Mid-September to early November is that beautiful time in the Northeast where the fall foliage decorates the countryside with breathtaking harvest colors. Catch a flight, rent that convertible, and cruise these routes while taking in that crisp fall air.
Maine:
Peak time: early to mid-October
Acadia National Park – Within this 47,000-acre park, you will find 27-mile long Park Loop Road, which is filled with spots to observe and photograph the fall foliage. The park is home to numerous peaks, valleys and rivers including Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast.
Coastal Route 1 – This route will provide you with spectacular leaf colors as well as historic seaside mansions and lighthouses. The tour starts in Portland and ends in the quaint town of Camden, which is home to Merryspring, a 66-acre park and nature center.
Connecticut:
Peak time: early October to early November (longest peak time)
Route 7 – This route runs through Northwest Connecticut, starting in Norwalk, winding through Kent Falls State Park, and ending in Litchfield Hills. Along this trail, you will find covered bridges, waterfalls, and scenic wooded areas.
Route 9 – Located in the Lower Connecticut River Valley, which has been named the next “new” Hamptons; this scenic route offers train rides, museums, and more. The road takes you through Essex, which has been named “The Perfect Small American Town.”
Massachusetts:
Peak time: late October to early November
Route 6A – This rural route will run you through those quaint picture-perfect Cape Cod villages so plan to stop and enjoy multiple towns along the way. The route starts at The Sagamore Bridge and ends in Nickerson State Park, a 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail that offers plenty of views to be seen on foot.
Mohawk Trail – The 63-mile trail, which follows a Native American trade route, runs east to west through the northwest part of the state, straddling the Berkshire Mountains between the Hudson and Connecticut River valleys.