New England is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, vast parks, and Atlantic coastline. Explore the pristine outdoors and quaint towns of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Learn the stories behind the historical sites, take a relaxing hike, breathe the fresh air in the mountains, or feel the sea breeze along the scenic road. You’ll find countless ways to experience New England as we discuss the 27 best places to visit in New England in this article.
Touring New England in search of fall’s changing colors has become so popular that it has spawned its subculture of “leaf peepers.” So soak yourself in the fall harvest spirit with the ultimate road trip.
Trip Length: 5-7 days; 424 miles (682 km).
The splendor of autumn in New England is legendary. Scarlet and sugar maples, ash, birch, beech, dogwood, tulip trees, oak, and sassafras all contribute to the fall frenzy. But there’s more to this tour than flora and fauna: Harvest Spirit takes families out to pick their farm, with leisurely walks along marked trails and tables moaning under delicious seasonal produce.
1. Candlewood Lake
At 8.4 square miles, Candlewood is the largest lake in Connecticut. Squantz Pond State Park, on the west shore, is popular with leaf peepers who come to the beautiful coastline. Brookfield and Sherman have acres of gnarled vines in tranquil vineyards.
Visitors can tour the award-winning DiGrazia Vineyard (digrazia.com; 131 Tower Rd, Bridgefield; 11 am-5 pm daily) or opt for something more intimate at White Silo Farm Winery (whitesilowinery.com;32 CT 37; Tasting $7; 11 am-6 pm (Fri-Sun), with an emphasis on specialty wines made with farm-grown fruit. For the best bird’s-eye view of the foliage, consider a nearby Southbury on a hot air balloon ride with GONE Ballooning (flygoneballooning.com; 88 Sylvan Crest Dr; $250/125 for adults/under 12).
From Danbury, on the south end of the lake, you have the option of heading north on US 7 to Brookfield and New Milford (or along Candlewood Lake Rd S for the scenic beautiful eastern coastline); or take CT 37 and CT 39 north to New Fairfield, Squantz Pond and Sherman before reconnecting with US 7 to Kent.
2. Kent
Kent has previously voted the best place to see fall foliage in New England. Located in Litchfield Hills on the Housatonic River, the property is surrounded by lush woodland. For sweeping views, head to Cobble Hill at Macedon Brook State Park, a wooded oasis 2 miles north of town. Steep climbs to rocky ridges offer panoramic views of the foliage against the Taconic and Catskill mountains.
The 2,175-mile Georgiato-Maine Appalachian National Scenic Trail (appalachiantrail.org) also passes through Kent and Salisbury on the Massachusetts border. Unlike most trails, the Kent area offers a roughly flat 5-mile river walk, along the Housatonic, the longest river walk along the entire trail. The trail is accessible on River Rd near CT 341.
Housatonic Meadows State Park, a 15-mile drive from Kent to U.S. 7, is one of the most scenic spots in Connecticut. The single-lane road winds through dense forest, through Kent Falls State Park with its tumbling waterfalls (visible from the road), West Cornwall’s picturesque covered bridges, and the Housatonic River.
3. Housatonic Meadows State Park
The churning waters of the Housatonic challenge kayakers and kayakers during the spring thaw. In summer, the scenic waterway transforms into a lazy flat river, perfect for fly fishing. At Housatonic Meadows State Park (806-672-6772; US 7; tent site resident/nonresident $17/27; mid-April to mid-October), campers vie for a spot on the riverbank while hikers head to The hills of the Appalachian Trail. In addition, Housatonic River Outfitters (dryflies.com; 24 Kent Rd, Cornwall Bridge) runs guided food picnics.
Popular with artists and photographers, one of the most photographed autumn scenes is Cornwall Bridge (West Cornwall), an old covered bridge spanning a broad river framed by vibrantly colored foliage. In the nearby town of Goshen is Nodine’s Smokehouse (nodinesmokehouse.com; 39 North St), the leading supplier of smoked meats to New York gourmet restaurants.
