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Northeastern US Routes

10 Top Road Trip Routes in the Northeastern US

The United States abounds with scenic routes and picturesque drives , but the beauty of the Northeast offers landscapes you can't see anywhere else in the country. Chasing rivers and scaling mountains, they wind through the country's most adorable small towns and along its most storied coastline. As the East Coast is famous for its fiery autumn colors, many of these trips are especially striking during the fall . However, each season offers something uniquely enjoyable and you can enjoy these drives at any time of the year.

Read on to find inspiration for your next Northeast road trip.

Upper Delaware River Valley

If you've seen those car commercials that show a slick vehicle navigating a wildly undulating mountain road, there's a good chance it was State Route 97 in the Upper Delaware River Valley of Upstate New York. This twisting highway traces the Delaware River, which forms a natural border between New York State and Pennsylvania. The most famous part is a section known as the Hawk's Nest, which covers the 70 miles from Point Jervis to Hancock. It takes about an hour and a half to complete the route, so even though it isn't the fastest way to travel between the cities, it's undoubtedly the prettiest.

Apart from the stomach-churning turns and breathtaking views, travelers should also stop at landmarks along the route including the Minisink Battleground Park , which hosted a skirmish during the Revolutionary War, and Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct , a canal bridge and engineering marvel built in 1848.

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park in Upstate New York has been nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the East" for its dramatic gorge that drops 600 feet into the Genesee River below. The best place to get into the park is at the southern entrance in the town of Portageville, which is just over an hour from either Rochester or Buffalo . You can drive the length of the entire park and come out at the north end, which isn't even 20 miles long. But factor in plenty of time for pulling over, taking pictures, and hiking around the gorge. You'll see plenty of waterfalls during your trip through Letchworth, but if they leave you wanting more, Niagara Falls is just an hour and a half away by car.

The Adirondacks

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

In the remote northeastern part of New York's Adirondack Park , there are 46 rounded peaks that soar roughly 4,000 feet or more toward the sky, but you don't need to hike them for glorious views. This scenic drive starts in North Creek, New York—about an hour and a half north of Albany. From North Creek, drive on Route 28N as it loops around through the forest and mountains. Once you reach Blue Mountain Lake, Route 28N turns into Route 28S, but continue weaving through the many charming lakes until you reach Old Forge. The entire route is nearly 90 miles and has plenty of opportunities for stopping the car and enjoying nature.

Along the way, allow time for a scenic Gondola Skyride at Gore Mountain. And don't miss the splendid Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake , a sprawling complex that brings to life the people who've explored, settled, and cherished this wilderness. It's one of the top things to do in New York State .

The Vermont Shore

Yes, Vermont has a coast: a freshwater one along Lake Champlain. And the town of Shelburne—just a few miles south of Burlington —is a picturesque spot to start a drive that affords fabulous views of the lake and its majestic backdrop, the Adirondack Mountains across the border in New York.

Start at ​ Shelburne Farms , a 1,400-acre working farm built on Lake Champlain as a model agricultural estate in the late 19th century. Pick up Route 7 South to Mount Philo State Park  in Charlotte, where you can drive to the summit for panoramic lake views. Continue on Route 7 South to Route 22A through Vergennes and out to Button Bay State Park . Once there, you can hike along a bluff overlooking Lake Champlain or even rent a boat and get out on the water. Not including time out of the car, the drive should take just about an hour.

The Mohawk Trail

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

A path blazed by five Native American tribes became New England's first official scenic route in 1914. Automobiles have come a long way since then, but the 63-mile Mohawk Trail—Route 2 between Williamstown and Athol in Western Massachusetts —still leads to bucolic scenes that seem little altered over the past century. Famous for its sharp Hairpin Turn, which looks out over the Hoosac Valley, it's a drive you'll particularly want to savor in the fall . Allow time to hike a portion of the Mahican-Mohawk Trail that runs through the Mohawk Trail State Forest in Charlemont. It follows the original footpath trod by New England's earliest inhabitants.

