Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the Northeast!

By late September, Vermont’s leaves begin to transform into a breathtaking mix of vibrant colors. The mountains draped in red and gold, combined with the charming local towns, create the ultimate autumn paradise! 🍂 Vermont in the fall is perfect for a spontaneous leaf-peeping trip. 📝 Travel Guide 🚘 Driving distance: From Boston: 3 hours From NYC: 5 hours ⏰ Best time to see foliage: Late September – mid-October 🔍 Check the Fall Foliage Prediction Map or Vermont’s official foliage tracker for updates! 🚩 Recommended trip length: 3 days for a relaxed trip Short on time? Drive the 1.5-hour scenic route from Killington to Stowe — it’s gorgeous! 👍 How to enjoy: Focus on foliage drives 🚗, scenic gondola rides 🚠, and exploring quaint New England towns. Everywhere you look, you’ll find picture-perfect autumn views! 📸 🏨 Accommodation Tips ✅ Killington: A great first stop. Nearby Woodstock is also worth visiting. ✅ Burlington: Close to Stowe but less crowded. Lots of dining options! ❌ Stowe gets extremely busy on weekends — book hotels early! Not ideal if you dislike crowds. 🍁 Top Foliage Recommendations 📍 Woodstock Village A classic New England town known for its historic covered bridges and fun farms. Pick apples, make maple syrup, and warm up with pumpkin soup or hot apple cider! 🎃🍎 ❌ Avoid: Sleepy Hollow Farm & Jenne Farm — they don’t welcome tourists. 📍 SkyRide Gondola (Stowe) Take a cable car up for stunning aerial views of the colorful mountains! 🚡🍂 Book tickets in advance — they sell out fast in peak season! Closes at 4:30 PM | Ticket: $42 (round trip) 📍 Smugglers' Notch (VT-108) This road starts in Stowe and winds through a tunnel of maple trees — like driving through a fall fantasy! 🍁🚙 Less crowded than VT-100 and feels more rustic. 📍 Nichols Ledge A 15-minute hike leads to amazing views of a lake and colorful forests. 🥾🧡 Rough road — better for SUVs/high-clearance vehicles. Prefer an easier hike? Try Owls Head Mt. instead. ✨ Pro Tips: You don’t need to go to famous spots — everywhere is beautiful during peak foliage! Hiking is especially rewarding this season. Bring layers — mornings and evenings can be chilly! 🧥 #EastCoastTravel #FallInTheEast #VermontFoliage #VermontAutumn #NewEnglandFall 🍂📸