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New Englanders are serious about their fall foliage. September rolls around and hotels are already sold out every weekend with leaf peepers.

The good news is that 2019 is predicted to be one of the most beautiful falls we have had in a decade! The bad news is that most hotels in Northern New England were booked in July for foliage season. So what is a foliage lover to do if they want to go see the leaves in Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine and everything is booked?

Visit Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts! In other words, visit Southern New England for fall foliage! People forget that their fall display is every bit as stunning as their northern neighbors. You can easily book a hotel for an October weekend in August and September, and you will not be disappointed.

Where to go to see Fall Foliage

Kent, Connecticut Fall Foliage

Although Connecticut is not often discussed when people think about fall foliage, most locals agree that this is the single best place to see fall colors. The variety of colors against the blue of the river is what makes this spectacular. Kent Falls State Park has a fairly easy walk/hike for younger kids and has a fantastic view.

For older kids, Macedonia Brook State Park allows for leaf peeping with a more challenging trail.

Stop by Bulls Bridge Rd. in Kent to see a covered bridge and take some of the most amazing pictures!

The Berkshires Fall Foliage

Although this is an area and not an exact spot, driving through the Berkshires from CT on route 7 is one of the most scenic fall drives ever. We drove my in-laws up this way in the fall and my father-in-law said it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. The drive is very wooded and the Connecticut river runs right be the road. There are plenty of places to pull over and enjoy a fall walk or picnic.

Tip: Go in the beginning of October and attend the Harvest Festival at the Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge. Our kids loved learning how to make farmers cheese, going in a hay maze and eating terrific food.

Saratoga Springs, NY Fall Foliage

This is another favorite for our family in the fall. The town itself is decked out for fall with pumpkins, mums, and hay bales. The grounds of Congress Spring Park are a wash in color, and Saratoga State Park becomes an autumnal wonderland.

One of the most amazing displays is in front of Saratoga State Park. In October, they create an enormous pumpkin, mum, and hay display. It is free to walk around and you will see plenty of people taking pictures with the colorful backdrop. You can’t miss it!

When you go, time it with the Saratoga International Flavorfeast and enjoy tastes from different restaurants in downtown Saratoga. Most of the time it takes place the 2nd weekend in October so the time is perfect for fall foliage.

For more information about spending the weekend in Saratoga Springs, check out this post.

Hudson Valley, NY Fall Foliage

This is a great place to see fall foliage if you live in NYC because it is easily accessible by Metro-North train.
The leaves rise up in flaming color on either side of the Hudson River. Start your day in Tarrytown, New York, enjoying festive autumn celebrations at many of the historic properties. There are some fun family activities at Lyndhust Manor, Philipsburg Manor, and Kykuit. To get a good run down on what there is to do visit our guide to Tarrytown, New York.

Then drive along Route 9, up near West Point, and stop at the lookouts along the way for beautiful vistas.

While you are there, visit the Great Jack o Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson.

Connecticut River Valley Fall Foliage

This is the latest foliage in all of New England, extending into the beginning of November. So if you find yourself wanting one last look at Autumn leaves this is the place for you. Drive along Route 9, and stop in Essex to walk around their charming downtown. The town goes all out for holidays and the decor makes the entire place so festive.

Take the Chester/Hadlyme ferry or the Essex steam train to see this beautiful area from a different vantage point.

North Adams Massachusetts Fall Foliage

Another Southern Massachusetts Fall must see! North Adams and nearby Shelburne offer a great variety of fall color for the foliage enthusiast. Drive along Route 2 to be able to see both North Adams and Shelburne.

North Adams is home to Natural Bridge State Park, that has a white marble archway created by glacier melt off. It also offers a stunning view of the valley of North Adams. If you want another reason to visit, North Adams has a Fall Foliage parade the first weekend in October. In addition to the parade they offer kids crafts and a road race all with the background of beautiful reds and yellows.

Stop and visit the famous Shelburne Falls Bridge of Flowers and see flowering mums, gourds, and pumpkins on an old trestle bridge. The bridge has become an attraction as are the local falls that feature glacial potholes. Be sure to make a stop for an hour or so and visit both!

Final Thoughts

There are so many beautiful places to see fall foliage in Southern New England! You won’t be disappointed with any of these places. Our family has been to all of them and I can’t recommend them more enthusiastically.

If you are fall travel lover like me you will want to check out our other favorite Fall Destinations!

Fall weekend in New Haven, Connecticut

Ithaca, New York in the Fall

5 Things you must do in the Berkshires this fall

 

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