East Coast Fall Foliage Stops: Your State-by-State Guide to Peak Autumn Views
If you’re dreaming of crisp air, blazing leaves, and that unmistakable autumn glow, this guide to East Coast fall foliage stops will help you plan the perfect trip. From Maine’s coastal vistas to Virginia’s mountain drives, here are the best leaf peeping destinations by state - all tried-and-true stops for your fall bucket list.
Fall Foliage Stops by State
Maine
Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park
Camden
Kennebunkport
Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway
Baxter State Park
Vermont
Stowe
Woodstock
Manchester
Burlington & Green Mountain Byway
Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Byway
New Hampshire
Kancamagus Highway
White Mountains National Forest
Franconia Notch State Park
Conway & North Conway
Lake Winnipesaukee
Massachusetts
The Berkshires
Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway
Salem
Concord & Lexington
Cape Ann
New York
Adirondack Mountains
Catskill Mountains
Hudson Valley
Finger Lakes Region
Virginia
Skyline Drive / Shenandoah National Park
Blue Ridge Parkway
Tips for Planning Your Leaf-Peeping Trip
Time it right: Peak foliage tends to begin in northern states (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire) in late September, then progresses south through October.
Stay flexible: Weather and elevation affect color timing. Having some wiggle room in dates lets you chase the best color.
Pick scenic drives + stays: Drives like the Mohawk Trail, Kancamagus Highway, or Skyline Drive offer breathtaking views en route. Combine with charming towns and local stays.
Check foliage trackers: Use services like Yankee Magazine’s fall foliage report or Northeast foliage prediction maps for up-to-date progress.
Bring the right gear: Layers, waterproof shoes, warm drinks, camera (or phone with good photo mode), and daylight-friendly timing all help.
Why These Places Made the List
These destinations are consistently ranked among the best fall foliage spots East Coast because they offer:
Variety in landscapes - coastlines, mountains, lakes, forests
Accessibility for weekend trips or longer road trips
Stunning photo ops, cute small towns, and those classic autumn vibes
Want More Inspiration?
Ready to plan?
Leaf peepers, it’s time! Bookmark this guide, map out your ideal East Coast foliage route, and start planning your fall escape. Want help picking the perfect itinerary or hidden gems only locals know? Reach out or leave a comment - I’d love to help you curate your dream autumn trip.
At Allure Travel Co., we don’t just plan trips-we curate experiences. We offer bespoke travel planning, luxury hotel bookings, and travel concierge services.
Submit a booking request or follow along on Instagram @alluretravelco for more dreamy destinations.
