New England in the fall is a spectacle of color, but the real magic lies in getting out of the car to experience it. This isn't your average scenic drive; it's an adventure-focused itinerary designed for those who believe the best views are earned. Over four days, you'll trade crowded overlooks for quiet trailheads, navigating winding back roads and scaling mountain peaks to witness the autumn blaze from a whole new perspective.
New England Road Trip Guide
- Day 1: Vermont's Mountain Roads & Summit Views
- Day 2: The Majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire
- Day 3: Maine's Rugged Mountain & Lake Country
- Day 4: Coastal Colors & The Journey Home
- Packing List
TL;DR
Park your rental car and grab your hiking boots to explore New England's breathtaking fall colors. This road trip guide takes you through the scenic highways, mountain ranges, and rocky coastlines of three of New England's most beautiful states.
Day 1: Vermont's Mountain Roads & Summit Views
Catch an early flight into Boston (BOS) or Hartford (BDL), rent a comfy car, and head north toward the Green Mountains of Vermont. Your mission for the afternoon is to navigate the winding and incredibly scenic Route 100, which cuts through the heart of the state and is famous for its fiery autumn colors. This drive should take approximately three hours.
Your adventure touchpoint: The trail to Mount Killington. This is a rewarding summit hike with expansive views of the surrounding mountains. The challenge is worth the payoff as you see the foliage unfold beneath you. Killington Peak Loop is just under five miles and should take a couple hours to complete – budget your time accordingly! After the hike, find a cozy inn or cabin to spend the night in the Killington or Stowe area (about an hour away).
While in the Stowe and Killington area, look for classic Vermont fare like farm-to-table cuisine and cozy brewpubs.
For a quick bite:
Grab a sandwich at a local deli or a coffee shop in Stowe. The town is known for its charming main street with plenty of small, independent eateries perfect for a grab-and-go meal.
For dinner:
Head to a brewpub or a classic inn restaurant in either Killington or Stowe. Many places offer local beers and comfort food that's perfect after a day of hiking.
Day 2: The Majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire
Wake up early for the drive east into New Hampshire. Today is dedicated to the Kancamagus Highway, one of the most famous scenic drives in the country. Known as "The Kanc" by locals, this 34.5-mile stretch of road offers countless pull-offs and overlooks to photograph the blazing color. Plan for a two-to-three hour drive to reach The Kanc from Stowe or Killington.
Your adventure touchpoint: A hike in the White Mountains. The trail to the summit of Mount Osceola offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks, all blanketed in color. This is a more challenging hike at almost six miles, so be sure to leave enough time or plan an extra day in the area to tackle it. Spend the night in the charming town of Conway (about 1 hour from the Mt Osceola trailhead).
During your drive along the Kancamagus Highway and while exploring the White Mountains, your best options for eats will be in the towns at either end of the route.
Lunch on the go:
Pack a lunch! There aren't many food options directly on the Kancamagus Highway itself, so picking up sandwiches before you start the drive is a great idea. Enjoying a picnic at a scenic overlook is a fantastic way to experience the fall colors.
Dinner:
Once you reach the Conway area, you'll find plenty of options, from classic diners to casual restaurants that cater to hikers and travelers.
Day 3: Maine's Rugged Mountain & Lake Country
Leave New Hampshire behind and head east into Maine. The landscape here shifts from dense mountain ranges to a mix of peaks, lakes, and forests.
Your adventure touchpoint: Drive to Camden Hills State Park (about two to three hours) and hike to the top of Mount Megunticook. This is a rewarding climb (about 2.5 miles) that ends with a unique view of the coastline dotted with islands, framed by the vivid fall foliage. After your hike, explore the picturesque harbor town of Camden.
The coastal town of Camden is full of fantastic food, especially seafood.
For lunch:
Camden has a beautiful harbor, and many restaurants offer outdoor seating with a view. Look for a spot that serves fresh lobster rolls or clam chowder—Both New England classics.
For dinner:
Explore one of the more formal seafood restaurants in town. The options range from casual seafood shacks to upscale dining experiences.
Day 4: Coastal Colors & The Journey Home
It's your final day, but there's still time for one last adventure. Start your morning with a scenic drive down Maine's iconic coast, following Route 1 south. This drive offers a different kind of foliage viewing, as the colors are punctuated by rugged coastline, lighthouses, and fishing villages.
Your adventure touchpoint: A final coastal hike. Stop at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse (about one hour from Camden) to see the dramatic waves crashing against the rocky shore, a fitting end to your journey. You can take a short walk along the trails for a final dose of autumn air.
From there, make your way to the nearby Augusta State Airport to return your car and catch a flight, or extend your road trip and make the three-hour drive back to Boston to catch your flight home.
Lunch:
Near Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, you can find a few restaurants and cafes that serve fresh, local fare. Look for small, family-run spots that give you an authentic taste of coastal Maine. It's the perfect final meal for your trip.
Packing List
The theme of this packing list: Layers, layers, layers! New England weather in the fall can change in an instant, and you'll want a waterproof jacket, a warm fleece, and comfortable hiking boots to make the most of your time on the trails. Balance your packing with some comfortable driving clothes and packing cubes to keep it all organized.
Our recommended gear list:
- Cargo Hauler 60L Duffel for the car
- Pack-It® Reveal Packing Cube Set for organization
- Explore Hip Pack for around town
- Explore Sling Bag for more adventurous walks
