Fall in love
HERE’S A ROUND-UP OF PLACES TO CATCH THE FAMOUS FALL COLOURS OF NEW ENGLAND
You already know New England’s the place to see autumn — or fall — foliage, but you may not have heard that this year, things are moving slower than usual, so there’s still time to catch the iconic colours.
Now is one of the region’s busiest tourist seasons for the heavilyforested states of Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, as visitors rush to the area to watch the trees emerge from vibrant green into their autumn cloaks of burnished red and gold. Hotels can sell out months in advance, but with the season running later than usual this year, it’ll be easier to find availability — especially if you’re happy with leaves just past their ‘peak,’ which, when they’re this beautiful, is hardly a sacrifice. Even on the ground as a multicoloured carpet, they’re still worth the flight.
Here’s where to go for some last-minute leafpeeping:
Warren, Vermont
Fall starts in the north, so Vermont’s already past its peak, but even faded, it’s still spectacular. Start in the town of Warren in Vermont’s Mad River Valley on the edge of the Green Mountains, and stay at the Pitcher Inn, a welcoming bolthole of quirky country luxury with a really impressive kitchen. From here you can access the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the US, which runs the length of the state. After a day spent wandering the gentle slopes surrounding Warren to the soundtrack of the rushing river, refuel at the ‘almost world famous’ Warren Store with a turkey tumble sandwich, made with locally smoked meat and bread baked in house.
Essex, Vermont
If you’re not a walker, book a balloon flight to see Vermont at its blushing best.
You can take ‘Vermont foliage’ rides to reveal the autumnal canopy from above — views no landlubbers can enjoy. As well as drifting over
Lake Champlain and the
state’s lush mountains, you’ll have views of the Adirondacks to the west, all served up with drinks and local snacks. Standard rides continue throughout the year, and even in November, there will still be colour: in fact later visitors can see more aspen, oak and beech trees amid Vermont’s famous maples.
Camden Hills, Maine
Stay in the picket fence-pretty town of coastal Camden and hike into the hills for dreamy views of the woodland from up-on-high — this area is enjoying peak foliage. It’s a steep but short scramble from sea level to the lookout point of Mount Battie, from where you can see sparkling Penobscot Bay and its islands, as well as the flaming foliage. Or drive into the Camden Hills State Park to take the trail to the summit of Mount Megunticook, which at 422 metres is the highest point in the park. There are plenty of lobster dinners in town to reward your efforts, or dine at Fresh and Co for global takes on the abundant local seafood.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Thanks to 2017’s late foliage, Acadia National Park in northern Maine is the ideal peeping spot. It’s also home to the sought-after town of Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, characterised by its many smart yachts and working lobster boats, and easy access to the surrounding forests. Come here to view the autumn leaves and you’ll be immersed in the natural worlds of both land and sea. Go one better than your neighbour and book a Cessna flight for the most fabulous view of the foliage, shoreline, mountains and islands.
Connecticut River Valley
Connecticut is due to reach peak foliage as November begins.
The allure of train travel has increased, and with steam long outstripped by newer technologies, any ride on a fine old steam engine feels glamorous and indulgent.
The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat tour is the grandest way you’ll find to cruise through the Connecticut River Valley, watching the red, gold and crimson leaves of the oaks and maples first from the windows of your carriage, and then from the open decks of the river boat. Mount Washington, New Hampshire
The state of New Hampshire — whose motto is ‘Live free or die’ — has the highest peaks in the north-east of the US. The highest of these is Mount Washington at 1,917m, and experienced walkers can hike through the foliage of the White Mountain National Forest. Although the Mount Washington Auto Road runs all the way to the summit, it closed in mid-october, meaning that adventurous hikers can enjoy the foliage here in near-privacy.
Canoe tour of Nashoba Valley, Massachusetts
Get a really special view of the region’s trees on a river canoe tour from Groton in Massachusetts, an hour’s drive north west of Boston. The cooler temperatures of autumn make it a great season for strenuous activity, though if you take it slow you’ll have more time to enjoy the wealth of different trees and colours rising up from the shoreline all around you.
Roger Williams Park, Rhode Island
As lush as they are, you don’t need to head for the hills to enjoy some stunning leaf-peeping. Roger Williams Park in Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, is a 435-acre landscaped city park with plenty on offer for urbanite foliage fans. Stay at the Providence Biltmore, a member of Hilton’s Curio Collection of hotels, and walk off breakfast by exploring the park until sundown.
Olana, New York
New York isn’t technically part of
New England, but its foliage is equally spectacular — and since it’s further south, it runs later. The artist Frederic Church built his iconic home, Olana, overlooking the Hudson River, and designed the grounds to be a work of landscape art in their own right.