Continue north on US 7 toward the Massachusetts border and Great Barrington. After a few miles, you’ll leave the park’s forested hillsides and enter vast rolling countryside dotted with large red and white barns. Look out for the hand-painted signs advertising products, and consider spending the night in Falls Village, which has a great bed and breakfast.
4. Berkshire
The Berkshire Round Mountains, which cover the far west of Massachusetts, turn crimson and gold as early as mid-September. The effective capital of the Berkshires in Great Barrington is a former industrial town with streets now lined with art galleries and upscale restaurants. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic or rest before or after hiking in the nearby Beartown State Forest.
The Cross is 12,000 acres, and hiking trails offer breathtaking views of wooded hillsides and the beautiful Benedict Pond. Further north, October Mountain National Forest, the state’s largest green space (16,127 acres), is also woven with hiking trails. The name – attributed to Herman Melville – is a good indication of when the park is most beautiful, with its colorful hemlocks, birches, and oaks.
Head north on US 7 through Great Barrington and Stockbridge. In Lee, the highway merges with scenic U.S. Route 20, from where you can access October Mountain. Follow Lenox and Pittsfield 16 miles north to Lanesborough. Turn right on N Main St and follow signs to the park entrance.
5. Mount Greylock National Forest
The tallest mountain in Massachusetts isn’t quite as tall at 3,491 feet, but climbing the 92-foot War Veterans Memorial tower takes you up to 100 miles across the Taconic, Housatonic, and Catskill Mountains and forested panoramas across more than five states. Even if the weather seems drab from the base of the mountain, driving to the top might cause you to lift a blanket of gray, and the view with a layer of clouds floating between the tree line and the sky is nothing short of magical.
Mount Greylock National Preserve (free parking, $2; visitor center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., auto highway May to late October) has 45 miles of hiking trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail. Frequent road take-offs – including some leading to the falls – make for at least one hike before reaching the top of Greylock.
Return to US 7 and continue north through the quintessential college town of Williamstown. Cross the Vermont border and continue north through the historic village of Bennington. North of Bennington, turn left on Rte 7A and continue north toward Manchester.
6. Manchester
Trendy Manchester is known for its grand New England architecture. For fall treescapes, south of the center to 3,828-foot-tall Mt Equinox (equinoxmountain.com; $15 for car and driver, $5 for each additional passenger; May-October 9-October), This is the highest mountain trail in the Taconic Range. The 5.2-mile loop—with dramatic scenery at every hairpin turn—seems to be on top of the world, with 360-degree panoramas unfurling to see the Adirondacks, lush Battenkill Valley, and Montreal’s Mount Royal.
If early snow keeps Mt Equinox inaccessible, visit the 412-acre Hildene, a Georgian Revival mansion once home to the Lincoln family. It’s filled with presidential memorabilia and sits on the edge of Green Mountain, with access to eight miles of wooded trails.
Travel north on US 7 to Burlington. Three miles from Middlebury in New Haven, stop at Lincoln Peak Vineyard (lincolnpeakvineyard.com) for a wine tasting or a picnic lunch on the wraparound porch.
7. Lake Champlain
At 490 square miles, Lake Champlain straddles New York, Vermont, and Quebec and is the largest freshwater lake in the United States after the Great Lakes. On its northeast side, Burlington is a gorgeous base for enjoying the lake. First, explore it on foot on our walking tour. Then head to the wooden promenade, swing in a four-person rocker and consider biking along the 7.5-mile lakeside bike path.
For the best views of the foliage offshore, we like the Whistling Man Schooner’s Friend Ship Sailboat (whistlingman.com; College St; 2-hour cruises $40/25 adults/children; May-October), a 43-foot The sloop can accommodate only 17 passengers. Next door, the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center (echovermont.org) explores the lake’s history and ecosystem, including snapshots of Champ, the famous Lake Champlain mythical sea creature.
Travel southeast on I-89 to Montpelier, passing Camel’s Hump State Park and CC Putnam State Forest. In Montpelier, head east on US2 to St Johnsbury, from which you can take the I-91 south to I-93 South. Just after Littleton, follow Route 302 US East to Bretton Woods.
