As a child in New Hampshire, my favorite season was always fall.
Autumn meant mountains alight with fiery foliage, crisp air, and no mosquitoes. It was always the perfect time to squeeze in one last camping trip, visit my grandparents at their cabin in Vermont, and watch the changing leaves from scenic hikes and drives.
I no longer live in New England, but I still visit regularly — and every year, I watch other tourists make the same mistakes on their trips.
Don’t just stick to social media for destination inspiration
Several popular spots — including Bar Harbor, Maine; Woodstock, Vermont; and Salem, Massachusetts — get a lot of love on social media. Although they are beautiful towns, there are many others to explore off the beaten path.
Attending college in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, I’d watch the leaves change on virtually tourist-free dirt roads that snaked their way over rolling hillsides with views of colorful forests patch-worked with ponds, lakes, and pastures.
Wander around any rural part of New England, and you’ll find some spectacular places with fewer crowds. A few of my top recommendations are Newport, Vermont; Rangeley, Maine; Sturbridge, Massachusetts; and Colebrook, New Hampshire.
Many first-time visitors underestimate how dangerous the mountains can be
A hike is a quintessential part of any New England foliage itinerary, but it won’t be a fun experience if you’re not prepared for it. I once shared a few laughs with a family who tried hiking in Crocs — and had to turn around a quarter of the way through their route.
Unfortunately, not every misadventure is that humorous. New England weather can be deceptive in autumn, especially in the higher elevations.
One evening on the Appalachian Trail in late August, my friends and I ran into a woman huddled in the dark on a log beside the trail. The day had started sunny and warm, but high wind and rain had moved in, and night had fallen quickly.
I still remember the feeling of dread when she asked if we’d seen her husband. Luckily, local search-and-rescue organizations got involved, and the man was eventually found safe and sound — but the experience was a good reminder that hiking can get dangerous if you’re not prepared.
Leaving your itinerary with someone, sticking close to your travel companions, and packing hiking gear like headlamps, warm layers, appropriate footwear (such as hiking boots or trail-running shoes), water, and snacks can save your life in the mountains.
A scenic drive isn’t the only way to see fall foliage
New England has a lot of fun scenic highways that are known for their epic views, but there are so many other great ways to see the foliage.
One of my favorites is to get out on the water. I love kayaking, but if you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire has some great cruise options.
New England also offers some amazing scenic train rides to explore the mountains. The Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train is an excellent alternative for those who aren’t up for hiking in the White Mountains.
The scenic two-hour ride winds alongside mountains, through the woods, and over three trestle bridges while passengers enjoy a five-course meal in restored 1950s railcars.
More adventurous tourists can also catch amazing views while taking ATV tours of the Adirondacks, challenging themselves with guided rock-climbing in New Hampshire, or mountain biking at Burke Mountain in Vermont.
Navigation apps can’t always be trusted, especially in more rural parts of New England
At college in Vermont, it was an annual tradition to watch someone with an out-of-state license plate head down a nearby dirt road called Auld Lang Syne.
Although it hadn’t been a through road since the early 1900s, navigation apps were still sending wayward travelers down it.
Tools like Google Maps and Apple Maps have gotten better in recent years, but I’ve still run into wonky recommendations, especially in rural New England. I’ve learned that if something looks odd, it probably is.
Beyond taking you down old roads, GPS apps can sometimes underestimate travel time. I’m always shocked when a section of the highway that usually just has two or three cars turns into bumper-to-bumper traffic during the peak fall season.
It’s even slower on scenic byways with steep, winding roads. Now, I always account for a bit of extra time to ensure I have a relaxing trip.
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