Autumn is a deservedly popular time to visit the USA and Canada, as mother nature puts on her annual show of changing colours. With prices dipping from the highs of summer and Christmas, the ‘shoulder season’ is the perfect time to enjoy a tailor-made American road trip.

There’s one place that everyone thinks of when they think of Autumn Colour in the USA and that’s New England. Made up of six different states and covering an area as nearly as large as ‘old England’, it can be hard to narrow down which places to include on a road trip though and where to find the best Autumn colour when you are there.

With this in mind, we have picked three unmissable places to include on a road trip to New England.

Meredith, NH

The pretty village of Meredith, New Hampshire is blessed with a gorgeous lakeside location, ringed by Mountains. During October, the treelined slopes transform from green to red, creating beautiful reflections on the water below. Enjoy a drive through the neighbouring White Mountains or take a boat trip on the lake to see the Autumn colours at their finest.

After a busy day 'leaf peeping' Meredith provides the perfect base, as you can retire to lakeside hotels and characterful B&B’s that provide a cosy retreat after a day exploring. At this time of year, the towns restaurants will be serving up a bounty of scrumptious Autumnal produce and New England specialities. 

Stowe, VT

Stowe, Vermont is best known as a ski town, but before the snow starts to fall, you can watch the leaves drop in this stunning part of New England. With a wealth of activities available there are plenty of ways to see the Autumn colour in and around this beautiful New England town.

Active visitors will enjoy the chance to get out on the water and see the changing Autumn leaves from the unique vantage point of a kayak, canoe or paddleboard – all of which can be hired from nearby Jeffersonville.

There are hiking trails aplenty in and around Stowe, trail options range from easy to expert, giving everyone a chance to appreciate the beauty of the New England fall on foot.

Another way to witness this natural spectacular is to take a zip line tour. Whizzing through the canopy at high speed will give you a bird’s eye view of the New England fall, and is an unforgettable family activity! An alternative and less hair-raising way to see the famous New England foliage from above is to take the Stowe Gondola Ride to the top of Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain in Vermont. On a clear day you will be able to enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the peak including the magnificent Autumn colour below. For those without a head for heights you’ll find a number of scenic drives around Stowe, that you can follow at a leisurely pace throughout this beautiful region.
 

Arcadia National Park, ME

One last must see for new England is the incredible Arcadia National Park, located near beautiful Bar Harbor, in Maine. Visit the park in early October and you’ll not only find less visitors than the busy summer season, but you'll also have the opportunity to witness the vibrant Autumn colours. The cooler temperatures and crisp sunny days make for much easier hiking than the hot summer months, so you can truly appreciate the beauty of 'Fall'.

Although best known as the gateway to Arcadia National Park, Bar Harbor is lovely destination in its own right. Its mix of luxury boutique hotels, lodges, B&B’s and motels mean there are plenty of options to choose from. Take a boat ride out to the original Fort Knox, enjoy a spooky ghost tour or simply enjoy the many cafes, bakeries and restaurants that add to the quant atmosphere of this relaxed resort town.

If you would like some help planning an Autumnal holiday to New England, then get in touch with our team of friendly experts. All of our itineraries are tailored to suit you and your needs, so no two holidays will be the same.

When booking a road trip with us we will issue you with your very own customised road book which includes driving directions and distances for each leg of your journey.

To view some suggested New England itineraries, click here or phone our team of expert consultants on 01892 779900 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We also welcome enquires from the travel trade, so if you would like to setup an account with us then do get in touch.

Our holidays can normally be booked 12 months in advance and can be secured with a low deposit.