When and Where to See Fall Colors in New England
The fall season is upon us, and if you want to see the best and brightest fall colors, you’ll want to know the best time to see fall colors in New England. It’s different for every region, and the best time to view fall colors is actually different each year, because so many factors go into when colors change and just how much they change. If you’re looking to do leaf-peeping, keep this information about the best time to see fall colors handy.
Best Fall Foliage in New England
The fall colors for the 2024 season are going to be different than ever before, in terms of when and where they peak. According to the experts at Accuweather.com, if there isn’t a lot of consistent rainfall during the summer, it can stress out trees and cause them to lose their leaves early. That makes for “duller colors.” On the flipside of that, having too much rainfall is also an issue. “If there’s a lot of rain from late summer into the early fall, you can get mold to develop on some of the trees and also invite lots of insects,” AccuWeather lead long-range meteorologist Paul Paselok said. Because of this year’s weather patterns, “the best areas to see vivid fall foliage this year will be outside of the traditionally popular tourist destinations due to the weather across the United States leading up to peak leaf-peeping season.”
According to the Accuweather map, the most vibrant fall colors will be in the Midwest and Mississippi River Valley this season. But, the Northeast and New England will also get decent colors, with those areas falling into the “typical” colors area. Most of the U.S. will also get “typical” colors, which can still be beautiful.
In New England, the experts at U.S. News say the best area to see fall colors in the area is Cabot, Vermont. “Yes, this is the town where the famous cheese company got its start, and you can tour the processing plant (for free) before shopping at the Cabot Creamery co-op,” they write. “You can also explore downtown Cabot, pick your own apples at Burtt’s Apple Orchard and, just outside of town, visit the historic AM Foster Covered Bridge.” So, seeing vibrant leaves and picking apples does sound like a perfect combination. If you don’t want to head to Cabot, Visit Massachusetts also notes that any and all Massachusetts State Parks are always a gorgeous place to spot the changing colors.
As for when to go, U.S. News quotes Jeff “Foliage” Folger, a New England resident, photographer and former fall foliage blogger for Yankee Magazine, who says the best colors should begin to show Oct. 1 to 3.
Fun and Affordable Staycation Ideas
Netflix and Chill
Have a vacation in your living room or bedroom. Make it a movie-watching marathon. Watch a string of your favorite guilty-pleasure movies or binge-watch a brand new series. Either way, it’ll be cozy and comfy.
Getty Images / demaerre
Visit a Local or National Park
If you have a state or national park nearby, use your vacation time to go adventuring. Being at a local park can offer some breathtaking scenery, especially in the summer. Have a picnic out there, too. If you don’t have a state or national park close by, try a local park.
Getty Images / corradobarattaphotos
Visit a Local Museum or Art Gallery
Nearly every town has a local museum or art gallery. Perhaps you’ve never really had the time to visit your local museum or art spot. Use your vacation time to explore those local spots, and you might find a new favorite place.
Getty Images / shironosov
Stay at a Local Hotel, Airbnb or Bed-and-Breakfast
If you’ve driven by that new hotel for a while and wondered what it’s like inside, why not book it for a night? You don’t have to be traveling to say at a hotel, Airbnb or local bed-and-breakfast. It can make for an exciting adventure right in your backyard.
Getty Images / Kristen-Prahl
Have a Party
Using vacation time to plan a big party for friends is a good use of that time. Instead of traveling around the world, bring to world to you. Invite lots of your good friends, and spend some of the cash you would have on a vacation for your party. It’ll be the party of the year. Make that decade.
Getty Images / SeventyFour
Have a Spa Day
Pamper yourself. Maybe you think having a spa day is too much of a luxury, but if you’re saving money by not taking a big trip, why not use that money for a spa day? It’s not just for ladies, either. Guys can book a spa day for a variety of services. It’ll make for a day of bliss.
Getty Images / monkeybusinessimages
