At this time of year in New England a rainbow revolution is under way. Green turns to red, gold, orange and purple – a million kaleidoscopic colours.
This process starts in mid-September in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, then spreads south into Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, culminating in the peak of “Fall foliage” in the first half of October.
While each state offers a dedicated website providing up-to-the-minute information on the Fall foliage “hot spots”, the massive popularity of New England at this time of year means that international travellers are best making early decisions on which areas to visit. For 2013, Discover New England has come up with five spots where you are sure to see some of the best colours:
1. Burke Mountain, Vermont
Nestled between the Green Mountains and the Connecticut River in the northern part of the state, Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom has an unspoiled, intense beauty, best appreciated by exploring its multi-use trails. The view of Burke Mountain from the town of East Burke offers a full spectrum of Autumn colour. And the Northeast Kingdom Scenic Byway is a superb drive at this time of year.
East Burke is 188 miles and approximately a 3-hour drive from Boston.
2. Presidential Range, New Hampshire
The tallest peaks in New Hampshire’s White Mountains are a range named after U.S. Presidents. Mount Washington is the highest in the northeastern United States at 6,288 feet. Anywhere in the White Mountain National Forest guarantees a wealth of autumn colour, but if you head for the small town of Carroll and take a hike up nearby Cherry Mountain to Owl’s Head Peak, you’ll be rewarded with a real feast for the eyes when you look back towards the Presidentials. See the foliage tracker at www.visitnh.gov.
Carroll, New Hampshire, is 154 miles and approximately a 2hr 30min drive from Boston.
3. Kennebunkport, Maine
Maine’s small coastal villages allow visitors to experience the Autumn colours in wonderful ocean-side settings. Camden, where the mountains meet the sea, is a favourite spot. Kennebunkport’s breathtaking beaches and historic architecture are set against lush Maine woods. Take a ride through them aboard an antique streetcar at the Seashore Trolley Museum. See Maine’s touring loops.
Kennebunkport is 86 miles and approximately a 1 hr and 35 min drive from Boston.
4. Boylston, Massachusetts
This small town is best known for New England’s first and only comprehensive Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Home to eight distinct gardens, Tower Hill enjoys some remarkable scenery right on its doorstep. This view west over the Wachusett Reservoir towards Mount Wachusett is among Massachusetts’ finest sights during the Fall. And if you want to get a grander look, you can drive to the summit at 2,006 feet for panoramic views into southern Vermont and as far as Boston. Discover the best Fall Foliage trails at massvacation.com.
Boylston is 45 miles and just over 1 hour’s drive from Boston.
5. Lake Waramaug, Connecticut
Tucked into the north-west corner of Connecticut, the rolling Litchfield Hills form an area of genteel charm. Lake Waramaug, the area’s largest body of water, is named after a revered Native American chief. Take the eight-mile drive around the lake’s perimeter and you’ll spot beautiful homes, fine country inns and fiery foliage. Take a stop at Hopkins Vineyard where you can have a tour and tasting. The estimated dates of peak foliage are on ct.gov.
New Preston, on the shores of Lake Waramaug, is 143 miles and approximately a 2hr 45min drive from Boston.
Read more: 10 lookout stays in the USA. Great places to see the autumn colours.
(Featured image: starmist1)
