“Leaf peeping” is an informal term used for people that travel specifically to view the changing colors of the leaves during autumn. An organized trip for leaf peeping is called a fall foliage tour.
If you’re in the mood for fall foliage and scenery, you will want to know about the best routes for leaf-peeping. Many fall foliage tours sell out well in advance, but there are still some with available dates. If you prefer to take a self driving trip, that is also a good option, just book early, as there are limited amounts of inns, hotels and bed and breakfasts in this region, and they tend to sell out quickly as mentioned above. Either way, try to make the time to take a scenic road trip to one of the parts of the country known for spectacular fall colors.
Although there are plenty of places to choose from in states all over the country, many of the most popular are located in beautiful New England, attracting visitors from all over the world every fall.
Here are some of America’s most popular and most scenic routes for leaf peepers to visit.
- Route 100, Vermont: Route 100 will take you through the Green Mountains, starting from the Massachusetts border and leading nearly to Canada. While the foliage may be the main attraction, there are lots of other things to see along the way: Route 100 features sugar houses, general stores, and picturesque inns. Along the way, you should stop at Moss Glen Falls in Granville, for excellent photo opportunities.
- Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region, New Hampshire: If you have plenty of time to explore and don’t mind wandering off the beaten path, this region is an ideal location for leaf-peeping. Begin on Route 12A, along the Connecticut River. This road is home to old barns and covered bridges, including the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge, which you can’t miss: Its sign says, “Walk your horses or pay two dollars fine.” From 12A, you can then pick up Route 11. Drive east to see the charming Sunapee Lake. You may also want to head to Rollins State Park in Warner to ride to the top of Mount Kearsarge for views of Boston, the Green Mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire: This road is traveled by over 1 million people each year. The 34 mile highway cuts through an area of the White Mountain National Forest between Conway and Lincoln. It’s a slow drive with winding roads. You climb 2,860 ft. in the first 10 miles. Aside from some amazing views of fall colors, you can enjoy hiking, swimming and fishing.
- Arcadia National Park Loop Road, Maine: This 27-mile road offers leaf peepers a dazzling variety. Along the way, you’ll be able to observe the fall colors among the diverse backdrops of forests, mountains, and the ocean. Inside the park, you’ll enjoy visiting the Wild Gardens of Arcadia and the Abbe Museum. For show stopping views, plan stops at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs
- Blackstone River Valley, Rhode Island: Blackstone River Valley, whose claim to fame is for being the birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution, is an area both scenic and historic, sure to delight any traveler. Along the Glocester Loop, you’ll feast your eyes on apple orchards and farms, historic homes, and fascinating old mills. Particularly in Lincoln’s Great Road Historic district, you’ll feel you’ve traveled back in time as you pass Union Village and many other sites of historic note.
If you are not in the mood to drive and the thought of a bus tour isn’t appealing, there are fall foliage cruises, as well as fall foliage train tours that might be a great option.
