Top 9 Hikes for Fall Foliage in New England

New England is renowned for having some of the best fall scenery in the United States, and there are several reasons for this reputation. Since New England is home to many trees including maples, oaks, birches, and beeches each has its own leaf color and characteristics. The wide diversity contributes to a rich canvas during the fall. Plus, cool nights and warm, sunny days during the fall create the ideal conditions for developing vibrant leaf colors and for hike enthusiasts. Outlined in this blog post are the top 9 hikes for fall foliage and experiencing the beauty of New England.

New England offers some of the most picturesque and colorful fall foliage in the United States, making it an ideal destination for autumn hikes. Not to mention, New England’s geography includes rolling hills, mountains, valleys, lakes, and coastlines. This diverse landscape provides numerous opportunities for scenic vistas and picturesque settings, enhancing the fall experience. Fall hiking adventures, photogenic landscapes, and cultural traditions like apple picking and pumpkin festivals, all add to the charm and appeal of autumn in this region. Besides hiking, I have also outlined the 10 best things to do in New England during the fall.

When experiencing the best hiking spots for fall foliage, timing is key. Plan your hikes on weekdays if possible. Weekends tend to be more crowded as many people take short trips to enjoy the fall foliage. Start your hikes early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This can help you beat the crowds who may be starting their hikes later. The peak foliage changes every year so be sure to check various news outlets and prediction calendars before booking your trip. Also, be aware of local events and festivals that might attract more people to specific areas. Additionally, please respect the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of these natural areas.

Hiking boots are a must!

Now let’s dive into the best New England fall hikes:

Franconia Ridge Loop, New Hampshire:

This challenging 8.6-mile hike in the White Mountains offers breathtaking views of vibrant fall foliage. It includes traversing the Franconia Ridge with views of Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Please note, this is a popular hike year-round but especially in the fall.

Mount Monadnock, New Hampshire:

Known for its panoramic views, Mount Monadnock is one of the most climbed mountains in the world. The diverse hardwood forests create a stunning tapestry of colors in the fall. Monadnock State Park offers quite a few trails to explore but the most direct route to the Monadnock Mountain summit is the Monadnock HQ trail. Parking passes on the weekends usually sells out so it is suggested to purchase yours in advance. For more information on the state park, camping, or parking passes please check here.

Taken somewhere in New Hampshire

Acadia National Park, Maine:

What makes Acadia National Park so special is that it is perched alongside the Atlantic coastline. Acadia offers numerous trails, including the Jordan Pond Path and Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail, where you can experience fall foliage along with coastal views. It is one of the top 10 most visited national parks with trails ranging from easy to difficult. You will definitely find a trail that boasts beautiful views at your level of difficulty. Check their website for more information on parking, hiking, and even camping.

Mount Mansfield, Vermont:

Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, provides an excellent opportunity for leaf-peeping. The Sunset Ridge Trail offers incredible vistas. You can also drive to the summit on a 4.5 mile road. You can park at top and take in the views without even having to hike. The hike is a challenging 7.7-mile but worth all the views. If this hike doesn’t interest you there are other trails in this area including the Laura Cowles Trail, Lake Champlain, and the Taft Lodge.

Taken somewhere in Vermont

Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts:

Follow the scenic Mohawk Trail in the Berkshires, which features various hiking trails and overlooks that provide fantastic autumn views. The Mohawk Trail was the first scenic road in New England. With over 50,000 acres of state parks and forests, it definitely boasts a perfect escape during the fall. Some of the best hikes in this region include the Housatonic Flats in Great Barrington, the Steepletop in New Marlborough, and the Hoosac Range, North Adams. For more information, please check here.

Camel’s Hump, Vermont:

Camel’s Hump State Park offers a variety of trails with stunning views of Vermont’s fall foliage, including the challenging Monroe Trail and the easier Burrows Trail. The Monroe Trail is a steep 6.8-mile roundtrip hike that gains 2500 ft in elevation. The Burrows Trail is just over 2 miles and is a moderately difficult hike. Both are great options.

White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire:

The White Mountains boast a multitude of hiking trails, such as the Kancamagus Highway’s hikes and the Flume Gorge Trail, both of which showcase the region’s vibrant autumn colors. I would suggest the Flume Gorge Trail because it is a 2.2 mile trail through a natural gorge and is unlike any of the other hikes listed. However, this hike is not dog-friendly.

River during the Hikes

Lumen Nature Retreat

Grafton Notch State Park, Maine:

Hike the Table Rock Trail or Old Speck Trail in Grafton Notch State Park for incredible views of the fall foliage and the surrounding mountains. For more information, please visit this website.

Cascade Brook Trail, New Hampshire

A popular hike that has now become famous on Instagram is the Artist’s Bluff hike and although it is beautiful, especially during fall, you can expect crowds of people. I would suggest instead going to the Cascade Brook Trail which is still in the same area but is a lot less crowded and offers space to actually enjoy the hike. Plus, the trail includes a beautiful brook in the middle of it. When we hiked here, we spent the night at a beautiful glamping retreat called Lumen Nature Retreat about 20 minutes from the trail.