2 day cruises to 3-4 day cruises. The best time for viewing Maine fall foliage is in mid-October.

Moving southward you'll hit the second major area for New England fall foliage cruises, Vermont and New Hampshire. The ferry-ride of cruise on Lake Champlain is the champion of fall foliage offerings in the area, if not in the world. When people talk about New England fall foliage, they're likely talking about the breathtaking fall foliage of New Hampshire and Vermont. Do not miss the opportunity to experience the fall colors here, preferably between mid-September and mid-October.

The last popular fall foliage viewing area is a large area consisting of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, with a strong focus on in and around the cities of Mystic, Newport and Providence, and Boston, respectively. These historic cities offer an endless number of fall foliage viewing options, options that combine the natural and beautiful with the historic, the cultural, and the fun. Again, booking a cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the color-changing leaves—book early, as the spots fill up quickly!

Fall Colors in New England

Again, the fall colors in New England are worth experiencing—so much so that people plan their trips to New England based solely on when the leaves will bare their bright colors. International visits plan long trips to the United States that revolve around the fall colors in New England and millions of Northeast city folks spend a day or a weekend leaf peeping in New England, every year.
Portland, Bangor, Acadia, Bar Harbor and Maine Fall Foliage and Colors Cruises and Tours Portland, Bangor, Acadia, Bar Harbor and Maine Fall Foliage and Colors Cruises and Tours
Maine Coast Fall foliage is about scenic harbors dressed in Fall colors, and trees hugging the wild coastline as their leaves turn every shade of gold, red, yellow and more. It is an opportunity to ride an antique railrod for a train trip through the autumn countryside or go out to sea for a Fall Foliage cruise. Peak Fall Foliage is usually around mid-October.
New Hampshire and Vermont Fall Foliage and Colors Tours New Hampshire and Vermont Fall Foliage and Colors Tours
New Hampshire and Vermont Fall Foliage draw millions of visitors to see the worlds most popular display of autumn colors. Combine the views of New England Fall Colors with the rolling hills of Vermont, the gorges of New Hampshire, some covered bridges and New England church steeples and you have a screensaver view at every turn inthe road. Peak Fall Foliage starts around mid-September and lasts through October at the lower elevations.
Mystic, Connecticut, Newport, Rhode Island, Boston, Massachusetts Fall Foliage and Colors Tours Mystic, Connecticut, Newport, Rhode Island, Boston, Massachusetts Fall Foliage and Colors Tours
The Boston and Massachusetts area Fall Foliage experience is a combination of fall color with historical and attractive landscapes. Some of the best views are in the local towns and around the region's farms. Historic Concord, Massachusetts is a great starring point for a Fall Foliage Tour. Newport and Providence, Rhode Island have popular Fall Foliage routes - at Newport, combine the Fall Colors are backed by historic mansions and the Autumn experience is enhanced by the sounds of the ocean waves. Peak Fall Foliage is usually around mid-October.