As the days become shorter and the temperatures cooler, one yearly tradition draws thousands of people to the northeast. Fall foliage offers magnificent views of bright orange, red and yellow hues as the leaves change in color. Witnessing this annual event showcases nature at her best. Below is a step-by-step guide to planning a trip to the northeast to view the fall foliage.
Decide where to go. Coastal Maine offers a unique experience with seaside towns, lighthouses and picturesque seashore. New Hampshire provides White Mountain National Forest, a nice day trip or overnight stay. The quintessential stop for every fall foliage trip is Vermont. The covered bridges, quiet villages and mountains set the perfect backdrop for viewing fall foliage.
Consider how to get there. If you’re planning to spend a few days in Boston, then Logan International Airport is the best choice. However, consider some of the smaller regional airports in your travels. Often, travel in and out of these airports is easier and travelers face fewer delays. Here are two possibilities:Albany, NY handles about 110 arrivals and departures daily. The rental cars are located within the airport’s new parking garage. This smaller airport makes it easy to fly in and out. Albany is located about two and a half hours from Burlington in northern Vermont, and one and a half hours from southern Vermont. Manchester, NH, serviced by eight airlines, sits in the heart of New England. The airport is about one hour from Southern Maine and about one and half hours from Vermont.
Decide when to go. The ideal time for visiting New England varies slightly depending on which area one chooses to visit. The first two weeks of October provide the optimum time to see foliage in New Hampshire and Vermont. In Maine, the leaves change colors a little sooner making the perfect time the last week of September or the first week or October. Keep in mind that the foliage will vary from year to year depending on the climate and weather conditions.
Look at where to stay. New England is dotted with cottages, bed and breakfasts and inns, the quintessential lodging for any stay in New England. These lodgings fill up several months in advance so book early. Most inns require a two night stay on weekends.
Determine the most scenic Roads. The most scenic drives are the small two-lane roads that connect one small town to another. However, these roads can become congested with people making the scenic drive even slower. A few of the major interstates can have nice views. Interstate 89 and 91 cross both Vermont and New Hampshire, while Interstate 87 from Albany to Plattsurgh can highlight the colors of the season.
