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The Great New England Leaf Chase -Fall Road trip
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items A 5-day New England fall road trip is a great way to experience the vibrant autumn colors and charming towns of the region.
Sections
7
Day 1: Boston → Woodstock, Vermont (140 mi / 3 hrs)
Day 2: Woodstock → Stowe, Vermont (85 mi / 2 hrs)
Day 3: Stowe → Franconia Notch, NH (70 mi / 2 hrs)
Day 4: Franconia → Acadia National Park, ME (190 mi / 4.5 hrs)
Day 5: Sunrise in Acadia → Drive back to Boston (280 mi / 5 hrs)
Other Tips
Day 1: Boston → Woodstock, Vermont (140 mi / 3 hrs)
Kickoff: Scenic countryside, covered bridges, and charming small towns
Croque Madame and raspberry pavlova. Reviews suggest ordering to go as seating is limited
Tatte Bakery
The Kingsley Grist Mill is a national historic site and museum that is not open to the public
Kingsley Grist Mill, Covered Bridge and Waterfall.
Explore Quechee Gorge Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon”
Quechee Gorge
The 500 acre farm is located on a scenic road in central Vermont outside Woodstock. You'll find free samples of cheese and maple syrup and the farm store is full of jams, mustard's, spreads and meats made locally.
Sugarbush Farm | Woodstock, VT | Cheese & Maple Syrup Farm
The Prince & The Pauper restaurant has been delighting guests with superb food, creative cocktails, and impeccable service for over 47 years.
Prince and Pauper
With 45 river-facing rooms and suites, on-site dining at The 506 Bistro, and plenty of spaces to sip, mingle, and relax
On the River Inn, Woodstock
Enjoy a short hike around Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Billings Farm & Museum is just a scenic stroll from the village center of Woodstock, Vermont, and is regarded as one of the finest outdoor history museums in the area
Billings Farm and Museum - Billings Farm Woodstock, Vermont
Day 2: Woodstock → Stowe, Vermont (85 mi / 2 hrs)
Leaf-peeping, mountain vibes, and craft beer
Drive north via scenic Route 100
Vermont Scenic Byways | Vermont Tourism
Enjoy the scenery as you hike up Stowe Pinnacle for views.
Stowe Pinnacle · Stowe, Vermont
Make a stop to pick-up some locally produced Vermont maple syrup. They have a few different classes of syrup available (i.e., golden, amber, and dark) as well as many other maple related treats and trinkets.
Vermont Maple Outlet (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Buy tickets ahead of time for a tour
Waterbury Factory, VT Ice Cream Shop - Ben & Jerry's
Fall at Smugglers’ Notch Resort transforms into a canvas of autumnal bliss with the AutumnFest Family Vacation Package. This seasonal special offers mountainside lodging and an array of activities, including guided hikes, pool fun, and nightly entert...
Four Season Vacations at Smugglers' Notch Resort Vermont
Get on top of Vermont’s greatest views the easy way – in the famous Stowe Gondola SkyRide. From the top of Mt. Mansfield – Vermont’s highest mountain – you can access our Cliff House restaurant, visit the Summit Retail Gift Shop and enjoy a sweet tre...
Gondola Skyride
Home to the Legendary Cider Donut. One of the largest producers of cider in New England.
Cider Pressing in Vermont - Fresh Pressed Cider | Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Tours are available
The Alchemist Brewery - Beer Cafe & Brewery in Stowe, VT
Get the crunchy cheese balls, Notch Burger, fish and chips
Stowe Vermont Brewery and Restaurant Idletyme Brewery
EXPERIENCE AUSTRIAN-INSPIRED VERMONT LODGING
European-style accommodations meet the beauty of the Stowe, Vermont, area at von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort. This vacation resort sits on 2,600 acres with stunning mountain views during any season.
von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort
Experience timeless New England hospitality at the Green Mountain Inn, nestled in the heart of historic Stowe.
Green Mountain Inn, Stowe
Day 3: Stowe → Franconia Notch, NH (70 mi / 2 hrs)
Stop and also explore Littleton
Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway which extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north.
Franconia Notch State Park
Flume Trail:
May 9 – October 13, 9am - 5pm with last entries at 5pm
October 14 – October 26, 9am - 4pm with last entries at 4pm
The Gilman Visitor's Center:
May 9 – October 26, 9am - 5pm
Flume Gorge
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.
