By Kristi Palma
One of the challenges of autumn in New England is deciding among the myriad options for experiencing its beauty.
As the region anticipates the vibrant transformation of the trees, we consulted local travel experts for their top leaf-watching spots—the places they find themselves returning to year after year.
“Seek the unexpected,” suggested Ellen Carlson, legislative affairs specialist for the Northeast region of the National Park Service. “While many flock to Acadia [National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine], which is undeniably stunning, there are numerous other locations that often go overlooked when it’s time to enjoy the fall colors.”
Carlson mentioned the Cape as a great example.
“When people think of fall foliage, the beach often isn’t the first image that comes to mind,” Carlson noted, a local resident of the Cape. “However, there are some beautiful woodland trails to explore.”
She enjoys the vibrant fall scenery during her walks along two trails in the Cape Cod National Seashore: the Beech Forest Trail and the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail.
Carlson also takes pleasure in strolling along the Concord River, located within the Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln.
“I have been visiting Minute Man since my childhood,” she shared. “It was one of my earliest adventures with my future husband — canoeing on the Concord River and truly soaking in the surrounding beauty.”
Whenever she heads north to New Hampshire, Carlson can’t help but stop at the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site in Cornish, the residence of American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
“The views from the porch of that home are absolutely beautiful, looking out over the hills and into the river valley,” she mentioned.
The view of the foliage from the Table Rock Trail in Dixville Notch State Park in New Hampshire.
Kris Neilsen is well-acquainted with the stunning fall foliage in New Hampshire. As the communications manager for the state’s travel and tourism office, she dedicates her time to exploring and showcasing these vibrant landscapes.
One of her favorite autumn destinations is Weeks State Park located in Lancaster. Here, visitors can either hike or drive to the summit of Mount Prospect, where a magnificent 360-degree panorama of the Presidential Range of the White Mountain National Forest and Vermont’s Green Mountains awaits. For those seeking an even more elevated perspective, the old stone fire tower provides an impressive vantage point, according to Neilsen.
Another place that captures her interest is Table Rock Trail in Dixville Notch State Park in Colebrook. The trail leads to a summit just 20 minutes in, rewarding hikers with expansive 360-degree views of the surrounding notch. The sight is breathtaking, featuring not only the vibrant autumn leaves but also Lake Gloriette and The Balsams Resort.
“You see the beautiful reflections on the water,” Neilsen explained. “When the foliage is just right, you can gaze across the treetops, and the whole area is dotted with bursts of color.”
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A tree at the Quabbin Reservoir during a fall day in 2014.
George Ellmore, a botanist and biology professor at Tufts University, mentioned that there’s a reason why the blend of water and mountains creates breathtaking foliage.
“The colors won’t change just because of the genetics of the tree,” Ellmore explained. “The color appears when the trees experience a sudden shift in temperature.”
The cold air from the peaks of the hills and mountains will “pour down and rest on the lakes,” he added.
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As a result, his preferred locations always feature water alongside hills or mountains. He mentioned that he travels to the Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown for its stunning foliage.
“It’s my top choice; it has never disappointed me,” he remarked, “because there is plenty of water and numerous hills surrounding it.”
Another option he enjoys is the Somerset Reservoir in Vermont, situated in the towns of Somerset and Stratton, which he described as “absolutely breathtaking” during the fall season.
“Somerset Reservoir has enough evergreens to provide a beautiful contrast with the green,” Ellmore explained. “The vibrant reds and oranges pop even more due to their contrast with the greenery.”
Hogback Mountain in Marlboro, Vermont.
Steven Cook, who previously served as the deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department of Tourism, has several favorite spots to view foliage in Vermont, one of which is Lake Willoughby located in the town of Westmore in the northern region of the state.
“On a serene day, the foliage’s reflection on the lake is truly stunning,” Cook remarked. “It’s an incredibly beautiful location. You can expect to see some of the earliest foliage in Vermont here, as it starts in the north and gradually moves south.”
Another recommendation from Cook is the Owl’s Head trail in Groton State Forest. He describes it as an easy hike to reach the summit, with a parking area available halfway up.
“It offers a splendid, elevated perspective to gaze over the whole Groton State Forest,” he mentioned. “And the sight is breathtaking.”
Cook also appreciates a foliage destination in Marlboro, Vermont, a southern town that is easily reachable for day travelers from Massachusetts, named Hogback Mountain. You can easily pull over your car in a designated viewing area, as he noted.
“You are treated to the most incredible view of the Deerfield Valley,” he said. “It’s one of those views that lets you see in every direction. It’s simply stunning.”
As it is located in the southern region of the state, the foliage reaches its peak later in the season, he added.
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Fall foliage in Vermont’s Mad River Valley.
Shannon Shipman, a New England photographer, enjoys shooting photos of the fall season.
“Fall is what I love,” Shipman said. “It’s my favorite season. I feel like New England shines brightest in fall.”
She goes to Camden Hills State Park in Camden, Maine, for the fall foliage.
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“You have this spectacular view overlooking the harbor and the town, with the church steeples and all of the trees full of color,” she shared.
Shipman also journeys to Mad River Valley in Vermont, describing it as “looking at a painting” due to the stunning fusion of vibrant trees and Vermont barns.
“It is everything that your fall foliage dreams are made of,” she expressed.
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