8. Bretton Woods
Unbuckle your seat belt and get out of the car. You’re not just peeking at leaves today; you’re swooping through them on a 1,000-foot zipline drop at 30 mph. The Four Seasons Bretton Woods Canopy Tour (brettonwoods.com; US 302; $110 per person; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) includes hiking through the woods, strolling on sky bridges, and spinning along ten cables to tree platforms.
If this makes you crave higher views, cross US 302 and travel 6 miles on Base Rd to the coal-fired, steam-powered Mount Washington Cog Railroad (thecog.com; $66/39/adult/kid/senior) 59;8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the western base of Mount Washington, New England’s tallest peak. Since 1869, the historic railroad has been bringing sightseers to the mountain’s 6,288-foot peak.
Continue east on US 302, a route parallel to the Saco River and Conway Scenic Railroad through Crawford Canyon State Park. At the junction of NH 16 and US 302, continue east on US 302 into North Conway.
9. North Conway
Many of North Conway’s best restaurants, bars, and inns offer expansive views of the nearby mountains, an ideal place to end your fall foliage tour. If you’re traveling with kids or skipped the cog railway on Mount Washington, consider taking the Conway Scenic Railroad’s historic valley train excursion; from North Conway to Conway, 11 miles south, it’s a short but Sweet round trip. The Moat Mountains and Saco River will be your scenic backdrop. First-class seats are usually located in restored Pullman viewing cars.
10. The Road of Freedom
Walking the Freedom Trail is the best free thing to do in Boston. The trail connects Revolutionary-era landmarks such as Faneuil Hall and the Samuel Adams Statue. Media photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Everything is on the upswing these days, but frugality has always been a virtue in New England, and some of my favorite attractions are still free and open to the public. One of the top 10 free attractions on my list even offers free beer to visitors!
Plan a budget vacation or affordable day trip with my guide
The Freedom Trail—a 2.5-mile walking tour connecting 16 important Boston landmarks—is not only one of Boston’s can’t-miss attractions but also a historic Freedom Walk. Just follow the painted or bricked red lines and immerse yourself in the rich Revolutionary era history preserved in this modern city. Walking the Freedom Trail is a great highway for exploring Boston. In addition to preserving the Revere House, the Old South Synagogue, and the Old State House, featured sites on the Inside Passage are also free, with only three exceptions.
11. U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum and USS Nautilus
A free audio tour of the world’s first nuclear submarine is the highlight of a visit to this free Connecticut attraction. ©2008 Kim Knox Beckius
Peer into the periscope, see a replica of the world’s first submarine, watch yesterday’s and today’s movies about submarines, and pretend to take control of a submarine; that’s what happens after you board the USS Nautilus with free audio. The Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine and the first ship to travel 20,000 miles underwater, is now free and open to the public year-round.
Located on the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut, just off Interstate 95, the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum also features a fascinating collection of submarine artifacts. There is something for everyone from naval history buffs to five-year-olds (my daughter has a ball here), so plan a visit to this oft-overlooked free attraction.
12. Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Clydesdale Hamlet
Once a month, visitors can see a Clydesdale horse in Merrimack, New Hampshire. ©2006 Kim Knox Beckius
The Budweiser Clydesdales are some of the beverage industry’s most recognizable mascots. You can meet these famous horses by visiting the Clydesdale Hamlet at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack, New Hampshire. Whether you take part in the free beer tour or not, you are welcome to see the Clydesdales at the hotel’s picturesque stables, free and open to the public all year round. But if you’re 21 or older, you might find it hard to resist visiting when I tell you it ends with free beer samples.
13. Stephen Huneck’s Chapel of the Dog
One of Vermont’s most moving attractions – the Church of the Dog, built by artist Stephen Huneker – welcomes visitors and dogs free of charge. ©2004 Kim Knox Beckius
If you own a dog or have ever loved a dog, put Stephen Huneker’s Church of the Dog in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, at the top of your list of free things to do in New England. Bring your dog if you can. Whether you let your pup sit at his feet, his prayers will be answered when he discovers the nature trails, swimming ponds, and other delights of the 400 scenic acres surrounding Dog Mountain Church. I adore this picturesque church and art gallery: please don’t tell my cats.
