Fall Foliage Around New England Lakes

As the summer in New England begins to fade, the fall brings crisp air and new scenery. The trees are splashed with waves of orange and red, while others parade shades of golden yellows, plum purples or deep browns. And though the spectacular color change can be seen in different locations around the world, there’s something special about New England fall foliage… Specifically the fall foliage around the New England Lakes! There is nothing more beautiful than watching the leaves change color and having it reflected off the surface of the lake. Today’s blog post is all about where to find those amazing views in New England.

Kancamagus Highway, NH- This scenic, tree-lined drive spans 34.5-miles and allows travelers to tour some of the most picturesque spots the region has to offer. Beginning in Lincoln and ascending through the White Mountain National Forest, there’s no shortage of stunning overlooks and stops along “the Kanc,” so be prepared to put it in park. Be sure to stop at the C.L. Graham Overlook just below the summit of Kancamagus Pass, then picnic at Sabbaday Falls in Conway, a half-mile walk from the trail head, before heading north to Bretton Woods on 302. There, you’ll be treated to blazing views of Mount Washington.

Lake Winnipesaukee, NH- Just hop in the car and take a leisurely drive around Lake Winnipesaukee. Regardless of your starting point, there’s plenty to see on this 115-mile loop, sweeping through Alton, Alton Bay, Gilford, Weirs Beach, Meredith, Holderness, Center Harbor and Moultonborough. While there are many routes to choose from – one of the most popular drives starts in Meredith at the town docks by the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. You will be able to see the beautiful foliage and stop in one of the quaint towns for lunch. Also be sure to take a hike up Mount Major! It is rewarded with brilliant New England fall foliage contrasted against Lake Winnipesaukee and the neighboring Ossipee and White Mountains.

Bethel, ME- In this mountain village, the best way to see the changing leaves is on foot. Bethel offers hiking access to multiple well-known trails situated in some standout conservation lands, including the White Mountain National Forest, Grafton Notch State Park, and the Appalachian Trail. Be sure to check out the Androscoggin River Recreation Trail, home to some unique wildlife and gorgeous foliage.

Acadia National Park, ME- Northeast of Camden, the 47,000-acre Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is a nature lover’s paradise and truly the epitome of foliage destinations. Its 27-mile Park Loop Road is filled with spots to observe and photograph the foliage. Take in the sweeping views from Cadillac Mountain. Stay in a nearby town (charming all on their own) and get day passes into the park or gear up and plan to camp inside the park. Mid-October is the best time to leaf-peep, but the surroundings are beautiful year-round. 

Montgomery, VT- Some of the northeast’s prettiest foliage views can be found in this tiny town in northern Vermont. Montgomery also happens to be “Vermont’s Covered Bridge Capital,” so you can supplement your foliage pics with some bridge content for the Instagram feed. There are six of these covered bridges in the town, and each one is just waiting for you to take a leisurely stroll across it, warm beverage in hand. After touring the bridges, consider hiking through the 15 miles of trails preserved by the Hazen’s Notch Association. Maybe not all 15 miles…

Ocean Drive, RI- Although it is not filled with scenic views of lakes, Ocean Drive in RI is a beautiful drive to spot the fall foliage! Ideally, enjoy Ocean Drive by bike. Start out on the Bellevue Avenue side of the Ocean Drive Loop, an 11-mile waterfront route passing through the colorful American yellowwoods, European beeches, and stately mansions of Bellevue before opening onto Ocean Drive. It offers dual views of the Rhode Island Sound on your left and jaw-dropping colors on your right. End at the equally scenic Newport Harbor, where you might pull up to Belle’s Café in the Shipyard for coffee and yacht views.

Mohawk Trail, MA- The 63-mile-long Mohawk Trail follows what was once a Native American trade route. Located in northwest Massachusetts, it straddles the Berkshire Mountains between the Hudson and Connecticut River valleys. There are mountain streams and plenty of pit stops along the way, like the Golden Eagle restaurant on the trail’s famous Hairpin Turn (the food is decent, the view unbeatable). End in North Adams and visit MassMoCA, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art––one of the biggest museums in the country.

Route 6A, MA- Luckily, the beauty and charm of Cape Cod villages persevere past the summer, making the postcard-perfect towns along route 6A a fantastic fall destination. Start just after the Sagamore Bridge and follow the road through scenic Sandwich, the Cape’s oldest town. From there, roll on to Yarmouth Port, through Dennis and finally Brewster. There, find Nickerson State Park, where the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail offers no shortage of views to be seen on foot. Peak season hits late here, so it’s perfect if you find yourself looking for leaves come mid-October or even later.

Montgomery, VT- Some of the northeast’s prettiest foliage views can be found in this tiny town in northern Vermont. Montgomery also happens to be “Vermont’s Covered Bridge Capital,” so you can supplement your foliage pics with some bridge content for the Instagram feed. There are six of these covered bridges in the town, and each one is just waiting for you to take a leisurely stroll across it, warm beverage in hand. After touring the bridges, consider hiking through the 15 miles of trails preserved by the Hazen’s Notch Association. Maybe not all 15 miles…

Green Mountain Byway and Route 108, VT- Along Vermont’s scenic Route 100, a 14.5-mile stretch of road known as the Green Mountain Byway travels through the towns of Waterbury and Stowe. The drive offers views of picturesque meadows, vast farmlands and forests, along with a beautiful backdrop of the northern Green Mountains and Worcester Range.

At the junction of Route 108 (Mountain Road), drive towards Mount Mansfield – the highest peak in Vermont. Visitors can leisurely ascend the mountain’s slope with a scenic gondola sky ride and witness the flaming treetops from high above. Continue on Route 108 for a dramatic journey through Smugglers Notch, where a bold and rugged landscape awaits. Then loop back towards the charming town of Stowe.

Connecticut’s Route 7- Northwestern Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills region is filled with village greens, rolling hills, and Housatonic river views. Begin in the coastal town of Norwalk, trail through Kent Falls State Park (there are waterfalls!), and pass through Woodbury, the “antiques capital of Connecticut.” End in Litchfield Hills for a classic New England aesthetic explorable on foot, horseback–or hot air balloon. While you’re in the area, treat yourself to a lavish meal at what OpenTable named one of the 100 best restaurants in America: Arethusa al tavolo in Bantam.

There are many beautiful spots to enjoy the famous New England fall foliage on lakes and rivers… but what would be even better would be to wake up to one every morning. With your very own lake home you will be able to enjoy the fall foliage on the lake day after day and year after year! Nothing beats a cozy New England autumn quite like a lake home does!

Click here to find the Peak Fall Foliage Map

Posted by Scott Freerksen “The Lake Guy”