Skip to main content
red car driving on road with fall leaves in the background
MA Office of Tourism

The Ultimate New England Fall Foliage Road Trip for Couples

Craving a romantic fall foliage road trip through New England? To us, an ideal couple's road trip balances outdoor exploration and scenic drives with cozy downtime at historic inns, and if this sounds like your vibe too, you’ve come to the right place. Explore our fall vacation in New England guide, complete with scenic driving routes, peak color timing, and romantic fall activities that you and your honey will love.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

Your fall vacation in New England should start with a leisurely drive down the 34-mile Kancamagus Highway, also known as “The Kanc" by the locals. Budget some time to make a few pitstops between Lincoln and Conway for stunning mountain overlooks, rushing waterfalls, and vibrant foliage. In particular, we recommend stopping at Lower Falls, the perfect place to picnic and one of the most popular destinations along the route, as well as Rocky Gorge which is a powerful narrow glacier-carved gorge featuring an impressive 10-foot drop and breathtaking rapids.

When it comes to where to stay, we got you covered there too. You can’t go wrong with White Mountain Hotel and Resort in North Conway, The Chandler at White Mountains in Bethlehem, or Bretton Woods’ Omni Mount Washington Resort. 

Stowe and Woodstock, Vermont

Grab your favorite person this fall and travel along Vermont’s iconic Route 100, winding through the Green Mountains and iconic New England villages like Stowe and Woodstock. This road trip is filled with covered bridges, rolling countryside, mountain views, and quintessential Vermont charm. Along the way, don’t miss the historic Green River Covered Bridge and Gold Brook Covered Bridge, a refreshing walk along the Texas Falls Nature Trail, and Cold Hollow Cider Mill, the perfect place to sample local cider and Vermont treats. We recommend keeping daily driving to around three hours to make the most of the journey without feeling rushed. Leave plenty of time to pop into farm-stand stops, explore village shops, and end the day with a relaxed dinner at a cozy tavern. 

Our recommendations on where to book your romantic weekend away? Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock or Topnotch Resort in Stowe top our list for good reason.

Topnotch Resort

Coastal Maine and Acadia National Park

This scenic drive showcases ocean views, rocky headlands, brightly-colored forests, and mountain landscapes. Take time to explore the Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop , where wooden boardwalks wind through the woodlands, and enjoy the scenic Bubbles Nubble Loop for views of Acadia’s mountain peaks and surrounding lakes.

No visit is complete without a stop at Bass Harbor Head Light Station, one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses, perched above the Atlantic Ocean. Allow time for leisurely coastal drives, charming harbor towns, fresh lobster rolls, and sunset views over the water, and stay nearby at Bar Harbor Inn & Spa Resort or Acadia Inn for a true New England fall getaway experience. 

Evening view of the Terrace Grill as seen from a Main Inn Guest Room balcony with views of the pier and oceanfront.
Bar Harbor Inn
Evening view of the Terrace Grille and pier

About New England Inns and Resorts

New England Inns and Resorts was founded in 1907 and has been devoted to providing unforgettable experiences ever since. With over 350 hotels, inns, and resorts located across New England, we support exceptional hospitality with a dedication to keeping it local at every location.

When is the best time to take a New England fall foliage road trip?

Late September through early November typically offers peak fall colors, with northern New England changing first, followed by southern areas.

Where is the best place to start a fall foliage road trip?

Start in Boston, Massachusetts, for easy access to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

What are the best scenic drives for fall colors in New England?

Highlights include Vermont’s Route 100, New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, the White Mountains’ scenic byways, and Maine’s coastal drives through Acadia National Park.