The Kancamagus Highway

New England's ultimate scenic route—especially in the fall—is the 34.5 miles of Route 112 between Conway and Lincoln, New Hampshire. Known by its Native American name, the Kancamagus Highway (pronounced kank-ah-MAU-gus but called "the Kanc" by locals) was completed in 1959, connecting these towns on the east and west sides of the 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest . There are overlooks, hiking opportunities, historic sites, and campgrounds along this famed roadway, but even if you just motor through (be prepared to ride your brakes when fall traffic peaks), you'll be thrilled by the views of densely forested mountains and the boulder-strewn Swift River.

Connecticut's National Scenic Byway

Think of this as your "serenity now" route. Connecticut's first National Scenic Byway—Route 169 from North Woodstock to Lisbon—is a supreme leaf-peeping route that glides for 30 miles past farmlands, stone walls, and nearly 200 homes built before the Civil War. Worthy stops on your trip include Historic New England's Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, Mashamoquet Brook State Park in Pomfret for lore and hiking, and Martha's Herbary in Pomfret for aromatic gifts. Time your drive to coincide with the Brooklyn Fair , the oldest continuously-held agricultural fair in the U.S., which takes place in late August each year.

Narragansett Bay

Kim Knox Beckius

Set your GPS for 1460 Ocean Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island, and begin this road trip at one of New England's prettiest lighthouses: Point Judith Lighthouse . Although you can't venture inside, you can stroll the grounds of this still-active beacon built in 1857. From here, you'll follow Ocean Road north to Narragansett Town Beach , where surfers ride vigorous waves year-round. The Towers —all that remains of the Gilded Age Narragansett Pier Casino—provide an enchanting backdrop. Drive Route 1A North, and you'll pass Historic New England's Casey Farm , established in 1750 and still operating and open for tours.

From there, take Route 138 East across the Jamestown Bridge, exit onto Conanicut Island, and follow local roads south to Beavertail State Park on Beavertail Road. Here, you'll see the 1856 stone Beavertail Lighthouse and you can venture inside the museum in the assistant keeper's house. Look east, and you'll bring your lighthouse count up to three: Castle Hill Light is visible in the distance.

Massachusetts' Coastline

If you're a fan of fried clams, lobster, and fresh fish, this is the road trip for you. It starts in Gloucester, Massachusetts —the oldest seaport in the U.S.—and follows Route 127A to Route 127 along the coast north of Boston . It then turns inland toward Essex on Route 133 and north once again on Route 1 to Newburyport . Along the way, you'll see Gloucester's Good Harbor Beach, one of the prettiest in New England, and the petite fishing village of Rockport, where the art scene thrives.

You'll be distracted at practically every turn by seafood shacks, but you may want to save your appetite for Essex, where fried clams were invented by Chubby Woodman. His descendants still prepare them the same way at Woodman's of Essex , and some say the golden beauties at The Clam Box up the road in Ipswich are even better, so you'll want to try both. If you're still hungry when you reach Newburyport, finish with a scenic drive along Plum Island, stopping at the no-frills but delicious Bob Lobster on the way. The entire drive is about 45 miles.

Acadia's Park Loop Road

www.cfwphotography.com/Getty Images

The 27-mile Park Loop Road through Maine's Acadia National Park is as exhilarating a drive as you'll find anywhere. Even though it's not a long route, expect to spend at least three to four hours driving, including stops to get out and enjoy the scenery (it can be even longer during the busy summer months due to traffic). The Atlantic waves crashing against the forests make for a truly dramatic landscape, made all the better by the towering Cadillac Mountain—and you can drive to the summit. This national park does charge an entrance fee, but your admission is good for seven days of visits, so make the most of your visit by staying nearby or even camping in the park.

The Mohawk Trail Association. "More Than a Trail... A Journey." Accessed September 11, 2022.

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New England Wanderlust

Connecticut , Fall , Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Rhode Island , Vermont  ·  June 7, 2023

The PERFECT New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: 3, 5, 7, 10 & 12 Day Options! (2024)

There’s a reason why New England is world-famous for fall foliage, and if you’re looking to plan the most amazing New England fall road trip, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been traveling throughout this region for over 15 years, and have done so many fall foliage road trips. It took me a while, but I’ve finally put together the perfect itinerary for you based on real experience!

