As temperatures cool and trees burst into shades of red, orange, and gold, the East Coast becomes a top destination for fall getaways. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a romantic retreat, or a peaceful weekend escape, the region is filled with autumn magic. From classic New England villages to coastal parks and mountain roads, here are 12 must-visit destinations for leaf-peeping, festivals, and cozy downtime.

📅 Best Time to See Fall Colors

Foliage timing varies by latitude and elevation:

Region / State Peak Foliage Period
Northern New England (VT, NH, inland ME) Sept 24 – Oct 10
Southern New England & Mid-Atlantic Oct 5 – Oct 21
Coastal New England (MA, ME coast) Oct 12 – Oct 28
Mid-Atlantic inland (NJ, PA, VA) Oct 12 – Oct 28
Mid-Atlantic coastal Oct 19 – Nov 4
Blue Ridge Parkway (VA-NC) Mid Oct – Early Nov

💡 Tip: For early October trips, head to Vermont, New Hampshire, or inland Maine. Mid-October is ideal for Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. Late October–early November works best for Virginia and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

🌲 Top 12 Fall Destinations

  1. Stowe, Vermont

  • Highlights: Classic New England village, Green Mountains, sugar maples.

  • Peak Time: Late Sept – Early Oct

  • Must-Do: Drive/bike Smugglers’ Notch, visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill, hike Mount Mansfield, scenic gondola ride.

  1. White Mountains, New Hampshire

  • Highlights: Rugged peaks, dense forests, Kancamagus Highway.

  • Peak Time: Late Sept – Early Oct

  • Must-Do: Drive Kancamagus Highway, hike Franconia Notch, visit Flume Gorge, ride Conway Scenic Railroad.

  1. Acadia National Park, Maine

  • Highlights: Coastal cliffs, maple & birch forests, photogenic ocean-forest contrast.

  • Peak Time: Early–Mid Oct

  • Must-Do: Hike Cadillac Mountain for sunrise, walk Jordan Pond Path, drive Park Loop Road, enjoy lobster rolls.

  1. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

  • Highlights: Rolling hills, culture & arts, cozy small towns.

  • Peak Time: Early–Mid Oct

  • Must-Do: Visit Mount Greylock, explore Stockbridge & Great Barrington, apple picking, attend fall festivals.

  1. Hudson Valley, New York

  • Highlights: Scenic river views, charming towns, wineries, festivals.

  • Peak Time: Mid–Late Oct

  • Must-Do: Ride Metro-North Fall Foliage train, hike Breakneck Ridge, visit Storm King Art Center, explore Sleepy Hollow.

  1. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

  • Highlights: Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Mountains, peaceful trails.

  • Peak Time: Mid–Late Oct

  • Must-Do: Drive Skyline Drive end-to-end, hike waterfalls, wildlife watching, stay in park lodges.

  1. Great Smoky Mountains, NC/TN

  • Highlights: Over 100 tree species, rainbow-like forest canopy.

  • Peak Time: Early Oct (high elevations), Late Oct (low elevations)

  • Must-Do: Hike Alum Cave Trail, drive Cades Cove loop, photograph Clingmans Dome, camping or cabin stays.

  1. Finger Lakes, New York

  • Highlights: Lakes & vineyards, rolling hills, small-town charm.

  • Peak Time: Early–Mid Oct

  • Must-Do: Wine tasting, hike Watkins Glen State Park, visit farmers markets, lake cruises.

  1. Catskills, New York

  • Highlights: Dense forests & open ridgelines, weekend escape from NYC.

  • Peak Time: Early–Mid Oct

  • Must-Do: Hike Kaaterskill Falls, leaf-peeping retreats, browse local art & antique shops.

  1. Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

  • Highlights: Quaint villages, rolling countryside, less crowded drives.

  • Peak Time: Mid–Late Oct

  • Must-Do: Drive Route 7, visit Kent Falls, explore Woodbury antique shops, hike Appalachian Trail section.

  1. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

  • Highlights: Lakes, cozy cabins, classic fall activities.

  • Peak Time: Mid–Late Oct

  • Must-Do: Visit Bushkill Falls, hike Delaware Water Gap, scenic drive Lake Wallenpaupack, enjoy seasonal resorts.

  1. Asheville, North Carolina

  • Highlights: Heart of Blue Ridge Mountains, arts & culture, long foliage season.

  • Peak Time: Mid-Oct – Early Nov (varies with elevation)

  • Must-Do: Drive Blue Ridge Parkway, visit Biltmore Estate, explore downtown, hike Pisgah National Forest.

🍂 Extra Ways to Enjoy Fall Foliage

  • Train rides: Conway Scenic Railroad (NH), Green Mountain Railroad (VT), New Hope Railroad (PA).

  • Cider & farm stops: Eden Ciders (VT), Farnum Hill (NH), Absolem (ME).

  • Hot air balloon flights: Hudson Valley, western MA.

  • Water activities: Canoe/kayak on rivers like Saco (NH/ME), Hudson (NY), Vermont lakes.

  • Festivals & harvest events: Apple & pumpkin festivals, hayrides, corn mazes, Halloween events.

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