With New England being known around the world for its fall foliage and a number of events that are held at this time of year, there may be no better way to experience it than with a New England fall road trip.
With iconic locations synonymous with Halloween and Thanksgiving, stunning landscapes that change with the seasons, and countless historic locations, there is plenty to do and see.
For anyone considering a New England fall road trip of their own, our guide will provide everything you need to plan a dream travel itinerary, so is certainly not an article to be missed.
A New England Fall Road Trip: How Far Is It, How Long Will It Take & What Is The Best Route?
The best route for a New England fall road trip can vary from person to person, depending on any particular stops you may want to make. That said, the route we have devised includes the majority of the highlights and will be a great option for most.
Our New England fall road trip route covers 1,250 miles (2,010 km), takes roughly 26 hours to drive, and goes through all 5 states in New England, as well as New York. It also begins and ends at JFK Airport in New York City, to make it convenient for road trippers coming from far and wide.
Start by joining the I-678 where it begins and drive its entire 14.33 mile (23.06 km) length. This will eventually become Hutchinson River Parkway, which you’ll continue following north to Exit 6B. You’ll then briefly go west on the Cross County Parkway, before using Exit 4N to join I-87 and drive north.
Those visiting Sleepy Hollow will follow this to Exit 9, while everyone else will take Exit 8. Either way, you will then drive east on I-287 and follow it to its conclusion, near the town of Rye. Merge with I-95 and drive east for 90 miles (145 km), to Exit 76, near Waterford.
You will join I-395 where it begins and follow it for around 38 miles (60 km), to Exit 35, with those wanting to visit the Mohegan Reservation doing so by making a detour using Exit 9 along the way. From Exit 35 drive east on Governor John Davis Lodge Turnpike then merge with U.S. Route 6.
When you reach Providence, join I-195 at its origin and drive its entire 44.23 mile (71.18 km) length. Briefly go north on I-495 then use Exit 2 to join Massachusetts Route 58. The road becomes Tremont Street, Federal Furnace Road, and Summer Street, but keep following it till you reach Plymouth.
Drive north from here on Massachusetts Route 3 until it merges with I-93 and takes you into Boston. At Exit 19 you will then join US Route 1 and drive 250 miles (400 km) to Ellsworth. Those visiting Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park can use Maine State Route 3 here to do so.
Drive from Ellsworth to Bangor on US Route 1A, then pick up the I-95 and head southwest for 110 miles (180 km), to Exit 75. You will then start making your way west on a combination of Maine State Routes 122, 26, and 11, before eventually joining US Route 302.
Once you pass through White Mountain National Forest, merge onto I-93 and drive to St Johnsbury, then use US Route 2 to go to Montpelier. From here you’ll drive south on I-89. Using a combination of Vermont Routes 107 and 100 and US Route 4, you will work your way west from Exit 3.
When you reach Rutland, drive south on US Route 7 and follow it all the way to its conclusion in Norwalk. The I-95 will then take you back to the north end of the I-678, which you can use to complete your journey back to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
For anyone wanting to visit Amityville, it is a simple 40 mile (60 km) round trip along New York State Route 27 from the airport.
Best Places To Stop On A New England Fall Road Trip
A New England fall road trip isn’t about getting from a to b. It is a scenic journey that is best enjoyed by taking your time and soaking in some of the most iconic sights and landscapes in the United States.
Factor in that you will drive more than 26 hours and it is definitely a trip that will require some overnight stops. While there are plenty of great options, the following are the best places to stop on a New England fall road trip, as they offer maximum value for your time.
Providence, Rhode Island
The capital, most populous, and 2nd oldest city in Rhode Island, as well as the 3rd most populous city in New England, Providence sits in Narragansett Bay, at the mouth of the Providence River.
Founded in 1636 by author and minister Roger Williams, it was one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
History buffs will love exploring the many historic locations in the city, while culture vultures will enjoy things like one of the largest collections of coffee shops in the United States, one of New England’s biggest LGBT communities, and a wide range of art centres, groups, and installations.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Providence - Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel
The Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel is a stunning, historic, 4 star hotel, in the centre of Providence. Built in 1929, it boasts iconic architecture and exquisite décor, creating a truly out of this world experience.
The rooms are spacious, full of comfortable furnishings and state of the art amenities and provide amazing views over the city. In the communal areas you will then find a 24 hour fitness centre, ATM, bar, business and meeting facilities, and a restaurant, to take care of all your needs.
