Driving through the fall season colors – New England, USA

Driving through the fall season colors, New England, USA, for around a week will surely be an experience that you won’t forget. Red, orange, yellow, and brown; those are the first colors that come to mind when you think about fall. Even though they can be seen almost everywhere around the world, there isn’t a place as unique and ethereal as New England, USA.

New Englad borders Canada, enclosing the states of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. During the fall season, the great combination of climate, the variety of tree species and terrain makes it the most impressive scenery on the planet.

Activity/Place Highlights

Chase the colors

Changes in color may be better on some roads than in others, but also they can alter dramatically from day to day, and from valley to mountain. This type of changes happen because of altitude. Therefore, trees at higher levels usually turn before the ones in the valleys. Make sure to take a map and start tracking the changes. This is part of the fun because you will be continuously chasing the colors and they will take you to places of New England that no ordinary tour will show you.    

Take the old roads

You can also take the classic circuit that goes from the city of Boston to Vermont. Then you will go east to appreciate the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire. Later, you will head south to the incredible lakes region close to Laconia. The interstate highway might seem better for you since it’s fast and direct. However, the old roads offer the most captivating drives, making them the best choice.

Highway 4

Highway 4 is highly recommended as it takes you through mountains, and Woodstock to Rutland. Panoramic views of the Green Mountain National Forest will make you want to stop there to admire the amazing landscapes.

The White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

From Rutland, you will be heading up from the rolling hills to the majestic Lake Champlain on the New York State border. Heading back east, Highway 302 takes you from the Connecticut River to the most beautiful part of New Hampshire: the White Mountain National Forest. This is certainly one of the best places to see the fall colors. A good way to get here is along the Highway 112 or the Kancamagus Highway.

The Flume Gorge

If you’re lucky and arrive there at the right time, the view will take your breath away. Around you, mountains are covered in warm colors such as red, yellow, gold, bronze, and some touches of green. One must-see in the mountains is the Flume Gorge just off Highway 3. You can also take a short hiking trail there, taking you through the forest to a beautiful waterfall, then an outstanding red bridge, and finaly to the Flume Gorge.

Lake Winnipesaukee

On the other hand, to the south of the White Mountains the land is kinder and dominated by lakes, including Lake Winnipesaukee. A short drive in Highway 25 will take you to the quiet fishing village of Center Harbor. The you will be Route 109, following a path down the east shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. In this place, the trees are mostly golden and bronze. 

Your drive through the fall season colors will be coming to an end when you arrive in Alton Bay. From there you will make your way up to the western shore and back to Holderness, where you can watch the moon rise over the lake. A perfect way to finish your journey through this natural-color festival.  

How to get there

The classical and most popular route starts at Boston, Massachusetts. You can get to Boston by flying to Logan International Airport. Around 40 airlines serve Boston, and there are various transportation options from the airport.