It’s finally fall in New England. Well, not technically, however anytime the air gets a little chilly and we start drinking anything pumpkin spice, we all start thinking about fall. In the past week, we’ve been asking our listeners about their favorite places to go leaf peeping. If you’re not from here, leaf peeping is simply going for a drive to look at the leaves on the trees changing color. Some people will spend their entire weekends driving around and looking at the gorgeous leaves which make for amazing Instagram pictures.

When is peak leaf peeping season? Typically, the leaves in New England start changing color early to mid September but it depends on the year’s weather. If you’re asking about PEAK leaf peeping season, that’s usually around mid October. Believe it or not, there are actually websites that track the best time to go leaf peeping. In New Hampshire, CLICK HERE. For Vermont CLICK HERE In Massachusetts CLICK HERE In Maine CLICK HERE

Now unfortunately, the drought that we’ve been going through here has put a slight damper on the timing of leaf peeping this year. According to AccuWeather’s Paul Pastelok, “When it’s dry, the tree will try to preserve itself and shut down leaf production earlier than normal. This is still happening, despite rain that just fell.” This means that leaf peeping will probably be its best earlier this year than normal. So, when you’re looking at this list, try to plan your trip in the month of September rather than October. We have included several destinations across New England based on the answers you’ve given us. So, without further delay, here are the best places to see fall foliage and to go leaf peeping in New England.

NORTH CONWAY, NH – OCTOBER 17: Trees sport colorful leaves as a river flows past October 17, 2005 near North Conway, New Hampshire. The fall foliage season has gotten off to a slow start with the trees being still green in many spots and in others the leaves have been removed from the trees by more than a week of rain and wind. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

• Kancamagus highway in NH

  Submitted by Heather Ruiz Vega, Heather A Henriquez, Katie Decossa,
  “It’s beautiful, as well as the Monadnock region.”

  Kancamagus Scenic Byway: The Kancamagus Highway - Kancamagus Visitor Information

  Kancamagus Scenic Byway, aka "The Kanc" The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5 mile scenic drive along NH's Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire that is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing areas in the country. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty and culture.

• West Forks/Moose river in Maine

  Submitted by Amanda Colon “I love heading up to west forks/moose river Maine and taking a rafting trip down either the kennebec or the dead river. It’s a different experience seeing it from a river while having a blast rafting.”

  13 Best Things To Do In Kennebec Valley And Moose River 2022

  Cultural attractions and outdoor adventures blend in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys Region of Maine, encompassing the Belgrade Lakes

   

• Warner, NH

  Submitted by Gina Denton. “Warner NH has a Fall Foliage Fest every year – the ride up, the location & timing of the fest are incredible.”

   

• Burlington, VT

  Submitted by Hilary Taylor “Burlington, Vermont – Vermont country store!”

  Burlington VT Things To Do | Attractions, Outdoors, Arts & Culture

  Discover the top things to do in Burlington, VT - a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains. From scenic bike paths to craft breweries, our comprehensive guide has something for everyone. Explore our listings and plan your perfect Vermont vacation today.

• Mount Sugarloaf in Deerfield MA

  Submitted by Danyelle Katherine. Deerfield isn’t a place most people in MA have heard of, but it is absolutely stunning in the fall.

• Killington, VT

  Submitted by Lisa Howard and Jamie Lee.  Killington is typically known for its skiing and hiking trails. But you HAVE to check it out for its foliage. Breathtaking!

  Vermont fall foliage: Take this Killington-area leaf-peeping trip

  Vermont Route 100 runs along the edge of the Green Mountain Forest. As you drive through the foothills, you'll see why it's an official scenic byway.

• Franconia Notch

  Submitted by Hannah Yifru. It’s a state park in Franconia, NH that has breathtaking views. Day Use Fees:
  Adult: 12 and over $4, NH Residents age 65 and over $0, Non-Resident $5.
  Child: 5 & under – $0, 6-11, $2, Non- Resident 6-11, $3

• Mohawk Trail (Route 2)

  Submitted by Jennifer Ramsey-Feoli. The Mohawk Trail  leads from the Hudson and Mohawk River Valleys in New York to the Deerfield and Connecticut River Valleys in Massachusetts.

  Driving Tours

  Take a driving tour of beautiful Western MA along the historic Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts. Experience the thrill and colors of foliage season and explore our museums, culture, art, scenery, theater, cuisine, and more!

• Lakes Region in Tilton

  Submitted by Chris Pereira. This scenic route can start at Alton Bay NH and trace the Lake Winnipesaukee on route to Wolfeboro.  It can go up to 134 miles!

   

• Ross' Cliffs in CT

  Submitted by Michelle McLaughlin.  This recreation area covers 314 acres in the town of Killingly, Connecticut.  Dogs are allowed and many say it’s also a great place for fishing.

• White Mountain National Forest

  Submitted by Devin Richardt. Peak foliage typically occurs in the White Mountains from the end of September through the second week of October.  So make your plans now!

  White Mountain National Forest - Home

  White Mountain National Forest

• Northern Maine The County

  Submitted by Fred Veader. There are several driving tours and hiking trails available to check out the foliage here. Typically between the end of September and October are the best times to view.

• Concord, VT

  Submitted by Nicole Whitehouse.  Not only is there foliage, but Concord is a great place for fishing, hiking, boating etc. You can get updates on the best locations for foliage below:

  Concord | Vermont.com

  Concord Vermont is a town in Essex County, just east of St Johnsbury, VT and the junction of I-91 & I-93. Concord is located in the beautiful and scenic "Northeast Kingdom" of Vermont, an area that National Geographic selected as part of their geotourism program for sustainable destinations.

• The Berkshires

  Submitted by Brianna Valerie.  The Berkshires is GORGEOUS. Not only do you have Tanglewood to visit, but the countless hills and mountains are covered in gorgeous foliage.

  Visit The Berkshires | Official Guide to The Berkshires, MA

  The official website for the Berkshires, your destination for world class cultural attractions, superior outdoor recreation, delectable dining and more!

• Route 100 in Vermont

  Submitted by Jenny Harrigan.  Some have actually labeled this road as the best place to view fall foliage in New England.

• Washburn Park Marion, MA

  Submitted by Heather O’Neill.  Not only can you look at the foliage, but there are wooded trails, ponds & equestrian events, plus baseball fields & a playground.

  https://www.marionma.gov/recreation-department/pages/parks

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