This post details where the best places are, the best times to plan your road trip, and also, which places may not be worth your time. So, you can rest assured that you’re truly seeing the best of the best with my itinerary.

This itinerary is also geared toward first-timers and those looking to find the best foliage spots . If you’ve experienced New England in the fall season before, many of these locations and tips may already be familiar. However, I’ve also sprinkled in some insider tips, so it’s still definitely worth reading 😉

During this trip, prepare to see idyllic countryside landscapes, blazing fall color, beautiful covered bridges, charming towns, general stores, epic overlooks and hiking trails, and so much more. Basically, you’ll get your fill of New England charm right from the start, and it won’t stop until the trip is over. Sound good? Then let’s get started!

New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our  Privacy Policy .

Tips For Planning A Trip To New England In The Fall

There are some important things to know before you begin to plan your perfect New England fall road trip, so let’s get that out of the way first 😉

The first thing you need to know is that foliage will peak in the northern areas first, then peak in the southern areas later . For that reason, I recommend that you start in the north if you can, especially for a longer trip, but it’s not always necessary for shorter trips.

If you’re planning a bucket list 2-week adventure, starting in the north is a good call because peak foliage can begin to diminish quickly, depending on the season and climate patterns. However, if you’re traveling for closer to a week, this won’t be as important.

I go into peak foliage times in each region in a bit, so definitely be sure to read that through, too!

Another important thing to know is that you should anticipate all kinds of weather. I’ve done many fall road trips through this region, and have had warm, sunny days, and trips where it rained almost every single day. I’ll go more into what to pack for this trip at the end of the post to help you prepare, but this is a good thing to be aware of.

Also, book in advance . I can’t stress this enough. Hotels and accommodations book out well in advance for fall foliage season in prime areas, and these prime areas are where you’ll be heading! If possible, begin to book your hotels at least 6 months in advance, but even 8 months is better. For reference, while I began to plan my Vermont fall road trip for the 2023 season, my favorite place to stay in Stowe, VT was fully booked during peak foliage weeks – in FEBRUARY. Yep, February.

Offline Google Maps! I can’t tell you how important this is! Even as recent as a fall 2022 road trip, I barely had service through much of New Hampshire and Vermont. I spent a lot of time just driving around hoping my service would come back, or asking people for directions the old-fashioned way. I usually offline maps, but totally forgot that trip, and it was a harsh reminder that this is a must-do.

Lastly, prepare to pay . Yes, the sad truth is that peak foliage season in New England is expensive, and it won’t be your most budget-friendly trip ever. There are ways to keep costs down, and I’ll go more into that later in the post as well, but generally speaking, this is an expensive time to visit New England – at least, where the foliage is the best 😉

What Is The Best Time To Visit New England For Fall Color?

In a nutshell, the last week of September, or the first week of October. However, it does vary depending on where you’re heading.

As mentioned before, the colors will begin to change in the northern regions first, and then the southern regions will follow later. Most people will choose to visit Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont during their New England fall road trip (and spoiler alert: this is also where I’ll be suggesting you go!), so this timeframe works very well for these areas.

The central part of Vermont will often peak right around Indigenous People’s weekend in October, and for a getaway to popular towns like Stowe and Woodstock, this is the perfect weekend to plan your trip.

Massachusetts often peaks right around Indigenous People’s weekend as well, with southern MA peaking a week or so later.

The greater Boston area, and Connecticut will peak mid-late October, depending on the year.

How Many Days Do You Need In New England In The Fall?

The great thing about New England in the fall is that you can easily do a weekend getaway and still pack a lot in, or you can plan an epic 12 day road trip for the ultimate adventure. And either way, it’s going to be incredibly memorable.

If you’re coming in from a distance, especially if you’re flying in, I would say 10 days is a great option, 12 days is even better, and 7 days is also wonderful. Of course, with 12 days, you’ll be able to see so much or plan extra time in some places. But even with 7 days, you’ll get to see quite a bit.

