The Fall Activities in New England You Can’t Miss
Ask anyone who has spent time in New England — there just isn’t anything like a New England fall. The air is crisp, the leaves are resplendent, and the world is alive with laughter and play. New England contains wonderfully diverse landscapes, from high mountains to beautiful shores, and is one of the most historic regions in terms of North American history.
During fall in New England, the world is your oyster (or, perhaps more seasonally and geographically appropriate, the world is your bowl of clam chowder). There are hundreds of amazing day trips and activities that can be had from Maine to Connecticut.
To help you narrow down what you should do on your perfect fall New England day, we made our list of the best activities for you to spend your idyllic autumn day.
Go Hike Mount Greylock
While Mount Monadnock may be the peak that has the heart of all Bostonians (despite its New Hampshire area code), Mount Greylock is actually the highest point in Massachusetts and a wonderful day trip. On a cloudless day, you can see over 90 miles, so it’s the perfect place to go “peak foliage” hunting, as some New Englanders call it.
The quickest and most rugged trail is the Thunderbolt Trail, which is 4.8 miles round trip. It is quite steep, but it’s a direct route and is surrounded by beautiful trees all the way to the top. Since it is so steep, many recommend bringing trekking poles and wearing performance socks (and probably skip bringing the little kids on this one). For more detailed instructions on climbing via the Thunderbolt Trail, click here!
There are less steep trails that are more accessible to younger children and less fit people as well. The Massachusetts Government keeps a detailed list here of all the day hike trails for the mountain.
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Sample Fall-Themed Drinks in Portland, Maine
Portland is the perfect getaway for a fall-themed day. And what better way to spend that day than with free-flowing pumpkin-spiced drinks (alongside other great fall flavors).
First, head to Maine Mead Works for some unbelievable Honey Wine. This fall, they are serving flavors such as Blueberry Mead and Lavender Mead, as well as fan-favorite Chai Mead. You can get a sampler of many of the meads for $9, or a full pour of one for $10.
Then, head to Portland’s Urban Farm Fermentory to try some locally brewed ciders, including hopped cider and seaweed cider. Also on tap are beers, including lavender and Maine lager, or, for the non-alcohol inclined, kombucha.
Finally, if you are staying a little bit outside Portland in Biddeford, check out Elements, a bookstore-cum-cafe-cum-pub. It offers local Maine cider (if you aren’t cidered out from the Ferrmentory), as well as seasonal drinks (the fall one is a pumpkin-spiced latte that will make you forget Starbucks even offered the drink).
In between the drinking, make sure to check out some of the amazing fall events the city and various individual groups put on throughout the season, like pumpkin patch tours, pumpkin regattas, and harvest fests.
Head to the Bridge of Flowers
The Bridge of Flowers, located in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, is a site to behold, and fall is the last season of the year when the Bridge is in bloom (make sure you go before November begins, as the season is from April 1 through October 30).
In October, flowers such as dahlias, asters, ornamental kale, roses, and daisies are in bloom, and the view over the river with the flaming red and orange leaves in the background is absolutely bucolic.
After heading to the Bridge of Flowers for the stunning view, take a stroll through the Audobon’s High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary, with over 4 miles of trails.
Sample All-Witch-Everything in Salem
Halloween is like you’ve never experienced it before in Salem. Yes, it is a little kitschy, we will admit it, but there is something so endearing about the haunted houses, fried pickles, and people wandering in full witch regalia.
During fall, visit the Salem Witch Museum to learn more about witches in a haunting environment, or see Cry Innocent, a theater experience about the Salem Witch trials.
Want something a little less witch-oriented (no judgement here!)? Head to the world-class Peabody Essex Museum which holds collections of African, American, Asian, Oceanic, and South Asian art.
But above all, our favorite thing to do in Salem is wander throughout the streets and take in the scary, silly, and spooky sights.
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Apple-Picking in New Hampshire
Would a fall list be complete without harvesting some fruits and gourds? Probably not. And there is no better place to do it in than New Hampshire, where the fruits are plump and juicy.
One of the best apple orchards which allow you to pick your own is Applecrest Farm, a family-owned operation that has been in business for over 100 years. Through October, there is a weekly fall festival each Saturday and Sunday from 11–5 with music, tractor rides, face painting, and more. It is the perfect activity for the whole family or a group of friends!
Sunnycrest Farms, which has been operating since 1943, offers pick-your-own apples in the Merrimack Valley area. Through October, you can pick all different types of apples and even sunflowers! Through November, they have a daily farmers market with cider donuts and pumpkin bread to help you get in that fall spirit!
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Have a Wander in Woodstock
Woodstock, Vermont is one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast to experience fall, with its woodland environment and bucolic vistas. There are so many great places to wander in Woodstock, from the more city environment to deep into nature. Woodstock even puts out a 3-season trail map so you can see the best places to hike in the fall.
After your walk, head to the Billings Farm and Museum, which bills itself as the “gateway to Vermont’s rural heritage.” There, you can learn about the history of food production in Vermont through educational exhibits and a real dairy farm!
There is also great shopping to be done in Woodstock, including the Woodstock Farmer’s Market (which is open every day save for Monday) and offers everything from grab and go foods to fresh produce. However, it closes in October, so make sure to check if it is still open if you are going later in the month.
There is no shortage of fun activities to do in fall in New England. But above all, the best thing to do is to take in the vibrant colors and breathe in the New England fall air. Your lungs will be cleared and your senses will be revitalized — and there are few things better than that.
Want to experience fall in New England for yourself but don’t know where to start? Our United States Experts have got everything covered and will find you the best flights, accommodation, activities and things to do there. Submit a travel survey now to get started!
