When you think of autumn magic, nothing captures the season quite like fall in New England. From vibrant leaves turning shades of amber, crimson, and gold to cozy farms bursting with pumpkins, New England offers an enchanting backdrop perfect for seasonal adventures.
Here are the top 20+ things to do in New England in the fall that you must add to your bucketlist!
Whether you're apple picking in Maine, tasting authentic maple syrup in Vermont, leaf-peeping along New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway, exploring historic towns in Massachusetts, strolling through quaint coastal villages in Rhode Island, or savoring fresh apple cider donuts at charming farms in Connecticut, there's something magical to experience in each of these picturesque states.
Sweet maple candy and festive harvest celebrations greet visitors at every turn, making New England a truly iconic fall destination. Here's your ultimate guide to soaking up all the beauty, flavors, and traditions that make New England an essential fall getaway.
- Leaf Peeping Road Trip – Drive the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire for some of the most stunning foliage views. Or check out Vermont Route 100! Find your ultimate Road Trip itinerary here!
2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch – Pick your own pumpkins at a cozy farm like Connor's Farm in Massachusetts. Find the best farms here!
3. Try Maple Candy – Taste authentic maple sugar candy at Bragg Maple Farm, Cold Hollow Cider, or Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier, Vermont.
4. Apple Picking – Head to Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Massachusetts or Alyson’s Orchard in New Hampshire.
5. Eat Apple Cider Donuts! The BEST are at Cold Hollow Cider – they make them hot and fresh.
6. Attend a Fall Festival – Experience local traditions at the Keene Pumpkin Festival in New Hampshire or Salem's Haunted Happenings in Massachusetts.
7. Sip Hot Apple Cider – Cozy up with fresh-pressed cider (and a warm cider donut!) from Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Vermont.
8. Visit a Covered Bridge – Capture classic New England charm at Flume Covered Bridge in New Hampshire or West Cornwall Covered Bridge in Connecticut.
9. Tour Historic Salem – Explore the history and spooky charm of Salem, Massachusetts—especially around Halloween. Find a guide to Salem here!
10. Hike in Acadia National Park – See vibrant foliage along trails in Maine’s picturesque national park.
11. Stay at a Bed & Breakfast – Relax in quaint accommodations like The Woodstock Inn in Vermont or The Inn at Castle Hill in Massachusetts.
12. Try Fresh Maine Lobster – Feast on a lobster roll from Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, Maine, before the season ends.
13. Visit a Cranberry Bog – See cranberry harvesting at Mayflower Cranberries in Plympton, Massachusetts.
14. Eat a Maple Creamee – the BEST treat! Soft serve mixed with maple syrup! See the best places here!
15. Wander through the leaves in Stowe, Vermont. Here's my guide to the best places for leaf peeping!
16. Sample Seasonal Craft Beer – Try autumn-inspired brews at breweries like Hill Farmstead in Vermont or Allagash Brewing Company in Maine. Also a big fan of Von Trapp Brewery in Vermont.
17. Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride – Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire through picturesque mountainsides bursting with color.
18. Take a Hayride – Hop aboard at a charming farm like Smolak Farms in North Andover, Massachusetts.
19. Go through a nightime Jack-O-Lantern trail! The best one I've ever done (and I've done many!) is in Providence, Rhode Island.
20. Go through a corn maze! These are truly the best! Not just for kids too, we got lost! I love the mazes at Percy's Corn Maze in Stowe, Vermont.
21. Stay in a cabin! I love this A-Frame cabin in Vermont! The link to book is here.
22. Take a scenic hike. There are so many incredible hikes (See more below with my free guide!) But I love Nichols Ledge (pictured below), Table Rock Trail, Flume Gorge, Diana's Baths, Vermont's Long Trail (it really is long, but you could do part!)
From savoring the sweetness of authentic maple candy in Vermont to embracing the spooky spirit of Salem, Massachusetts, checking off your fall bucket list in New England is nothing short of magical.
With breathtaking foliage, charming covered bridges, and cozy festivals, there's no shortage of picturesque moments and memorable activities. Whether you're a nature lover, foodie, history buff, or all three, New England offers endless opportunities to experience autumn at its finest.
So grab your camera, bundle up, and prepare for an autumn adventure you'll cherish forever.
New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
Best Places for Foliage in New England
Best Places for Fall in Vermont
Best Places for Fall in New Hampshire
Best Places for Fall in Connecticut