14. Yankee Candle
This is a popular Massachusetts attraction that bills itself as the “Center of the Universe.” ©2015 Kim Knox Beckius
Yankee Candle Village’s flagship store in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, is Disney’s Candle World. You can practically lose yourself for hours among the twists and turns, cavernous halls and alluring scents. Of course, the good folks at Yankee Candle hope your visit will cost you something. Remember that it’s impossible to avoid buying one or more of these products: Yankee Candles smell lovely and make ideal gifts. However, if you have a lot of willpower, you’ll find this retail complex to be a fascinating visual attraction and fun.
15. Yale University
Free campus tours, museums, and more await visiting Yale University in Connecticut. Photo by Michael Marsland, © Yale University
Want to get into Yale for free? That is definitely possible, as long as you don’t need a degree! Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, is a cultural attraction worth visiting. Here’s why: You can visit this historic New England campus for free and view magnificent artwork and changing exhibits at the Yale Art Museum and Yale Center for British Art. You can even attend the nearly 300 annual Yale School of Music performances. Most concerts are… you guessed it… free!
16. Cliff Walk
It costs money to visit the Newport Mansions, but it is possible to stroll along the famous cliffs. ©2012 Kim Knox Beckius
It’s no secret that this is a free attraction. Walking the Cliff Walk is the most popular activity in Newport, Rhode Island, a historic city that welcomes about 3 million visitors a year. This 3.5-mile seaside trail is one of the most spectacular hikes in New England. It offers unsettling and magnificent views of Newport’s fabled mansions and the ocean they overlook.
17. Pine Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Pines is one of New England’s most moving and spiritual places. Nestled among secluded hilltops against a backdrop of floppy pines and the glorious Great Monadnock Mountain, this non-denominational church in Rindge, New Hampshire, is a wonderful place to reflect. Whether you want to give thanks for the beauty of nature, honor those who have served America, or do any other form of Worship you want, all without opening your wallet.
18. Eartha
Aside from being a Guinness World Record holder, Eartha is truly a miracle, and the next time you’re in Yarmouth, Maine, you can visit her for free. So what the hell is Eartha? I’m glad you asked. Eartha is the world’s largest spinning/rotating globe, a three-layered replica of our Earth, which is on display year-round at the home of her creator, the DeLorme Map Company. DeLorme’s employees spent two years creating the giant computer-controlled sphere, which spins on a specially designed cantilever on an axis.
19. Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory
See the fine print? Free potato chip samples await after the free factory tour. “Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory” © Kirbyfest, flickr.com Creative Commons License
The Cape Cod Potato Chip Company has manufactured its signature kettle chips in Hyannis, Massachusetts, since 1980. Free factory tours are offered on weekdays at Cape Cod Potato Chips, and kids especially love seeing how America’s favorite snack food is made. When you’re done with your tour, you’ll get a free sample of crunchy, delicious Cape Cod Chips.
20. Mystic, Connecticut
New England is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, vast parks, and Atlantic coastline.
Explore the pristine outdoors and quaint towns of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Learn the stories behind the historical sites, take a relaxing hike, breathe the fresh air in the mountains, or feel the sea breeze along the scenic road. You’ll find countless ways to experience New England.
Visit Mystic Seaport to glimpse what life was like in a 19th-century whaling village. See historic ships, including the world’s last wooden whaling ship, the Charles W. Morgan. You’ll also find the first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus. Or take a scenic boat trip to see the picturesque Mystic River and its New England architecture. Head to the Mystic Aquarium to spot marine life like sea lions and beluga whales. Stroll along Main Street, sample local seafood, and browse the eclectic range of galleries and boutiques.
21. Hiking and Biking in Acadia National Park, Maine
On Mount Desert Island, off the coast of Maine near Bar Harbor, the beauty of Acadia National Park is awe-inspiring every second. The 19,020 acres of stunning parkland include the peaks of Cadillac Mountain, lush forests, and a rugged Atlantic coastline. Approximately 204 kilometers of hiking trails offer opportunities to spot birds, elk, coyotes, and other wildlife.