If you’re local to New England, and don’t have 10 days, 7 days is again a nice sweet spot. 5 days will also work in this case. And, as mentioned, even a weekend away will allow you to experience some of the best this region has to offer in the fall season.

The great thing about the best places for fall foliage are located in some of the smallest states, so you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

Best Places To See On A New England Fall Road Trip

While every New England state has something special to offer during fall foliage season, for the purpose of seeing the absolute best spots, I recommend sticking to Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire and Vermont . And flying into Boston.

Because these areas offer the most spectacular displays of foliage, most picturesque scenery, tons of things to do, and they’re all reasonable close to one another, allowing you to maximize your time.

Here’s why I don’t necessarily recommend states like Connecticut or Rhode Island if you have less than 10 days – they’re further away from the best places to see in the fall.

I truly love every single New England state, and I do really enjoy Connecticut in the fall. However, it’s so far west that you’ll spend more time driving to get there, and possibly forgoing some really spectacular places in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

If you have 10 days or more for a New England fall road trip, then I would highly suggest you consider adding in the Litchfield Hills regions of Connecticut , which you’ll see I included in my itinerary. It’s also very close to The Berkshires region, so you can combine it with that part of the trip, depending on how much time you have. However, with less than 10 days, I personally don’t feel like it’s worth it. Especially for first-timers.

If you’ve already seen some of the places I’m recommending in this post, then definitely try to swing over to Connecticut and experience a new area during the fall!

If you have less than 10 days, you may even want to focus all your time on Vermont and New Hampshire. The reason for this is because some of the best places for fall foliage in Maine are further north. I think places like Acadia National Park are very worth seeing (and you’ll see I’ve incorporated it into some of my itineraries!). However, if you prefer a slower pace and less driving, Vermont and New Hampshire are the absolute best places to see .

Some Things To Know About My Itineraries

They all begin in Boston , assuming that’s where most people will fly into if visiting from a distance. If you fly into a different airport, or are driving in, you can easily adjust your plans as needed.

They’re done in true road trip style , meaning there’s a lot of driving, and mostly 1-night stays. There are some places I recommend 2 nights in, but you can adjust this based on your preferences. If you want to stay longer in one place, definitely go for it!

I give you options! Of course, I stand by all my suggestions ☺️ However, I know everyone has different travel styles and speeds, so I encourage you to to tailor this to what you think you’ll enjoy the most. I’ve given you suggestions on how to adjust the itinerary based on your preferences.

10 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary From Boston

Okay, let’s get into my perfect New England fall road trip itinerary options! We’re beginning with my suggestions for an incredible 10 day adventure.

10 Day Road Trip Overview

Day 1 : Arrival In Boston Day 2 : Explore Boston Or Take A Day Trip To Salem Day 3-4 : Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park + An Optional Stop In Salem Day 5 : Jackson, NH Day 6 : Franconia, NH (Driving The Famous Kancamagus Highway To Get There!) Days 7-8 : Stowe & Woodstock, VT Day 9 : The Berkshires and/or Litchfield, CT Day 10 : Back To Boston + A Stop In Sturbridge, MA or Litchfield, CT

Breakdown Of The 10 Day Itinerary Option

Day 1: Arrival In Boston Take this time to arrive, get settled, and maybe take in a few sites around the city! Have some time on your first night here? Jump down to Day 2 for some suggestions on what to do!

Where To Stay In Boston:

• Luxury : The Langham
• Splurge : Boston Harbor Hotel
• Moderate : Revere Boston Common

Pro Tip On Fall Foliage In Boston : Foliage peaks later than the rest of the places listed in this itinerary – usually mid-late October. So while you probably won’t see peak foliage in Boston if you plan your trip for peak foliage in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, it may catch a glimpse of it on your back if you’re planning a longer trip! Or, you can leave the airport to immediately begin your drive to Maine, and plan to stay a night or two in Boston before you have to fly out.

