If, like us, you’ve been dreaming of visiting the idyllic landscapes of New England during the fall, now is the time to start planning that trip. A quintessential New England fall road trip isn’t complete without visiting charming small towns decorated with pumpkins, admiring historic clapboard buildings and covered bridges, embarking on outdoors adventures surrounded by fall colours, hopping on a boat for an island escape, staying in cosy Inn’s with freshly baked apple muffins for breakfast, and tasting the regions’ culinary delights such as maple syrup, apple cider and fresh Maine lobster. If this sounds like your ideal getaway, then look no further. This New England fall road trip itinerary has it all for your dream trip.
Designed as an 11 day road trip during New England’s famous fall foliage season, this itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted to fit your schedule. Additionally, the places and activities incorporated in this itinerary can be visited throughout the year, with each having their own seasonal charm. This circular journey begins in Boston, Massachusetts, travelling up Maine’s scenic coastline, through the mountains of New Hampshire and countryside of Vermont, and back down to the iconic Cape Cod in Massachusetts before returning to Boston.
With so many incredible towns, cities and natural wonders to explore, we’ve carefully selected destinations that provide a well-rounded experience of New England’s beauty, culture and history. Given the time restraints that many of us are confined to, this itinerary prioritises must see locations which offer diversity and a quintessential New England feel.
Check out our other guide that highlights some of the best places to see fall foliage in New England.
New England fall road trip itinerary route and summary
Day 1: Boston, Salem (Massachusetts) Perkins Cove, Bath (Maine)
Day 2: Bath, Boothbay Harbour, Camden, Mount Desert Island (Maine)
Day 3: Acadaia National Park (Maine)
Day 4: Acadia National Park (Maine)
Day 5: Jackson (New Hampshire)
Day 6: White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire)
Day 7: Peacham, Waitsfield (Vermont)
Day 8: Stowe (Vermont)
Day 9: Woodstock (Vermont) Cape Cod (Massachusetts)
Day 10: Martha’s Vineyard (Massachusetts)
Day 11: Cape Cod (Massachusetts)
Useful points to help plan your New England fall road trip
- Accommodation: Across New England, accommodation can be expensive and books up months in advance particularly in summer and fall. Plan your trip as early as you can to ensure you get the accommodation you want.
- Driving: This is a road trip and you will be covering four US states so expect a fair amount of driving. As you can see from the map above, the entire trip takes roughly 22 hours. One or two days of the trip you may be driving up to 5+ hours.
Day 1: Boston, Salem, Perkins Cove, Bath
Morning: Salem
Start your New England road trip in Boston, the main travel hub for most international and national visitors. While you may want to spend a day or two exploring Boston, we opted to hit the road straight away and head for the world-famous witch city of Salem.
If you’re fascinated by history, magic and witchcraft, Salem is the place to go. Made famous due to the Salem Witch Trials that took place in the 1600’s that subjected mostly women to interrogation, torture and in some cases, execution due to accusations of practicing witchcraft. Today, Salem proudly preserves this history, offering visitors a mix of historical landmarks, cultural experiences and unique shopping opportunities.
Salem particularly comes alive during the fall when the town gears up for Halloween celebrations and decorations of pumpkins, leaves, and all things fall can be found throughout the city.
Spend the morning exploring Salem’s historic streets, where you’ll find an array of specialty shops catering to all things mystical. While the touristy side of Salem can be a bit commercialised, there are some truly one-of-a-kind boutiques for those looking to pick up authentic witchcraft essentials. For a deeper dive into Salem’s past, we recommend visiting these historical sites:
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial – a memorial park for those who were accused of witchcraft.
- The Witch House at Salem – a historic building and the only one in Salem directly ties to the Witch Trials, offering tours.
If you are planning to visit the museums, including The Witch House, book your tickets in advance as they often sell out on the day.
If time allows, take a stroll down Essex Street to admire the historic mansions, or visit Salem’s historic maritime waterfront.
Afternoon: Perkins Cove
After soaking up the eerie charm in Salem, hit the road and head north for about 90 minutes to your first destination in Maine – picturesque fishing village Perkins Cove.
