New England Fall Bucket List

When you think of the magic of autumn, there is no way to capture a season like autumn in New England. From vibrant leaves to shades of amber, crimson and gold to cozy farms bursting with pumpkin, New England offers a fascinating backdrop perfect for seasonal adventures.

This introduces the top 20+ things to do in New England in the fall.

Whether you’re looking for apple picking in Maine, authentic maple syrup from Vermont, peering into leaves along the Cancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, exploring Massachusetts historic towns, strolling through the quaint coastal villages of Rhode Island, or tasting the fascinating farming doughnuts in Connecticut.

Sweet maple candies and festive harvest celebrations greet visitors at every turn, making New England a truly iconic fall destination. This is your ultimate guide to absorbing all the beauty, taste and traditions that make New England an essential autumn holiday.

1. Leaf peek road trip – Driving along the Cancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, you can enjoy some of the most spectacular leaf views. Or check out Vermont Route 100! Find your ultimate road trip itinerary here!

2. Visit the pumpkin patch – Choose your own pumpkin on a cozy farm like Connor’s farm in Massachusetts. Find the best farms here!

3. Try Maple Candy – Taste authentic maple sugar candies at Bragg Maple Farm, Cold Hollow Cider or Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpellier, Vermont.

4. Apple picking – Head to Honeypot Hill Orchards in Massachusetts or Allison Orchard in New Hampshire.

5. Eat apple cider donuts! The best is cold hollow cider – they make them hot and fresh.

6. Join us at the Fall Festival – Experience local heritage at the Keene Pumpkin Festival in New Hampshire and the ghost events of Salem in Massachusetts.

7. Sift hot apple cider – Cozy with fresh pressed cider (and warm cider donuts!) from Vermont Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

8. Visit the covered bridge – Capture classic New England charm on a bridge covered with Flume Cabed Bridge in New Hampshire or West Cornwall Cabed Bridge in Connecticut.

9. Touring Historic Salem – Explore the history and eerie charm of Salem, Massachusetts. Especially around Halloween. Find your Salem guide here!

10. Hiking in Acadia National Park – See the lively leaves along Maine’s picturesque national park trails.

11. Stay at a bed and breakfast – Relax in quaint accommodations such as the Woodstock Inn in Vermont and Castle Hill in Massachusetts.

12. Try fresh main lobster – Feast a lobster roll from a red meal at Whiscassette, Maine before the season ends.

13. Visit Cranberry Bog – See Cranberry Harvest at May Flower Ramberry in Plimpton, Massachusetts.

14. Eat maple cream – the best treat! Soft serve mixed with maple syrup! Check out the best places here!

15. Scattering leaves from Stowe, Vermont. My guide to the perfect place to peek into the leaves!

16. Seasonal craft beer samples – Try fall-inspired breweries at breweries like Hill Farmstead in Vermont and Aragash Brewing Company in Maine. He is also a huge fan of Vermont Fontrap Brewery.

17. Take a scenic train – A picturesque mountainside bursts in colour as you ride the scenic railroad in Conway, New Hampshire.

18. Take the hay – Ride on a fascinating farm like Smolack Farm in North Andover, Massachusetts.

19. Pass the Jack-O-Lantern Trail at Nighttime! The best thing I’ve ever done (and I’ve done a lot!) Providence, Rhode Island.

20. Pass through the maze of corn! These are really the best! Not only the kids, we’ve got lost! I love the maze in Percy’s Cornes Maze in Stowe, Vermont.

twenty one. Stay in the cabin! I love this A-frame cabin from Vermont! Here’s a link to the book.

twenty two. We’ll do a scenic hike. There are so many incredible hikes (see below in my free guide!), but I love Nichols Ledge (pictured below), Table Rock Trail, Fullme Gorge, Diana Bass and the Long Trails in Vermont (it’s really long, but you can do some!)

From tasting the sweetness of authentic Vermont maple candies and embracing the eerie spirit of Salem in Massachusetts, checking out the fall bucket list in New England is magical.

With breathtaking leaves, charming covered bridges and cozy festivals, you won’t be missing picturesque moments and memorable activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, history lover, or all three, New England offers endless opportunities to experience autumn in the best autumn.

Pick up your camera, bundle it up and prepare yourself for an autumn adventure that you will cherish forever.

New England Fallroad Trip Itinerary

The best place for New England leaves

Best Farms in New England

The best places to fall in Vermont

The best places for autumn in New Hampshire

The best places for fall in Connecticut

Guide to Salem, Massachusetts

Hocus Pocus photo location

Best place for Europe in autumn

Instagram captions and photo ideas