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Natural Phenomenon · Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, USA

Fall Foliage New England

“America's greatest autumn colours — 4-week season sweeping New Hampshire, Vermont + Maine”

New England's fall foliage is arguably the world's greatest autumn display — sugar maples turn brilliant red + orange + yellow over 4 weeks in October. Book 6-9 months ahead. Vermont's Kancamagus Highway + Green Mountains + Acadia National Park are peak spots. Peak leaf-peeping season = expensive.

Upcoming dates

Next
2026
Peak: September 25-October 15 (northern) + October 5-25 (southern)
Following year
2027
Peak: September 25-October 15 (northern) + October 5-25 (southern)

Peak colours sweep south — northern New England (Vermont, NH, Maine) mid-Sept to early Oct; southern (Mass, Conn) mid-Oct to late Oct.

Duration
4-week season with 1-2 week peak per location
Crowd
Leaf peepers overwhelm
Budget/day
$200-450 (leaf peeping season 2-3× normal B&B rates)
Book ahead
8+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Photographers + couples + retirees + road trippers
  • ✓Book Vermont B&Bs 6-12 months ahead — everything sells out
  • ✓Track foliage forecast at Yankee Magazine + Vermont Tourism weekly Sep-Oct
  • ✓Peak drive: Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire) — 34 miles of peak colour
  • ✓Vermont: Route 100 north to south, Stowe area, Green Mountain National Forest
  • ✓Acadia National Park (Maine) has ocean + foliage combo
  • ✓Rent a car essential — no train + limited transit to peak leaf areas

Book hotels for Fall Foliage New England 2026

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 8+ months ahead.

Fly to Boston Logan (or Manchester MHT, Burlington BTV)

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Airport transfer

Getting out of Vermont (BOS)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.

Frequently asked

When is peak fall foliage New England?
Northern (VT/NH/Maine): mid-Sept to early Oct. Southern (Mass/Conn): mid to late Oct. Track weekly updates from Vermont Tourism + Yankee Magazine.
Where is best for fall foliage in New England?
Kancamagus Highway (NH), Route 100 Vermont, Green Mountain National Forest, Acadia National Park (Maine ocean + foliage), Stowe area.
How far in advance should I book?
6-12 months for Vermont B&Bs + inns. Peak weekends (Columbus Day weekend) 2-3× normal rates.
Do I need a rental car?
Yes — no train to peak leaf areas. Rent from Boston Logan or Manchester (NH). Drive 6-hour Fall Foliage Loop.
Is New England foliage better than Japan kōyō?
Different — New England has brighter reds (sugar maples) + longer season. Japan has iconic temple + garden framing. Both are world-class.