Maine is dotted with coastal towns and beachside resorts, but Perkins Cove stands out as one of the prettiest. Tucked away in a corner of the town of Ogunquit, Perkins Cove is centred around an active fishing harbour filled with fresh seafood restaurants, charming boutiques and spectacular ocean views.
Take a leisurely walk along the Marginal Way, a scenic cliffside path offering unparalleled views of the Atlantic. It is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon for your first day in New England and embrace the beauty of Maine’s rugged coastline.
Evening: Bath
Once you’ve taken in the coastal air and culinary delights in Perkins Cove, continue your journey north for another 90 minutes to Bath. Bath is a charming small city off Highway 1 in the heart of Midcoast Maine and makes for the perfect overnight rest stop.
Once a thriving centre for shipbuilding and maritime trade, Bath retains much of its historic charm. Many of the grand homes once owned by wealthy ship merchants have been converted into stunning B&Bs.
Night 1: Bath
Day 2: Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Mount Desert Island
Morning: Bath & Boothbay Harbor
Start your day early to make the most of your journey from Bath to Mount Desert Island.
Begin by exploring Bath’s charming downtown filled with unique gift shops and cosy cafes. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the local farmers’ market which is the perfect place to spend a fall morning. The market takes place in the Linwood E. Temple Waterfront park along the riverfront, offering fresh produce and local delights. It’s well worth spending a little bit of time checking out downtown Bath before hitting the road. Maine Street Design Co, was one of our favourite gift shops in New England.
Next, drive southwest for 40 minutes to the beautiful coastal town of Boothbay Harbor. The cheerful harbour is a buzz of activity and a popular destination for sailing, kayaking and harbour boat tours. If time allows, hop on a boat cruise to fully experience the scenic coastline and local marine life. Or take a stroll around the shops and across the Boorthbay Harbor footbridge for beautiful views across the water.
Afternoon: Camden and Mount Battie
From Boothbay Harbor, it’s on to Camden, an hour away. Camden, another picturesque seaside town is worth visiting for its stunning harbour, waterfront, restaurants and local shops. On the outskirts of the town, lies Camden Hills State Park. For $6 per adult you can drive to the top of Mount Battie where you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of Camden Harbor and the surrounding islands with fall colours blanketing the forests below. This scenic overlook was the highlight of our day, and we spent a good hour soaking in the views.
Evening: Bar Harbor
As the day winds down, set out on the final leg of your journey to Mount Desert Island, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Camden. The drive is filled with beautiful coastal scenery. Bar Harbour is the gateway to Arcadia National Park on Mount Desert Island and is a bustling town packed with historic B&B’s, restaurants, cafes and shops. Once your arrive, settle in at your chosen accommodation for the next three nights, ready to explore Acadia and the island in the days ahead.
Night 2: Bar Harbor
Day 3: Acadia National Park
Morning and afternoon: Acadia National Park
Up bright and early for a full day exploring Acadia National Park which is marked by woodland, beaches and granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the USA’s East Coast. Acadia National Park is one of the most popular places in New England to see fall foliage as the forests come alive with colour and the mountains are blanketed with hues of reds, oranges and yellows.
There are plenty of activities to do in Acadia National Park, including hiking, climbing, cycling, kayaking as well as more leisurely activities such as relaxing on a beach or taking a scenic horse and carriage ride along the non-motorised vehicle roads. However, one of the best ways to experience the park is by driving the Park Loop Road and stopping off at the many sites along the way.
To visit the National Park and drive the Park Loop you will need to purchase a pass at one of the visitor centres. You do not need to pre-purchase a pass. A pass for a private vehicle costs $35 covering the passengers in the vehicle for up to 7 days. You will need to display the pass in your vehicle.
Drive the Park Loop Road in a clockwise direction and we recommend stopping at as many of the sites and vista points as possible including:
- Egg Rock Overlook
- Sand Beach
- Thunder Hole. From here take a 30-minute walk one-way along the coastal trail to Monument Cove, Boulder Beach and Otter Cliff Overlook.
