Few places in the United States are as closely associated with fall as New England.
The region draws visitors each year for its colorful foliage, historic downtowns, mountain scenery and classic autumn activities. From Vermont villages to coastal Maine communities, there are plenty of destinations for a fall day trip or weekend getaway.
Here are five New England towns worth visiting this fall.
1. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is one of New England's best-known fall destinations.
The northern Vermont town sits near Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain in the state, and offers impressive views as the surrounding forests change color.
Visitors can explore downtown Stowe, stop at local shops and restaurants or take a scenic drive through the surrounding mountains.
The area also offers hiking opportunities for visitors who want to see the foliage from the trails.
Stowe can get crowded during peak foliage season, but its combination of mountains, fall colors and traditional New England scenery makes it a popular autumn destination.
2. North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway offers a mix of mountain scenery, shopping and outdoor activities.
The town sits in New Hampshire's White Mountains, putting visitors close to some of the state's best-known foliage drives.
The Kancamagus Highway is nearby and attracts visitors each fall with mountain views, overlooks and miles of colorful forest.
North Conway itself has restaurants, shops and attractions that make it easy to spend an entire day in the area.
Visitors can also take advantage of nearby hiking trails or simply drive through the White Mountains to enjoy the scenery.
3. Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock looks like the type of New England town people picture when they think about fall.
The community features historic buildings, covered bridges and tree-lined streets surrounded by Vermont countryside.
Visitors can walk through the downtown area, browse local shops and enjoy the fall foliage without needing a complicated itinerary.
The surrounding roads also offer scenic drives through farms, forests and small villages.
For visitors looking for a traditional small-town Vermont experience, Woodstock is an easy place to consider during the fall.
4. Stockbridge, Massachusetts
You do not have to leave Massachusetts to find a classic New England fall destination.
Stockbridge sits in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts and offers a combination of foliage, history and small-town scenery.
The town's Main Street is one of its best-known attractions and features the type of traditional New England architecture that fits particularly well with an autumn visit.
The surrounding Berkshires provide plenty of opportunities for scenic drives and outdoor activities.
Stockbridge can work as either a day trip or part of a longer western Massachusetts fall weekend.
5. Camden, Maine
Fall in New England does not have to mean choosing between mountains and the coast.
Camden offers both.
The Maine town sits along Penobscot Bay while Camden Hills State Park rises behind it. That gives visitors views of fall foliage alongside the Atlantic Ocean.
Downtown Camden has restaurants, local shops and a waterfront area that visitors can explore on foot.
A trip to nearby Mount Battie can provide sweeping views of the town, harbor and surrounding landscape.
Camden is particularly appealing for visitors who want a New England fall trip that feels different from the mountain towns of Vermont and New Hampshire.
When Is the Best Time To See Fall Foliage in New England?
Peak foliage does not arrive everywhere in New England at the same time.
Northern and higher-elevation areas generally change first, while southern New England and coastal areas tend to reach peak color later.
That means travelers can potentially enjoy several weeks of fall foliage by visiting different parts of the region throughout the season.
Weather conditions can affect the timing and quality of the colors from year to year, so visitors should check foliage conditions before making a long trip.
Planning a New England Fall Getaway
A fall trip through New England can be as simple as a day of driving or as elaborate as a weekend vacation.
Stowe, North Conway and Woodstock offer the classic mountain-and-foliage experience. Stockbridge provides a Massachusetts option surrounded by the Berkshires, while Camden combines autumn colors with the Maine coast.
No matter which destination you choose, September and October provide plenty of opportunities to experience one of New England's most recognizable seasons.