Free Wi-Fi is available across the property and parking is available on request. Additional services like bicycle rentals, dry cleaning, ironing, laundry, and room service are all also available.
Boston, Massachusetts
The capital and most populous city in both Massachusetts and New England, Boston was settled in 1630, ranking it among the oldest cities in the nation. Founded for its strategic port location, it is still one of the United States’ most active ports today.
Boston is world famous for a number of things, including its Irish culture, historic locations relating to the United States War For Independence, higher education establishments, sports teams, and the annual Boston Marathon.
A popular destination for everyone from history buffs to sports fans, Boston may be the single most “can’t miss” destination anywhere along the drive on a New England fall road trip.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Boston - Boston Harbor Hotel
The Boston Harbor Hotel is a fabulous, pet friendly, 5 star hotel on Rowes Wharf, in Downtown Boston’s Waterfront neighbourhood. A luxurious, stylish property that has won numerous awards, it offers breath-taking waterfront views and easy access to many of Boston’s top attractions.
The rooms all boast comfortable furnishings, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a range of amenities that includes an illy coffee machine, personalised mini bar, and Smart TV with Bluetooth audio streaming. Deluxe rooms also include a large seating area.
Featuring an award winning restaurant that also provides room service, a bar, modern gym, swimming pool, gift shop, concierge service, and private parking, it has everything you need for a truly relaxing vacation.
Bangor, Maine
The 3rd largest city in Maine, Bangor is known as the “Queen City Of The East” and is infamous for its scenic, natural environment. From the 650 acre Bangor City Forest to its forests, parks, and even the 2nd largest garden cemetery in the U.S., it’s ideal for those who love the great outdoors.
You can enjoy a plethora of different activities which includes camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, sailing, hunting, and even things like skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Horror fans will also love Bangor as it is the hometown of legendary writer Stephen King.
The city is home to his Victorian mansion and more than 20 locations that inspired scenes from his books, making it a fabulous place to visit on a New England fall road trip around Halloween.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Bangor - Bangor Country Inn At The Mall
The Country Inn At The Mall is a fabulous hotel near Bangor City Forest. Designed in the traditional New England Colonial style, it has a beautiful aesthetic and offers communal features including laundry services and a lobby computer, to make your stay as convenient as possible.
Every spacious room is stylishly decorated and boasts facilities like air conditioning. free Wi-Fi, an en suite bathroom, a TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. All reservations include free parking and a complimentary continental breakfast each morning.
Top Attractions On A New England Fall Road Trip
Now that you know the best route for a New England fall road trip and the perfect time to drive it, we will move on to looking at the top attractions on a New England fall road trip.
We have selected 17 stops covering everything from Halloween and Thanksgiving to the iconic fall foliage and the history of New England. This should ensure everyone can plan the perfect travel itinerary for their New England fall road trip, no matter why they are making the drive.
Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow is a small town on the east bank of the Hudson River. Having long been listed among the most haunted places in America and being the setting for Washington Irving’s book “The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow”, it makes a perfect stop for a New England fall road trip set near Halloween.
With countless attractions that play on its spooky history, including the famous cemetery where Washington Irving is buried, it is easily one of the best places to visit in the United States at Halloween and a perfect stop on a trip like this.
Mohegan Indian Reservation, Connecticut
The Mohegan Indian Reservation is the official tribal lands of the Mohegan Tribe, one of the first to have been recognised as a sovereign nation, which first occurred in 1638. This makes it a fabulous place to learn about Native American history and culture on a New England fall road trip.
Perhaps its most popular attraction though, is the Mohegan Sun resort, which centres around a casino that offers table games, slot machines, keno, and a race book.
It also features the 12,000 seat Mohegan Sun Arena, 350 seat Cabaret Theatre, 300 seat Wolf Den, 3 acres of retail shops, and 2.3 acres of function space that includes the largest ballroom in the northeast United States.
This all makes the Mohegan Indian Reservation a perfect place for those who want to take a break from the drive, get off the road for a while, and relax and let lose.
Fall River, Massachusetts
Fall River is a city that sits right on the Massachusetts – Rhode Island state line. With a collection of historic textile mills, the largest collection of World War II naval vessels on Earth in Battleship Cove, and unique links to Portuguese culture, there are plenty of attractions to make it worth visiting.
However, it is best known for some of the morbid events that have occurred here, making it a perfect place to visit on a New England fall road trip set around Halloween.
