There’s nothing like the crisp air and fiery colors of New England in the fall. Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine offer some of the most breathtaking drives you’ll ever experience.
From winding country roads to charming small towns, every turn brings a new splash of autumn beauty. Pack a cozy sweater, grab your camera, and get ready for a road trip you won’t forget!
1. Green Mountain Byway, Vermont
This 11-mile stretch between Waterbury and Stowe delivers postcard-worthy Vermont landscapes. Maple and birch trees create a golden canopy overhead while the Green Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop.
Stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh apple cider donuts and enjoy views of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The route passes charming villages where local artisans showcase their crafts.
2. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Known to locals as ‘The Kanc,’ this 34-mile route cuts through White Mountain National Forest. Swift River accompanies you while sugar maples burst into fiery reds against evergreen pines.
Pull over at Albany Covered Bridge for perfect photo opportunities unique to New Hampshire’s countryside. The Sabbaday Falls trail offers a quick hike to see cascading water framed by golden foliage.
3. Acadia National Park Loop, Maine
Circle Mount Desert Island on this 27-mile journey through Maine’s crown jewel. Ocean views contrast dramatically with blazing hardwood forests, creating unforgettable scenery where mountains meet the Atlantic.
Cadillac Mountain’s summit provides panoramic vistas of autumn colors stretching to the horizon. Jordan Pond offers mirror-like reflections of surrounding hills dressed in their fall finery.
4. Route 100, Vermont
Often called Vermont’s Main Street, this north-south corridor runs nearly the entire length of the state. Farmlands dotted with red barns create quintessential Vermont scenes against backdrops of flame-colored hillsides.
Visit Moss Glen Falls where cascading water cuts through a corridor of golden trees. The route winds through charming towns like Stowe and Waterbury, home to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory.
5. Presidential Range Tour, New Hampshire
Circle the mighty Presidential Range on Routes 2, 16, and 302 for breathtaking New Hampshire mountain vistas. Mount Washington stands sentinel over valleys ablaze with autumn’s palette of colors.
Stop at Crawford Notch where the narrow mountain pass frames perfect foliage views. The historic Mount Washington Hotel offers a luxurious break with spectacular panoramas of the surrounding leaf-peeping wonderland.
6. Bold Coast Scenic Byway, Maine
This less-traveled 125-mile route showcases Maine’s rugged Downeast coastline. Lighthouses stand against dramatic ocean backdrops while inland forests display subtle yet beautiful autumn transformations.
Visit Machias for wild blueberry treats and witness the meeting of forest and sea at Quoddy Head State Park. The coastal villages along this route offer authentic Maine experiences without the crowds found elsewhere.
7. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
This winding mountain pass between Stowe and Jeffersonville offers Vermont’s most dramatic fall scenery. Massive boulders line the narrow road while towering cliffs draped in autumn colors create a natural cathedral.
The road becomes so narrow that large vehicles can’t pass through, preserving its intimate charm. Hiking trails branch off into forests where maple trees create a golden canopy overhead.
8. Lake Winnipesaukee Loop, New Hampshire
Circle New Hampshire’s largest lake on this 97-mile route where water views enhance the fall color experience. Reflections of crimson and gold shimmer on the lake’s surface, doubling the visual impact.
The charming lakeside towns of Wolfeboro and Meredith offer perfect stopping points with waterfront dining. Castle in the Clouds provides elevated views of the lake surrounded by a patchwork of autumn colors.
9. Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, Maine
This 52-mile loop through western Maine’s lake country showcases pristine waters surrounded by mountains. The Height of Land overlook delivers one of Maine’s most spectacular panoramic views of lakes and forests.
Moose sightings are common along this route, especially at dawn and dusk. The charming town of Rangeley provides a perfect base for exploring this less-crowded region of brilliant fall colors.
10. Connecticut River Byway, Vermont/New Hampshire
This unique route follows the Connecticut River, forming a natural border between Vermont and New Hampshire. Historic covered bridges span the river, framing perfect views of both states’ autumn splendor.
Stop at Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon,” for dramatic views of the river below. The twin towns of Hanover, NH and Norwich, VT offer charming New England atmospheres with excellent dining options.