Kancamagus Scenic Byway: The Kancamagus Highway – Kancamagus Visitor Information
Sabbaday Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in New Hampshire and certainly one of the more popular stops along the Kancamagus Highway.
Sabbaday Falls: Kancamagus Waterfalls NH
Distance: 1.5 miles loop trail Elevation: 2340' Time: 1-1.5 hours Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Directions: From I-93 (Franconia Notch Parkway) get off on Exit 34C toward the Cannon Mountain Ski Resort and head west on NH 18.
Artist's Bluff and Bald Mountain | Franconia Notch, NH
$4 day use pass fee
Visitors can make a reservation before arriving at the park as parking is limited (especially on nice weekends and holidays). Walk-in spaces are available for visitors on a first come/first-serve basis. Reservations can be made u...
Franconia Notch State Park - Echo Lake Beach
Octoberfest tickets.
Lovely little brewery right on the river in Littleton
Schilling Beer
Day 4: Franconia → Acadia National Park, ME (190 mi / 4.5 hrs)
Overnight: Bar Harbor or near Acadia NP
Cannon—home to the nation’s first aerial tramway, launched in 1938—is the only mountain in North America to reach a third-generation tram. Since 1980, the current tram has carried more than nine million passengers to the 4,080-foot summit
Aerial Tramway - Cannon Mountain
September and Early October:
This period provides a sweet spot with comfortable temperatures, beautiful fall colors (peak foliage often around mid-October), and a noticeable decrease in crowds compared to summer
Things To Do - Acadia National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Discover the best of Acadia National Park on an exhilarating adventure from Bar Harbor. Marvel at the power of Thunder Hole and the panoramic views from Otter Cliff. Savor a local lobster roll.
Bar Harbor: Acadia National Park Tour with Lobster Roll
Cruise through Acadia’s pristine wilderness, hear the legends of the Native tribes who once called this place home, summit the majestic Cadillac Mountain. Plus, visit the quaint, picturesque coastal town of Bar Harbor along the way.
Travel with Action - Travel with Action | Groupon
The cliffside Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse in Acadia National Park, located in the village of Bass Harbor within Tremont, Maine
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse Acadia National Park
Watch the sunset on Cadillac Mountain. Vehicle reservations are required to drive Cadillac Summit Road from May 21 through October 26, 2025.
Cadillac Mountain - Acadia
Day 5: Sunrise in Acadia → Drive back to Boston (280 mi / 5 hrs)
Sunrise hike, coffee enjoying views
Distance: 3.5 mile round trip. Choosing to do the Cadillac Cliff trail section does not change the distance only changes the difficulty.
Hike Gorham Mountain Loop
Acadia Turtle latte and donuts
COFFEE HOUND COFFEE CO., Bar Harbor - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor
Home of fabulous Strawberry Rhubarb Fruit Spread.
Frenchman Bay Benedict
Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast
Other Tips
Best time to leaf peep
Factors like temperature and moisture are different every year, meaning we never see the same show twice.
Peak Fall Foliage Map - New England
Plan the perfect Fall Foliage trip
Perfect Fall in New England Road Trip Itinerary — Points for Family Travel
What to Pack
Pack layers to stay warm
Outdoor Ventures ladies rain jackets with hood with packable carrying pouch, easy to keep in your handbag, travelling bag, suitcase or car.
Outdoor Ventures Women's Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket with Hood
A good pair of pants is a must
10" High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Brinville Wash: Button-Front TENCEL™ Denim Edition | Madewell
Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans
9" Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Larkspur Wash: TENCEL™ Denim Edition | Madewell
Oversized and casual-cool, this lightweight sweater features dropped shoulders, slight blouson sleeves and seam details for visual intrigue.
BP. Seamed Oversize V-Neck Rib Sweater
A good way to layer and stay warm
Patagonia Retro Pile Vest - Women's - Clothing
Long Sleeve Waffle Knit Shirts Dressy Casual
ANRABESS Women's Long Sleeve Waffle Knit Top
The open front cardigan is simple and casual design, with boyfriend slouchy style, a very loose sweater coat, charming, fashionable, it is suitable for any body shape.
LILBETTER Women's Button Down V-Neck Cardigan
Cute jacket perfect for fall foliage
AUTOMET Womens Fall Shackets Plaid Button
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle 32oz