As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, New England slowly turns into a magical autumn wonderland. It is considered to be the best place in the United States to see fall foliage.

Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, here’s the ultimate bucket list of 20 must-do activities to make the most of fall in this picturesque region.

 1. Take a Scenic Drive Along the Kancamagus Highway, NH

Wind through the White Mountain National Forest on this 34-mile scenic byway. This highway offers unrivaled views of the fall foliage, especially in early October. The mix of orange and yellow trees is something spectacular to see.

2. Go Apple Picking

Apple picking is a time-honored tradition in New England. Visit one of New England’s many orchards to pick your own apples. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Many orchards also include a corn maze, a petting zoo, or pumpkin patch. Some include all of the above.
Don’t forget to try some fresh apple cider and cider donuts!

3. Attend the Fryeburg Fair in Maine

Experience a quintessential New England agricultural fair with livestock exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and delicious local food. Plus, the Fryeburg Fair occurs at the end of September through the beginning of October, making in fall foliage season.

4. Explore the Freedom Trail in Boston, MA

Take advantage of the cooler weather to walk Boston’s historic 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which winds through 16 historically significant sites. It’s so much more fun than going in the heat of the summer with a million other tourists.

5. Hike Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire

If hiking is your thing, you will love fall in New England.  Challenge yourself with a hike up one of the most climbed mountains in the world, offering stunning 360-degree views of the fall foliage.

Plan to go hiking at the beginning of October to see fall foliage while you are hiking.

6. Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

This beautiful garden in beautiful Boothbay is stunning in the fall. I visited in early October a number of years ago, and we had the place to ourselves, and the changing leaves looked lovely.

 7. Take a Foliage Train Ride in Connecticut

Hop aboard the Essex Steam Train for a nostalgic journey through the blazing autumn colors of the Connecticut River Valley. This part of Connecticut has later peak foliage than much of New England, so you can enjoy seeing the fall color in mid to late October.

8. Explore the Coastal Towns of Maine

Visit charming seaside villages like Bar Harbor or Camden, where you can enjoy lobster rolls with a side of spectacular coastal fall views. The changing colors in each town are spectacular at the beginning of October.

9. Attend the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Rhode Island

Marvel at thousands of intricately carved pumpkins at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, a must-see Halloween season event. This is an event for the whole family and worth the drive to Rhode Island to see. The Spectacular runs through from the end of September into the beginning of November.

10. Go Leaf Peeping in the Berkshires, MA

Drive through the winding roads of western Massachusetts, stopping at lookout points to admire the stunning fall colors of the Berkshire Mountains. The Berkshires are one of the loveliest spots in New England and great for fall foliage. The curving road and the towering mountains ablaze in color make for the perfect spot.

11. Visit a Cranberry Bog in Massachusetts

Witness the unique harvest of cranberries at bogs like those in Wareham or Carver, which often offer tours and festivals in the fall. The cranberry bog is flooded, and workers enter the bogs with huge nets to collect the floating cranberries. It is a must-see at least once.

12. Explore the Acadia National Park in Maine

Fall in Acadia is the perfect time to visit. The colors, the cool weather, and fewer crowds make it feel like you have it to yourself. Just make sure that you don’t go during the peak season week, or you will have more crowds.
Hike the trails, drive the Park Loop Road, or climb Cadillac Mountain to witness breathtaking fall colors meeting the Atlantic Ocean.

13. Attend the Big E in West Springfield, MA

Experience New England’s largest agricultural event, featuring food, entertainment, and exhibits from all six New England states. This is the biggest fair in the area and also super fun. The Big E has a great circus, craft villages, and of course, great fair food. I plan on going for an entire day. You will be glad to have the time there.

14. Go on a Covered Bridge Tour in Vermont

Vermont has lots of covered bridges, and each of them is a little different.
Drive through the countryside to spot some of Vermont’s famous covered bridges, especially beautiful when framed by fall foliage.

15. Visit a Haunted Attraction in Connecticut

Is Connecticut the most spooky state?
Brave the Trail of Terror in Wallingford or the Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce for some seasonal scares. The Haunted Graveyard is a family-friendly event that even scaredy cats will find fun.

16. Step Back in Time at Old Sturbridge Village, MA

Immerse yourself in 1830s New England life at this living history museum. Enjoy special fall events like the Harvest Party or the Village Trick or Treat, where the historic ambiance adds a unique charm to autumn activities.

17. Attend the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival in Vermont

Combine leaf-peeping with art appreciation at this renowned festival. Held in early October, it showcases works from over 150 artists and artisans against the backdrop of Vermont’s stunning fall colors.

18. Explore the Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts

Drive along one of the nation’s first scenic roads, especially beautiful in fall. Stop at the hairpin turn for breathtaking views of the Berkshires and southern Vermont.

19. Visit the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, Vermont

Take a tour of the famous ice cream factory and try fall-inspired flavors. The surrounding area offers beautiful foliage views, making it a perfect autumn day trip. For spooky fun you can visit the graveyard of all the old flavors.

20. Hike the Franconia Ridge Loop in New Hampshire

For experienced hikers, this challenging 8.9-mile loop in the White Mountains offers some of the most spectacular ridge walking and fall views in New England.

Remember, peak fall foliage times vary by location and year, so check foliage reports when planning your trip. Embrace the crisp air, vibrant colors, and cozy atmosphere that make autumn in New England truly special!