- Jordan Pond
- Cadillac Mountain. An online reservation is required to drive up Cadillac Mountain. Many people opt to go here for sunrise or sunset for incredible views across the island. The reservations usually sell out early, but throughout the rest of the day you should be able to book online up to an hour in advance.
If you are not planning on doing a long hike, then all the sites on the Park Loop Road can be visited in a day.
Evening: Bar Harbor
To wind down after a busy day, take a stroll into Bar Harbor downtown and dine on a steaming bowl of clam chowder or a fresh lobster roll.
Night 3: Bar Harbour
Day 4: Mount Desert Island
Morning: Bass Harbor Lighthouse
Start your day by exploring the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island, home to the iconic Bass Harbor Head Light Station. Perched atop a rocky cliff, this is one of the most photographed spots in Acadia National Park.
For the best viewpoint, take a short trail to the left of the car park, which leads to a rocky outcrop. A few steps down and a brief scramble over rocks and boulders will reward you with a stunning vantage point of the lighthouse. If you wait around long enough, you might even spot pods of harbour porpoises passing through the channel every 15 minutes. On a sunny day, this is a peaceful spot to sit take in the salty ocean breeze, and watch the glistening waves.
The drive between Bar Harbor and the lighthouse is just as scenic, with plenty of places to pull over and stop as you please. Consider stopping at:
- Echo Lake Beach – perfect for a picnic
- Somesville – a postcard-perfect village with historic white bridges and charming water from views.
Afternoon: Bar Harbor
Return to Bar Harbor for a leisurely afternoon exploring the town. Here are a few ways to make the most of your time:
- Shopping: Browse through souvenir shops, antique stores and local boutiques for unique finds.
- Relax in the Village Green: Grab a coffee and unwind in this leafy park, perfect for people watching.
- Stroll the Shore Path: This waterfront walk offers beautiful views out to Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands.
- Walk to Bar Island: At low tide, a natural land bridge appears, allowing you to walk to Bar Island. The land bridge is fully exposed for about 1.5 hours on either side of low tide, giving you roughly a 3-hour window for the round trip walk. You can check the tide times here: https://www.usharbors.com/harbor/maine/bar-harbor-me/tides/
Evening: Acadia National Park
As golden hour approaches, head back into Acadia National Park to catch a beautiful sunset. If you purchased a park pass yesterday, it’s still valid for entry.
While Cadillac Mountain is the most famous sunset spot (and requires a reservation), there are plenty of other great spots. We recommend stopping at Seal Harbor, Jordan Pond, and Eagle Lake Overlook which are all conveniently located a short drive from each other.
Night 4: Bar Harbor
Day 5: White Mountain National Forest, Jackson
Morning: Drive to New Hampshire
Saying a sad farewell to Mount Desert Island and Maine, drive roughly 5 hours to New Hampshire. Today is mostly a travel day but as you drive you’ll see the gorgeous and changing landscapes as you make your way from the coast to the forested White Mountain National Forest.
Afternoon: Mount Washington
By mid-afternoon, you will arrive in the White Mountain National Forest, which is absolutely stunning during fall. As the National Forest status suggests, the landscape is covered in trees and during the fall these all turn into an incredible display of colourful leaves. Begin your time in the park by visitingthe highest mountain in the northeastern US, Mount Washington. There are two options to reach the top of Mount Washington:
- Option 1: The cog railway from the west side of the mountain which takes 2 hours and needs to be booked in advance. Prices range from $84-66 per person and you can chooses from a biodiesel or a classic steam train. Note that steam train trips stop running to the summit in late September and only go to the mid-mountain stop.
- Option 2: Drive the windy auto road on the east side which costs $65 for the vehicle.
Unfortunately, the mountain is notorious for erratic weather and more often than not while the bottom of the mountain may be sunny, the top is covered in thick cloud obstructing the views. You can check the live weather from the top here to make the best judgement of whether it’s worth going up.