Day 2: Explore Boston

Boston during the fall season has so much to see and do, but here are some highlights to consider if it’s your first visit:

• Public Gardens (very scenic garden area with a beautiful pond and pedestrian bridge (also makes for lovely photos!). This is a good spot for fall foliage in the city, too.
• Newbury Street for shopping
• The North End for history and food
• Beacon Hill for charming cobblestoned streets at the famous Acorn Street
• Take a food tour if it works with your schedule. There’s incredible food to be had in Boston, and taking a tour with a local expert is a great way to sample lots of delicious things in a short amount of time!

Click here to check out my post on the best Boston food tours!

Day 2: Optional Day Trip To Salem

If you would prefer to take a day trip to Salem, rather than stopping on your way to Acadia National Park, this is a great option! And really, there’s no right or wrong choice here – it just comes down to which you prefer.

Salem is an easy day trip from Boston without a car because of this convenient ferry! Click here to check out the Boston → Salem Ferry!

Psst! I have some helpful guides including planning the perfect Salem, MA day trip , and the best time to visit Salem if you need more information 😉

Day 3: Drive To Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is one of the best things to do in New England year-round, so this is definitely a must if you’ve never been. It also offers some really wonderful foliage, and fall is my personal favorite season to visit for this reason.

This drive from Boston to Bar Harbor takes about 5 hours without stops, which is why I usually suggest you make a pitstop to break up your journey. I actually have some posts on stops you can make along the drive, so be sure to check those out below.

But since Salem is really the ultimate fall destination in Massachusetts, I suggest you pick that as a stop on the drive 🙂

Bar Harbor is the town adjacent to Acadia National Park , and where most people will choose to stay when visiting. Once you arrive, take some time to get settled, and then head out into downtown Bar Harbor to explore this charming seaside town, visit the shops, and grab a great dinner!

Where To Stay In Bar Harbor:

• Bayview Hotel . An oceanfront boutique hotel with awesome views. Perfect for a splurge on your trip!
• Bar Harbor Villager Motel . Clean, updated and spacious. Also, walkable to everything in town.
• Little Fig Hotel . A cute, modern boutique hotel walkable to town.

Here are some posts that will help you further plan this portion of your trip:

• Best Stops To Make Driving Boston To Portland, Maine
• Best Stops To Make Driving Portland to Acadia National Park
• The Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary (read this one for more information on Bar Harbor and things to do!)

Day 4: Explore Acadia National Park

Even in just 1 day, you can visit some of the best places in the park, and also some really wonderful fall foliage spots. Here how I suggest you plan your day:

If you’re up for it , starting your day with sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain is always incredible! This will be great for fall foliage, too. You can also choose to do this the following morning before leaving.

Next, head to the Jesup Path scenic walk , which is especially beautiful in the fall season.

Then, park at the Sand Beach parking lot , and walk the Ocean Path for incredible views . This is 1-mile each way, but offers some of the most iconic views in the park, including the Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole. It’s also flat and easy, making it very relaxing. Have your camera ready for this one!

For a more advanced hike with awesome foliage views, you can do the Beehive Trail from Sand Beach lot, too.

Continue on Park Loop Road to Jordan Pond House for lunch , and enjoy the views of the pond and mountains. You can also choose to walk around the pond if you have time after lunch.

For more foliage views, hike the Bubble Rock Trail after lunch.

Day 5: Drive To Jackson, NH + Spend The Night

Without stops, this drive takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes.

One stop I suggest making on the way if you enjoy local craft beer is the Oxbow Beer Garden in Oxford , ME . It’s got a very cool outdoor setting, and they have fantastic craft beer.