Bike along the 92-kilometer carriageway or drive the 43-kilometer Park Loop Road. The neighboring town of Bal Harbor offers lodging, shopping, and dining options. Visit the Abbe Museum to learn about local history, then take a whale-watching boat trip.
22. Mountain scenery in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountain National Forest is New Hampshire’s jewel. Follow Interstate 93 for 13 kilometers through the Kinsman and Franconia mountains that stretch from Flume Gorge to Echo Lake. Stop at Cannon Mountain to ride the aerial tram, swim at Echo Lake, fish at Profile Lake, or see waterfalls at Basin. There are picturesque trails throughout the park for hiking and cycling. Visit the New England Ski Museum and stay overnight at Lafayette Place Campground or Cannon Mountain RV Park. Try skiing and snowboarding from late November to mid-April for some winter thrills.
23. Sailing Activities in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, located in the small and charming state of Rhode Island, has been a cultural icon of commerce, sports, and entertainment since the city was founded in 1639. Today, nine local yacht clubs and the public Sail Newport host world-class sailing events throughout the year. In addition to local, national, and international level sailing events, it hosts various Olympic qualifiers, the Newport Bermuda Race, America’s Cup World Series, and the U.S. Para Sailing Championships (U.S. Para Sailing Championships). Watching the races or chartering a boat for some quiet time along the beautiful coastline is always a pleasure.
24. Hiking in Vermont
Plan a leisurely hike on the Vermont Forest Trails to soak up the pristine natural beauty. Popular trails include the 2.72-kilometer round-trip at Molly Stark State Park (Molly Stark State Park, Wilmington) up Mount Olga, where you can climb a fire tower for views of southern Vermont and Massachusetts 360-degree views of upstate.
Take a leisurely stroll along the 4.6-kilometer loop at Mount Independence, a state historic site in Orville, named after the soldiers stationed there in 1776; head to Lake Champlain and Ticonderoga Visit the archaeological site of Fort Ticonderoga. Mount Philo State Park (in Charlotte) in the Champlain Valley also has a 3.2-kilometer walking trail; fall’s maple leaves are stunning.
25. Sandy beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
The sandy beach is 265 meters long and is one of the most popular attractions on Mount Desert Island, attracting many tourists on warm summer days. It lies on Newport Bay between the granite mountains and rocky shores on the east side of Acadia National Park, the only national park in New England. One of the beach’s most fantastic attractions is its pink-white soft sand, made of tiny shell fragments from violent surf.
There are many hiking trails in the area, with one popular trail starting at the beach and looping around the perimeter of the headland. Those who tackle the trail will enjoy stunning views of the beach below.
26. Silver Sands State Park, Gold Coast, Connecticut
Silver Sands State Park beaches in Milford, popular with nature lovers and bird-watchers, are accessible along a long boardwalk that weaves through the park’s marshlands. The main strip is popular for sunbathing and water sports, and there are dozens of cairns (altars of rock) on the beach. There is also an all-weather boardwalk along the beach on the Gold Coast for strolls.
Twice a day, the tides push “tombolos,” or sandbars, out of the water, connecting the beach to Charles Island, about a half-mile from the mainland. If you travel, be aware of the tides. To protect nesting seabird populations, crossing the island is not permitted from May 1 to September 9.
27. Bradley Point Park and Beach, New Haven, Connecticut
Historic Bradley Point Park, where the invading British troops landed in 1779, is a beautiful, family-friendly beach. The sand has permanent positions for impromptu volleyball games, and its 1.7 miles of the oceanfront walkway are perfect for soaking up the ocean air.
Bradley Point, in the city of West Haven in New Haven County, is known as one of the best picnic spots in Connecticut because of the park’s benches and tables overlooking the sea. Bike paths and 3.5 miles of pedestrian trails link Bradley to the northeast with Morse Beach and Sandy Point, offering views of the Long Island Sound estuary along the way. For those keen to wander, the shoreline is just minutes from downtown’s business and entertainment districts.
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