From the auto road entrance, it’s a 25-minute drive to your next destination for the next two nights – the small mountain town of Jackson. This is where you’ll see your first covered bridge as you enter the town. There are lots of Inns to choose from at varying budgets. Though the town is small, you will find a golf course, cafe, jigsaw shop, deli, and tavern.
Evening: Jackson
We recommend taking a stroll through the town. During autumn they have a scarecrow festival, with many of the town’s buildings decorated with imaginative displays of pumpkins. For dinner head to the Wild Cat Tavern for good food, live music, and possibly a pub quiz.
Night 5: Jackson
Day 6: White Mountain National Forest – Kancamagus Highway
Morning and afternoon: White Mountain National Forest – Kancamagus Highway
Spend today on a scenic adventure along the Kancamagus Highway, or ‘the Kanc’ as locals affectionately call it.
A short drive from Jackson, this iconic 34.5 mile scenic route winds through the heart of New Hamshire’s White Mountains, offering some of the best fall foliage views in the United States. Read more about that in our fall foliage guide. No matter the season, this drive is a must-see destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and road trip enthusiasts. The Highway has earned its status as an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, beauty, and culture.
To experience the highway in full, we recommend joining the highway in Conway and ending in Lincoln (or vice versa). As you drive along the highway, there are numerous places to stop and take in the views. There are also numerous trails for hiking if you wanted to spend the day doing that. If a leisurely drive is more your thing, we recommend the following stops along along the way (in order) to experience the diversity of the highway:
- Albany Covered Bridge: A picture-perfect spot and a historic wooden bridge.
- Lower Falls: A beautiful area where the Swift River tumbles over boulders – ideal for picnics and photos.
- Rocky Gorge: A dramatic cascade surrounded by granite formations.
- Sabbaday Falls: A short hike leading to a stunning waterfall.
- Sugar Hill Overlook and Panoramic Overlook: Sweeping mountain views of the White Mountain National Forest. In autumn this bursts with fall colours.
- Lincoln Woods: An easy and flat trail leading over a suspension foot bridge and following an abandoned railroad.
Driving the Kancamagus Highway without stops takes about 45-minutes, but to fully enjoy its beauty, allow at least 4–5 hours for stops and exploration. If you do plan on hiking one of the trails, check the route to see how much time you will need.
Other options: Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch State Parks
If time allows when you reach the end of the Kanc in Lincoln, complete the journey with a circular route back to Jackson taking Interstate 93 North and Route 302 South. This route passes through more beautiful landscapes and key attractions to stop at:
- Franconia Notch State Park: another spectacular mountain pass through the White Mountains which includes Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, and Governor Gallen Memorial.
- Crawford Notch State Park: Crawford Notch is a pass through the White Mountains featuring Frankenstein Cliff, Willey House Dam, and Mount Willard.
Night 6: Jackson
Day 7: Peacham, Waitsfield
Morning: Peacham
Say goodbye to New Hampshire’s rugged, mountainous landscape and hello to the rolling green hills and farmland of the next state on this road trip, Vermont.
A 90-minute drive northwest from Jackson brings you to the quaint small town of Peacham, located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Peacham is one of the most picturesque and photographed small towns in New England. Rolling green hills, red barns, and a white church combine to create postcard-perfect scenery.
Take a leisurely stroll through the town and soak up the laidback, community-driven atmosphere that Vermont is known for. Stop by the local cafe for a warm drink and a homemade treat and chat with the locals. Then browse the gift shop next door, where you can pick up a bottle of Vermont’s famous maple syrup. Step inside the old schoolhouse where you can learn about the town’s rich history. For the iconic view over the town, take a short walk through the field behind the Peacham Fire Department.
If you’re visiting during fall, the village hosts the Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival for a day of community events, local crafts and seasonal festivities.
Afternoon: Maple Syrup Farm
In the afternoon, continue westward across Vermont toward Waitsfield, your base for the next two nights. Along the way, make a stop at Bragg Farm Sugar House & Gift Shop, a family-run maple syrup farm producing pure Vermont maple syrup for eight generations. Here you can enjoy:
- Free guided tours of the sugarhouse.