I recommend spending the night in Jackson because it’s a longer drive from Bar Harbor, and there are some fun things to do in the area. Also, there’s a very scenic drive called The Kancamagus Highway that’s stunning in the fall season with foliage, and I want to make sure you have time to drive it. But more on that in Day 6 🙂

Here are some fun fall things to check out in Jackson:

• The Cog : This mountain railroad takes you to the summit of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in New England! It’s about 45 minutes from Jackson, but you’ll drive through Crawford Notch State Park , which is very scenic, and The Cog is simply incredible in the fall season. If you leave Bar Harbor early enough and have time to do this, I highly recommend it!
• Honeymoon Covered Bridge & Flossie’s General Store
• Glen Ellis Falls
• The cute town of North Conway

Where To Stay In Jackson:

• Christmas Farm Inn (this place is super cozy!)
• The Inn At Thorn Hill & Spa

Option To Stay In North Conway : North Conway is only about 12-15 minutes from Jackson, so you can really stay in either. I think Jackson has better hotel options, and it’s a bit closer to The Cog, which is why I suggested you stay there. But either town works for your New England fall road trip!

Here are some fun things to check out in North Conway if you choose to visit:

• Cathedral Ledge Distillery
• Ledge Brewing Company (between North Conway and Jackson, technically)
• The cute downtown area and Zeb’s General Store (one of my all-time favorite general stores!)
• North Conway Scenic Railroad

Day 6 – Drive The Kancamagus Highway To Franconia, NH

The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a scenic drive that’s regarded as one of the best drives for fall foliage, so this is something you’ll definitely want to do on your New England fall road trip. It connects the towns of Woodstock and Conway, so you can easily start this drive just a few minutes from Jackson or North Conway.

For this day, I suggest you get up early to make sure you have time to explore Franconia Notch State Park after driving The Kanc.

Tips For Driving The Kanc:

• Remember earlier in the post when I said you’ll lose cell service in much of New Hampshire and Vermont? Well, this is one of those drives where there’s no service, so offline your maps before starting!
• There are no bathrooms or gas stations on the drive, so plan accordingly.
• The Kanc takes about 45 minutes one-way without stops, but you’ll want to budget about 2 hours to make some stops at the overlooks.
• During the fall season, especially on weekends, it’s possible traffic could slow down as people try to pull in and out of the parking areas. Plan for some slower traffic.

Pro Tip : Before hopping onto The Kanc, there’s a great little place called Cheese Louise just before the entrance to The Kanc, and this is an awesome place to grab some food before the drive! Especially on a chilly, fall day, a grilled cheese sandwich totally hits the spot, right? 😍

Stops To Make On The Kanc (in order from Conway to Woodstock):

• Albany Covered Bridge
• Rocky Gorge Scenic Area (parking can be found at 44.0016667175862, -71.27716637107925)
• Sabbaday Falls
• Sugar Hill Scenic Overlook
• CL Graham Wangan Overlook
• Hancock Overlook (this one is right at the famous hairpin turn – can’t miss it!)
• Lincoln Woods Trailhead – Scenic suspension bridge over the river that’s not far from the parking lot.

🍁 Before hopping on The Kanc, consider downloading this great audio tour to enhance your drive – Click here to check out this audio tour!

There are also tons of hiking trails along The Kanc , so if you’re looking to squeeze in a hike on the drive, this is something to consider. But if you don’t have extra time, I would suggest moving on to Franconia Notch State Park, and only doing hikes along The Kanc if you’re able to add an extra day in.

After The Kanc, your next stop is Franconia Notch State Park . And this is where most of the top things to do are , especially in the fall season .

Flume Gorge is one thing I recommend you do if you can only pick one attraction. Flume Gorge is a very fun 2-mile loop trail that takes you over 2 covered bridges, and through the granite gorge. Along the trail, you’ll have some really gorgeous spots to admire the fall foliage, too.

Not sure if this is right for your itinerary? Click here to check out my detailed post in if Flume Gorge is worth visiting , and everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit.

Pro Tip: Buy your Flume Gorge ticket online in advance to save a few bucks! On weekends in the fall season, it’s also possible that certain time slots will sell out. This is another reason to book in advance.

If you have time to explore more of Franconia Notch State Park, I also recommend these activities:

• Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
• Artist Bluff Trail (famous spot that ends overlooking Echo Lake – amazing during foliage season!)
• The views at Echo Lake Beach

Where To Stay Near Franconia:

• Sugar Hill Inn – 15 mins from Franconia Notch Park, and is rated as the best B&B in New Hampshire!
• Riverwalk Resort – 5-7 mins from the top attractions in Franconia.
• Woodstock Inn & Brewery – Cozy inn with a brewery.

