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Let’s be honest, there is no shortage of places across the U.S. to see some great fall foliage. The country is lucky enough to provide an array of changing leaf colors from coast to coast, and anyone looking for a fall getaway is really spoiled for choice.
One region that partially stands out for foliage and fall activities is New England, referring to the Northeastern states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
With arguably the best foliage in the country, the states of New England offer some epic fall escapes. The mountain towns have their fall festivals and sightseeing sky rides, and coastal destinations offer a crisp seaside fall escape.
There is more than enough to do in these areas, not to mention most are easily reachable from major cities such as Boston, which makes a great fall destination as well.
Here Are 6 Lesser Known Destinations In New England To Visit This Fall:
Stowe, Vermont
In a state full of beautiful landscapes such as Vermont, when a town is called the best in the state, you know it must be good. This is why Stowe is a favorite place for a fall trip. Not only does it have Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in the state, but some iconic views with waterfalls, church steeples, and a very much New England feel to it.
Apple cider and iconic donuts are on offer at the local favorite Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and a zip-line tour is a more adventurous way to see the foliage from above.
Not to mention, Ben & Jerry’s is headquartered here, so a tour here is always a good idea, with an after-tour tasting and photo opp.
@vermontlifestyle Home 📍❤️ #veemont #stowe #fall #spookyseason ♬ original sound – Vermont Life
Newport, Rhode Island
Known by many to be one of the shining stars on the coast of New England, the city of Newport sits at the mouth of Narragansett Bay. With a thriving downtown area and loads to see and do here, this makes it a great place to enjoy the fall.
October weather can be a bit on the chilly side, with an average temperature of around 50 degrees, so remember to pack accordingly.
Things to do in the fall here include visiting the Newport Mansions, taking a cliff walk, enjoying some hayrides and corn maze fun, or perhaps a harbor boat trip, and finishing it all off with an evening ghost tour.
@marissa_baum Newport, Rhode Island Fall Getaway #falltravel #newengland #newport #rhodeisland #travelguide #hocuspocus #halloween ♬ original sound – Marissa Baum
Mystic, Connecticut
Connecticut’s charming seaport of Mystic sees huge crowds in the summer, and most visitors go home as the weather starts to crisp. The secret is that this is the perfect time to come enjoy this charming area of New England.
With an average October temperature in the 60s, the weather is still nice enough to stroll the beachside and a walk down River Road for some serious foliage views.
Things to do besides just walking along the Mystic River include visiting the cider mills, the seaport, the aquarium, and shopping and eating at all the little local establishments.
@tasteconnecticut Part 1️⃣: Things to do in Connecticut this Fall B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill 📍129 N Stonington Rd, Mystic, CT #ct #connecticut #thingstodoinct ♬ Hey Lover – The Daughters Of Eve
The White Mountains, New Hampshire
Showing up on loads of lists lately for its fall beauty, the White Mountain region of New Hampshire is becoming a trendy fall getaway for many reasons.
New Hampshire is a favorite with leaf-peepers in general, and this area really does offer the best views for the explosion of colors that fall brings.
Hiking is a favorite activity here, but you can also enjoy the area by taking The Hobo Railroad, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, or the Loon Mountain Gondola Skyride.
@joshturner4810 The mountaineer train making its way through the White Mountains at peak foliage 🍁 🚂 🍂 . . . #newhampshire #newengland #fallfoliage #newenglandfall #visitnh #whitemountains #crawfordnotch #fpv #cinematicfpv #fpvdrone #fall #autumn #drone #cinematic #train ♬ original sound – Josh Turner
Salem, Massachusetts
Probably one of the most iconic destinations for the upcoming spooky season, Salem has a place in history with all things witching. But even for those who are not into the supernatural, there are plenty of fall things to do here for everyone.
Salem is famous today for both the witch trials back in the 1600s and, more recently, being the backdrop for the fan-favorite movie Hocus Pocus.
Salem has become a super popular social media spot recently, with many flocking to explore the Salem Witch House and other macabre attractions, such as a witch trials walking tour, the museum, fortune telling, and other things.
@arabellastokes pov: you’re counting down the days til halloween 🎃 follow for more travel + lifestyle 🫶🏼 #traveltiktok #aestheticvibes #salemmassachusetts #newengland #octobermood #fallcolors #autumn #spookyseason ♬ Monster Mash – Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers
Bar Harbour, Maine
If there is one famous National Park in New England, it has to be Maine’s iconic Acadia National Park. The resort town of Bar Harbor serves as the park’s gateway and therefore sees many visitors year-round.
Fall is beautiful in this far corner of the country, and there are many things to do to pass the time on a getaway here. If you come early enough in the season, you can still enjoy a whale-watching trip out on the Gulf of Maine.
There are also numerous sulking tours and trails to enjoy, not to mention loads of fall festivals such as the Acadia Night Sky Festival, Oktoberfest, and Pajamarama.
@twenty7vintage Bar Harbor, Maine – Acadia National Park, late October. #Hiking #Maine #RoadTrip #Outdoors #EagleLake #BarHarborMaine #NewEngland #Lake #Fall #Foliage #FallFoliage #Tress #Hike #Boulders #Travel #EastCoastRoadTrip #Twenty7Vintage #Acadia ♬ Steven Universe – L.Dre
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Maria
Tuesday 3rd of October 2023
These are honestly probably the most popular destinations in New England
MS
Monday 2nd of October 2023
NONE of these are lesser-known. Not a single one.
Chuck
Monday 2nd of October 2023
Who in the world would consider any of these if the beaten path? All very well known. C'mon.