There’s no better way to see fall’s famous fiery foliage than on a road trip through the Northeast. So when is the best time to go on a trip? Leaves typically start to change color around mid-to-late September in northern Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. In these states, the vibrancy of leaf color typically peaks around mid-October. In the lower Northeast, foliage changes later and can last into November.
When planning a road trip, it’s a good idea to check the foliage map reports for the states you’ll be driving through and plan accordingly. These reports provide up-to-date information on color, which areas peak at what times, the rate of leaf change, and recommendations for optimal “leaf peeping.” These reports change slightly over the years because factors such as the environment and weather affect the color of the leaves and how quickly they change color.
From northern Maine to southern Pennsylvania, here are some great ideas for the perfect fall foliage road trip in the Northeast. Their timeline estimates when peak fall foliage is likely to arrive in each destination, but ultimately it’s up to Mother Nature.
Last week of September
Chasing the autumn leaves:Vermont, New Hampshire, northern Maine
great drive: Acadia Harbors and Heights
This tour begins in Bangor and takes you through Ellsworth to beautiful Mount Desert Island. From there, head to beautiful Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, where you’ll get your first view of the sunrise in the northeast from the top of Cadillac Mountain. The Bass Harbor lighthouse is another highlight of the trip, as are the fishing villages of Deer Isle and Stonington.
1st week of October
Chasing the autumn leaves: Upstate New York, northeastern and central Maine, central and southern Vermont and New Hampshire, northern Pennsylvania and western Massachusetts.
great drive: SoVT (Southern Vermont) Loop
The drive begins in Manchester, Vermont, where the Southern Vermont Art Center is located, and continues to South Shaftesbury, where you can explore the Robert Frost Stone House Museum. The second half of the 164-mile circuit passes through Old Bennington, a town lined with historic buildings, homes, and churches. We also recommend a nice side trip to Somerset Reservoir near Searsburg.
Mid-October
Chasing the autumn leaves: southern and central coast of Maine, central and eastern Massachusetts, northwestern Connecticut, New York’s Catskills region, central Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, and southern Rhode Island.
great drive: Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
The 70-mile Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, also known as New York Route 97, follows the Delaware River from Hancock to Port Jervis in southern New York. There are plenty of great river views along the drive, but it’s worth stopping at Elks-Bronx Memorial Park in Port Jervis for hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and river valley. The towns along the route offer a variety of art galleries, antique shops, history museums, and other attractions.
Source: Better Living – onbetterliving.com