Here are some posts to help you plan this portion of your trip:

• Fun Things To Do In Franconia, NH
• Fun Things To Do In Littleton, NH
• Fun Things To Do In Lincoln, NH
• Where To Stay In New Hampshire In The Fall
• Where To Stay In The White Mountains: Guide To The Towns

Day 7 – Drive To Stowe Or Woodstock, VT

Begin your day in New Hampshire with a country breakfast at Polly’s Pancake Parlor! This place is famous in New England, and truly has some of the most amazing pancakes I’ve ever had. It does get busy in the fall season, but man, it’s so worth it.

Then, on to Vermont you go! For the next 2 nights, you’ll want to choose between Stowe and Woodstock, VT as your home base. These towns are the absolute best to visit in Vermont during a New England fall road trip because of foliage views and small-town charm. They’re only 1 hour and 15 minutes from each other, so, you can choose where you want to stay, and then visit the other as a day trip.

The drive to both Stowe and Woodstock is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Franconia , and since this is a shorter drive, you can make some stops along the way, or drive straight there. Stowe and Woodstock both have a lot to do, even though they’re small towns, so it’s beneficial to drive straight there and make sure you have plenty of time to explore.

If you choose to stay in Woodstock, I suggest stopping at the King Arthur Baking Company campus on your way because it’s pretty much on the direct route. It’s a really fun place with fresh baked goods and breads, a café, and a fun shop where you can stock up on pantry staples and baking mixes.

Do I recommend you stay in Stowe or Woodstock? I honestly love both equally! There’s no wrong choice here.

The biggest difference between the two is that Woodstock feels a bit more upscale, and Stowe definitely has a very casual feel to it. But the difference is minor. Both have charming covered bridges, great shops, amazing restaurants, a quaint town feel, and plenty of things to do.

Where To Stay In Stowe :

• The Green Mountain Inn . It’s located right on Main Street, so you can walk to a lot of places.
• Spruce Peak Resort . Perfect for those wanting a resort feel, and it’s right off the scenic Smugglers Notch drive. There are rooms with gorgeous mountain views here, too.

Where To Stay In Woodstock :

• The Woodstock Inn & Resort . It’s referred to as Vermont’s most beautiful address, and it’s in the heart of Woodstock’s village. This is a luxury hotel that’s worth it!
• 506 Inn On The River . Located just outside of the village, this is a modern and cozy inn, well … right on the river 😉

Here are some posts that will help you plan your time in Stowe and Woodstock:

• Best Things To Do In Stowe
• Best Things To Do In Woodstock

Day 8 – Explore Stowe & Woodstock, VT

Depending on where you stay, you’ll want to take a day trip to the other town this day. Below are breakdowns of the can’t miss things to do in each town .

Best Things To Do In Stowe :

• Explore the cute shops along Main Street (don’t skip the Stowe Mercantile!)
• Drive Smugglers Notch for amazing foliage.
• Ride the gondola to the top of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont (this is epic during the fall season!). This is located at the midway point along the Smugglers Notch drive.
• Visit Emily’s Covered Bridge, and learn about it’s spooky history.
• Sample the hard cider at Stowe Cider.
• Sip on craft brews at Alchemist Brewing (one of my favorites in New England).

Best Things To Do In Woodstock:

• Stroll through the charming downtown shops and eateries.
• Pop into Mon Vert Café for a warm drink.
• Snap a photo with Middle Covered Bridge in town.
• Drive over Taftsville Covered Bridge to visit Sugarbush Farms. You’ll be able to sample homemade cheese and fresh maple syrup here, and also take in amazing foliage views.
• Visit Billings Farm & Museum.
• Drive over to Sleepy Hollow Farm to see the famous farm landscape spot.

Day 9 – Drive To The Berkshires Or Litchfield, CT

Next up – The Berkshires or Connecticut! This choice is yours entirely. Let’s start with the option to drive to The Berkshires.

