For some, the changing colors of the leaves on the trees signal a sad end to summer. But for millions, it marks the beginning of the sweetest season of all:

Fall Foliage in New England

From late summer to around November 1, Mother Nature paints her paintings in every shade of the spectrum, from the deepest oil colors of reds and purples to the delicate pastels of yellows and greens. Beginning in the northernmost reaches of New England, she slowly brushes her brush across the landscape, from mountaintops to city parks, from the sea to rural western settings.

Planning your fall foliage tour depends on what vacation dates you have available. But anytime during this nearly two-month period, it will provide you with plenty of “leaf-gazing” if you go to the right places. In other words, in mid-September, the leaves in Maine are nearing their peak while the trees in Connecticut are just beginning to turn. By contrast, by November 1, when western Connecticut is in full bloom, the trees in Maine will have already lost their leaves.

The hotter and more humid the summer, the longer and later the season will last. A cooler and/or drier than normal summer will speed up the process and put prime times on a tighter shutter. The best way to get an idea is to visit each state’s website for their predictions on the best time to view the leaves. Additionally, most New England newspapers keep a running report throughout the season, noting the arrival of picture-perfect scenery throughout the region.

For those of you who like the comfort and convenience of a guided tour, there are plenty of bus tours (and even a train/bike option) that keep up with the changes and can provide optimal viewing from the comfort of the bus or from the frequent stops at the viewpoints and walk among the trees.

DIYers can always plan a driving tour that leaves you free to stay in a particularly beautiful spot or move on if an area doesn’t meet your expectations.

And, of course, the more adventurous traveler will find that walking, hiking, and biking can give you the opportunity to see spectacular foliage otherwise inaccessible from major roads.

Coinciding with the arrival of the harvest, hotels and inns, restaurants and farm stands will provide you with many spectacular dining experiences along your route.

Remember, New England fall foliage tours attract millions of people not just from across the country, but from around the world. It is not uncommon to meet not only many Europeans in autumn in the region, but also people from the Far East! Don’t be fooled by the feeling that the peak tourist season is over and accommodations will be plentiful. Be sure to make reservations well in advance so you don’t miss out on some of the most spectacular scenes.

Here are some state-by-state tips for fall foliage planning.

MAINE

For your first glimpse of peak foliage season, Maine is your destination. As of September, the leaves in the northwestern part of the state have begun to turn. Starting in the mountains north of Baxter State Park, the leaves will quickly peak in a long arc to the southeast, sweeping steadily toward the coast near the southern coastal resorts in the Kennebunk/Ogunquit area. A 10-day trek through Maine at this time will provide you with every setting for spectacular foliage viewing, from mountaintops through freestanding forests to wooded areas directly west of the Atlantic coast.

VERMONT

The state of Vermont is considered the center of New England’s spectacular fall foliage. Starting in the northern part of the state near Canada, St. Johnsbury hosts an annual Fall Foliage Festival. To the south, the Green Mountains and Smuggler’s Notch State Park are great to see. Ski resorts are all perfect places from which to centralize a trip. There are many accommodations, restaurants, and other amenities that are not in peak demand, and the season lasts longer than many others.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

The White Mountains is the place to go. It’s the most popular foliage tourist destination in New England, but they’re also pretty prepared. Just driving the Kancamagus Highway from Conway to North Woodstock will provide you with many impressive opportunities. And the locals will be more than happy to give you hints about scenes out of the ordinary. For a quick trip from New York or southern New England, the Mount Monadnock State Park region is a cornucopia of delights just a few hours’ drive away.

MASSACHUSETTS

The Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts are easily accessible from any starting point. These foothills of the Adirondacks are one of the most popular destinations for the “leaf watcher.” In the heart of the state, the two major thoroughfares, the Mass Turnpike and Route 2, provide dozens of great opportunities as you head from east to west or vice versa. There are many easily accessible areas just off the main roads, but simply sticking to those main roads will get you some spectacular scenery without even leaving the car. This is a very easy way to see the sights, especially for first timers.

CONNECTICUT

A trip around the border of this state will provide you with multiple opportunities and can be accomplished in just a couple of days. For a longer stay, the northwestern part of the state is a prime location for a longer stay.

RHODE ISLAND

The beauty of fall foliage in “The Biggest Little State in the Union” is that not only are the colors spectacular, but it also has the longest and latest season. And being so small, it is possible to cross the entire state along the 2 main roads from east to west (Routes 101 and 6) or from north to south (Routes 95 and 102) and see everything there is to see in just a couple of minutes. of days, while staying in one of the coastal communities of southern Rhode Island or enjoying luxury accommodations in the greater Providence area.

Here’s a checklist to help you plan your fall foliage tour.

Look for foliage festivals, harvest celebrations, or other fall-oriented events. They are usually centered in a prime location with foliage and can provide plenty of opportunity for other types of recreation when you’re ready for a break or at night.

Reserve your rooms in advance. Fall in New England is just as busy in the fall as it is in the height of summer and during ski season. You are competing with people from all over the world for accommodation.

Try to plan weekend excursions. You can enjoy the scenery in less crowded conditions during the week and then relax around your accommodation on the weekend without fighting the crowds.

Make sure to bring your camera! Just look at the number of award-winning fall foliage photos to give you an idea of ​​how many memories you’ll want to keep.

Take advantage of the full range of possibilities. Whether driving yourself or on a tour, make sure there are opportunities to hit the back roads and back roads and to explore on foot or by bike. Many of the most spectacular scenes are available only off the beaten path.