First, there is the Lizzie Borden case, the infamous event where a couple were killed with an axe in their home, allegedly by their daughter. Visitors can not only see the house and learn about the case, but you can also stay in the house yourself, for a truly unique yet macabre experience.
Then there is the Fall River Murders, a series of murders that took place between October 1979 and February 1980 and were heavily linked to a satanic cult. Visitors can travel to the murder sites, learn more about the events, and retrace the steps of some of Rhode Island’s most horrific crimes.
Hyannis, Massachusetts (Martha’s Vineyard/Nantucket)
Hyannis, Massachusetts is a small village on Cape Cod Bay that offers beautiful watery views and is often referred to as the “Capital Of The Cape”. It is home to some fabulous attractions, like the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, and Kalmus Park Beach.
What really sets Hyannis apart though is the Steamship Authority Ferry Docks, where visitors can take a ferry to two of Cape Cod’s most famous islands, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Two seasonal colony islands that are registered National Historic Districts, visiting either or both out of season will provide the opportunity to see some truly historic New England architecture in a much quainter, more scenic setting, back dropped by stunning ocean views.
Plymouth, Massachusetts (Cape Cod Bay)
Plymouth is a historic town settled in 1620 that is affectionately nicknamed “America’s Hometown” and is one of the oldest in the nation, making it a great stop for fans of U.S. history.
It is also a must visit for anyone taking a New England fall road trip around Thanksgiving, as it was the site of the very first Thanksgiving celebration and boasts a number of sites dedicated to the legendary event.
Located on Cape Cod Bay, it is also ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy some time relaxing by the waterfront, taking in the legendary views that were among the first things the original pilgrims to America would have seen when they arrived.
Salem, Massachusetts
Located just outside Boston, Salem is a city that was settled in 1626, making it one of the oldest in the nation and a great place to see some of the most iconic examples of New England and early U.S. architectural styles and historic locations.
It is best known for the Salem Witch Trials that took place from 1692 to 1693 though, during which time more than 200 locals were accused of witchcraft, with countless trials and barbaric executions taking place.
With countless attractions dedicated specifically to this period in Salem’s history, it is an absolutely can’t miss destination on a New England fall road trip taken any time around Halloween.
Portland, Maine
Portland is the largest city in Maine and boasts the 2nd largest seaport in New England, making it one of the region’s most important cities. It is well known for its Old Port district, which is full of historic buildings and recognised as a vibrant hub of nightlife.
While the historic Port Of Portland is the main draw of the city for most, The Arts District is filled with museums, galleries, studios, and more, and is not to be missed for anyone who wants to learn more about the state’s history and culture.
Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor
Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are both located on Mount Desert Island, on the northeast coast of Maine. Between the two, they offer the perfect combination of features to provide you with the complete New England experience on your drive.
Acadia is among the most visited national parks in the United States and is filled with stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, panoramic vistas, and historic attractions. It is a fabulous place to explore all year round.
Bar Harbor is a remote summer colony town filled with historic buildings, boats, and tourist attractions.
Augusta, Maine
Home to around 19,000 people, Augusta is the capital of Maine and 3rd least populous capital city in the United States, behind Montpelier in Vermont and Pierre in South Dakota.
Home to both the Maine State House and Maine State Museum, it is a perfect stop on a New England fall road trip for anyone who wants to learn more about the state of Maine.
Its other prominent attractions include historic sites like Blaine House, Fort Western, Lithgow Public Library, Viles Arboretum, and the University Of Maine At Augusta.
White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest is the largest of the two national forests in New England at over 750,000 acres, as well as the easternmost national forest in the United States. This makes it a perfect place to see the region’s iconic natural landscape on a New England fall road trip.
You can enjoy natural features like the Presidential Range, the tallest mountain range in New England, as well as a vibrant collection of wildlife. Many also consider its Kancamagus Highway one of the most scenic routes in the region.
With historic towns like Bartlett and Lincoln, unique attractions like covered bridges and alleged alien abduction sites, and activities like hiking, climbing, and even winter sports, White Mountain National Forest gives you a taste of a little bit of everything New England is known for.
The Great Vermont Corn Maze
The Great Vermont Corn Maze is a sprawling 24 acre maze that includes multiple routes and various features like bridges.
With both a full maze that takes roughly 3 hours to complete and a simpler version that takes about 40 minutes, visitors of all abilities and fitness levels have the chance to experience this iconic rural American activity.