- Maple syrup tastings to experience different grades of flavours
- A gift shop offering a large selection of Vermont crafts, gifts and speciality foods.
- A Maplee Creemee – a beloved Vermont soft-serve ice cream.
Enjoy your sweet treat outdoors, in the farm’s beautiful surroundings.
Evening: Waitsfield
Heading on to Waitsfield through scenic backroads, arrive in the charming town which is located in the beautiful Mad River Valley. The town offers a range of accommodation options, from quaint inns and rustic cabins to homely farm stays. Waitsfield provides a peaceful and budget-friendly alternative to busier tourist hubs like Stowe. The welcoming town has a strong community vibe, with plenty to explore including:
- It’s very own covered bridge.
- Locally owned restaurants.
- Independent shops and boutiques. Do not miss the adorable Christmas shop with an incredible selection of European vintage decorations and a very sweet resident cat.
- An old cinema for a cosy evening indoors.
- A weekend farmer’s market, showcasing fresh produce, artisanal products and live music.
Night 7: Waitsfield
Day 8: Stowe
Morning: Stowe
Start your day in Stowe, one of the most charming towns in New England. First, head to the SkyRide Gondola which takes you to the summit of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. There are spectacular views stretching across Vermont, New Hampshire and even in to Canada. This is one of the best places to see the fall foliage.
After soaking in the incredible views, take the gondola back down and head into downtown Stowe. This bustling yet cosy town is full of:
- Boutique shops with locally made crafts and souvenirs.
- Farm-to-table restaurants offering fresh, seasonal flavours.
- Cafes perfect for a relaxing coffee break while watching the world go by.
Afternoon: Vermont Culinary Tour
Once you’ve had a stroll through town and taken in all the sites, drive 10-minutes to one of Vermont’s most historic and picturesque landmarks: Gold Brook Covered Bridge. This charming covered bridge, surrounded by trees , is steeped in local folklore and is said to be haunted.
Next, hit the road for an afternoon of delicious culinary delights as you make your way down Route 100, stopping at these must visit destinations:
- Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea: Sip on locally roasted coffee inside a beautiful red barn, or enjoy your drink by the river.
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill: A very popular spot, famous for its freshly made cider donuts and delicious apple cider. The Mill also has a fantastic gift store to pick up more souvenirs.
- Cabot Creamery: A cheese shop, where you can sample locally made award winning cheddar, and pick up a few blocks to take home.
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory: Tour the factory (reservations required) or stop by the ice cream shop to try one of their famous flavours. You can also visit the ice cream cemetery where retired flavours rest in peace. This wasn’t on our must do list for things to do in New England, but seeing as we were having a culinary afternoon it made sense to stop.
Evening: Waitsfield
After a day sightseeing and indulgence, return to Waitsfield or another nearby town for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Night 8: Waitsfield
Day 9: Woodstock, Cape Cod
Morning: Woodstock
It’s your final morning in Vermont before a long drive back down to Massachusetts and famous Cape Cod. What better way to end your time here than with a drive along Route 100 and a visit to the historic town of Woodstock. This scenic byway winds through the Green Mountain National Forest, offering views of rolling hills, mountains, waterfalls, dense forests and charming villages. You will likely want to stop a few times to take photos.
Just 90-miuntes out of Waitsfield, you’ll arrive in Woodstock. Like so many other towns you’ll visit on this road trip, Woodstock is absolutely beautiful. This historic town is known for its well preserved 19th century Victorian mansions, towering trees lining the streets, and timeless small-town charm. Things to do in Woodstock:
- Admire the beautiful architecture: Stroll past beautifully kept landmarks like the Woodstock Inn and Ebenzer Fitch House.
- Explore local boutiques: Your last chance to pick up handcrafted Vermont goods and souvenirs.
- Grab lunch at a cosy cafe: Ideal before hitting the road again.
Afternoon: Drive to Cape Cod
After a relaxing morning in Woodstock, it’s time to hit the road for Cape Cod where you’ll spend the final two nights in Falmouth, The drive takes about 3-4 hours (sometimes longer depending on traffic around Boston), so stock up on snacks and water before departing.