For those visiting for spooky season, they also run the Dead North Farmland Of Terror event in the first half of October each year. With special effects and trained actors turning the maze into a horror filled spectacle, you can test your nerve as well as your abilities.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a small town in northern Vermont that is affectionately known as “The Ski Capital Of The East”. It is home to the Stowe Mountain Resort and the Vermont Ski And Snowboard Museum, making it an ideal stop on the drive for any fans of winter sports.
Other popular attractions in Stowe are the Trapp Family Lodge, an alpine style lodge owned by the Austrian Trapp family, who the movie “The Sound Of Music” was based on, the Stowe Recreation Path hiking trail, and the Cady Hill Forest.
Those taking their New England fall road trip near Halloween should also visit Emily’s Bridge. A covered bridge that is said to be among the most haunted in the nation, it allows you to blend iconic New England architecture and the supernatural into a single attraction.
Waterbury, Vermont
Waterbury is a historic town settled around 1783 and named after Waterbury, Connecticut, where many of its founders came from. The town itself boasts a number of historic buildings, so is a great stop for those interested in the region’s past.
However, what makes it a can’t miss destination on our route is that it is home to the most popular tourist attraction in all of Vermont, the Ben & Jerry’s factory.
The location where one of the world’s most famous ice cream brands manufactures its goods, visitors can take guided tours of the factory to see how it is produced and sample some of their flavours fresh from being made.
It also features the Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard, where flavours that have been discontinued are honoured with headstones in an actual graveyard. This makes it a doubly perfect stop on a New England fall road trip planned anywhere near Halloween.
Montpelier, Vermont
Despite being home to just 8,000 people, Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont, making it the least populous state capital in the nation. However, it is a city well known for its industry, and its population nearly triples during the daytime thanks to commuters.
A unique city even for New England, attractions like the Vermont State House and Vermont History Museum make it a city well worth visiting on a New England fall road trip to learn more about one of the region’s 5 states.
Green Mountain National Forest
The 2nd of New England’s national forests, Green Mountain National Forest covers just under 400,000 acres and is the only one of the two to be located entirely in one state. Less popular and visited than its neighbour, Green Mountain may be the most undeveloped area in the region.
Known for its legendary hiking trails, wilderness areas, recreation areas, and ski areas, it is an ideal stop on a New England fall road trip for those who want to see the area at its most natural or test themselves against the elements.
Kent/New Preston, Connecticut
A stop that definitely won’t be for everyone, this part of rural Connecticut has gained notoriety among horror fans for being where the legendary movie “Friday The 13th Part 2” was shot in the 80s.
Visit some iconic locations from the movie, take a dip in North Spectacle Pond or “Crystal Lake” as it is known to fans, or put on your best Jason Voorhees costume and snap some once in a lifetime Halloween photos on location.
Amityville, New York
A small village on Long Island, New York, Amityville is a quaint place that can give you a glimpse into what life is like in a part of rural New York that is right on the edge of the largest city in the U.S.
It is also a perfect destination around Halloween though, as it is best known as the setting of “The Amityville Horror”, a book and series of films based on the true story of a mass murder and several paranormal events that occurred in a house in the village.
While the house is a private property and it and its grounds can’t be entered, it is a great place for fans of horror and everything spooky to stop and snap a photo in front of an iconic building.
Best Time For A New England Fall Road Trip
Fall runs from mid-September to mid-December each year, but the best time for a New England fall road trip depends on exactly what you are hoping to see.
For those looking to see the colours of the leaves change and experience the fall foliage that New England is so well known for, the best time for your trip if from mid-September to mid-October.
People wanting to experience spooky season in New England and enjoy all of the scary events and attractions held each year for Halloween will want to visit from mid-October to early November.
Finally, anyone wanting to enjoy a traditional American thanksgiving and visit some of the most important places linked to the tradition will want to make their trip at some point in November.
While the first half of December is technically classified as fall, most people associate it more with winter and it is not a good time for a New England fall road trip.
Conclusion
A New England fall road trip if a fabulous journey that allows you to explore the northeast corner of the United States in the best way possible.
Our guide will hopefully have given you everything you need to plan a perfect travel itinerary, including when to go, what route to take, and all the amazing things there are to do and see along the way.
All you have left to do now then is start getting your own dream vacation booked. That way you won’t miss out on anything when you make the drive for yourself.