Evening: Falmouth
After arriving in Falmouth, take the evening to unwind by the coast and prepare for your Cape Cod adventures ahead.
Night 9: Falmouth
Day 10: Marth’s Vineyard
Morning and afternoon: Martha’s Vineyard
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is world-famous for its seaside villages, sandy beaches, rich maritime history, and wildlife watching opportunities. Stretching to the Atlantic Ocean, this hook-shaped peninsula offers coastal landscapes, lighthouses, and seafood including lobster rolls and creamy clam chowder. It’s the perfect place to unwind at the end of your road trip, and there’s no better way to spend a day here than by visiting the iconic island of of Martha’s Vineyard.
The best way to visit Martha’s Vineyard is from Falmouth, where regular passenger ferries depart daily. Ditch the car for the day and take the Island Queen Ferry, which runs from downtown Falmouth to Oak Bluffs in just 30-minutes. Tickets can be reserved in advance on their website. We took the 10:30am ferry to the island and returned on the 5.15pm ferry, which gave us plenty of time to explore parts of the island without feeling rushed.
The Island Queen Ferry drops you in Oak Bluffs. From here explore the town including the cute and colourful Gingerbread Cottages. Stroll through the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association to admire these historic Victorian-style homes.
From Oak Bluffs, rent a regular or electric bicycle and take a coastal ride along the shore towards Edgartown, a 30-45 minute cycle. There is a designated bicycle lane once you get out of Oak Bluffs which makes for an easy ride. One of the highlights along this route is crossing the famous Jaws bridge, where a scene from Jaws was filmed. Continue cycling to Edgartown.
Edgartown is an upscale and picturesque town where you can park your bike and stroll through the charming downtown, enjoy a seafood lunch, overlooking the harbour, visit the lighthouse, or admire the luxury homes of the rich and famous.
After a full day of island adventures, head back to Oak Bluffs to catch your return ferry to Falmouth.
Night 10: Falmouth
Day 11: Cape Cod
Morning and afternoon: Explore the Cape
Your final day in New England is here, and to wrap up this unforgettable journey, immerse yourself in Cape Cod’s coastal beauty. You can choose to go on a marine life tour or explore more of the Cape.
- Option 1: Marine wildlife tour. If you’re visiting during April–October, consider taking a wildlife tour to see Cape Cod’s incredible marine life. The waters off the Cape are home to seals humpbacks, finbacks, and minke whales, and Great white sharks, which frequent the area in the summer months. Top wildlife tour operators:
- Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch (Provincetown) – One of the most renowned whale-watching tours in Cape Cod
- Monomoy Island Excursions (Harwich Port) – Specializes in seal tours around Monomoy Island, a wildlife refuge
- Option 2: explore Cape Cod’s most iconic spots.
- Chatham: Located on the elbow of Cape Cod, Chatham is one of the most picturesque towns in the region, known for its quaint downtown, historic sites, and stunning beaches. Take a walk along Lighthouse Beach or head to Chatham Fish Pier Viewing Deck to watch local fishermen unload their fresh catch, while hopeful seals swim nearby looking for scraps. Chatham Main Street offers boutique shops, art galleries, and charming cafés.
- Cape Cod National Seashore: Spanning 40 miles of protected coastline, the Cape Cod National Seashore is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. It offers scenic walking trails through sand dunes and salt marshes, sweeping ocean views from high bluffs, and opportunities to spot seals, seabirds, and even whales from the shore. The best spots to visit include Nauset Light Beach (Eastham) and Marconi Beach (Wellfleet).
- Provincetown: At the very end of Cape Cod, you’ll find Provincetown (P-Town), a lively, colourful town known for its rich LGBTQ+ culture and arts scene, historic Pilgrim Monument, commemorating where the Mayflower Pilgrims first landed in 1620, and dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District.
If you are looking for any accommodation recommendations in New England or have any questions about planning your road trip, feel free to drop a comment below. We’d love to help you craft the perfect itinerary.