The Berkshires is an iconic region in Massachusetts that’s a really great one to visit for fall foliage. Here, you’ll find cute towns, loads of fall color, lots of scenic hikes and walks, and awesome dining options.

Depending on which town in Vermont you’re coming from, the northern region of The Berkshires area will be just over 2 hours from Woodstock, or just over 3 hours from Stowe .

The drive from either town to The Berkshires will pass through Rockingham, VT, and you’ll definitely want to stop here to visit the Vermont Country Store! There’s also the very cute Kissing Covered Bridge here that makes for a fun photo.

Once you arrive in The Berkshires, I suggest you start in Williamstown, and drive the scenic Route 7 down to Sheffield. This drive without stops takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but I would budget at least a few hours to make stops and enjoy some other fun activities. This route packs a lot into a perfect fall day, without a lot of driving.

During this drive, these are the best stops to make:

• The Mount Greylock Auto Road to the highest peak in Massachusetts (absolutely amazing in the fall season!).
• Make a detour off Route 7 to Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond for the perfect fall farm experience.
• Continue with your short detour to Hilltop Orchards, which is 5 minutes from Bartlett’s, and where you can sip on artisanal craft ciders!
• Walk through the charming town of Lenox.
• Stroll through quaint Stockbridge, too!
• Snap photos with the covered bridge in Sheffield.

Where To Stay In The Berkshires:

• The Red Lion Inn . A historic and famous inn in the heart of Stockbridge.
• The Dewey . A cozy, traditional New England B&B in Lenox.

The other option is to drive to Litchfield, CT , which is south of The Berkshires. It’s a longer drive from Vermont, but you could also turn this into a fun road trip day by driving the same Route 7 itinerary as mentioned above through The Berkshires, and then continue on to the Litchfield Hills. I would probably only choose this option if you wanted to take your time exploring the awesome stops along Route 7 in The Berkshires, arrive in CT in the evening, and then explore this region of CT the next morning before your drive back to Boston.

How To Spend Your Time In Litchfield Hill, CT:

Since you’re likely coming down through the western border of Massachusetts, I would start in Kent, and work your way east. You probably won’t have time to do everything on this list, but pick and choose based on your preferences and schedule.

• Explore the cute town of Kent, and then visit Kent Falls State Park if you have time.
• Continue to follow Route 7 to New Milford. The drive is very scenic!
• Stop in New Milford to enjoy the quaint town, and then visit Lover’s Leap Bridge.
• Head over to Washington, and then continue on to Mount Tom State Park for awesome foliage.
• End in the charming town of Litchfield.

Where To Stay In The Litchfield Hills : Litchfield Inn . Refined and still very cozy, and one of the best in the area!

Should I do The Berkshires or Litchfield, CT? Personally, I would stay stick to The Berkshires since this will allow you a more relaxed itinerary. There’s so much to do, and plenty of foliage scenery to take in. If you do the Route 7 drive quicker than you were anticipating, you could always shoot down to the Litchfield Hills for an impromptu adventure 🙂

I would choose to add on the Litchfield Hills if you’re feeling adventurous, and really want to see as much of New England as possible.

Day 10 – Drive Back To Boston, Stopping In Sturbridge or Litchfield On The Way

If you have time to explore another cute town on your drive back to Boston, I would suggest either tacking on a quick drive through the Litchfield Hills, CT if you didn’t already, or a stop in Sturbridge, MA. Sturbridge is more on the way to Boston, and offers beautiful foliage.

How to spend your time in Sturbridge, MA :

• Visit Old Sturbridge Village for all the cozy fall New England vibes (this is a must if you have time!).
• Pop into Saw Dust Coffee & Dessert Bar for lunch and treats.
• Sip on craft beer at Altruist Brewing Company.

And of course, as mentioned in the previous day’s itinerary, the Litchfield Hills region has plenty to offer for foliage views, small towns, and beautiful scenery.

But, if you have a flight to catch, then don’t risk it, and head straight to the airport! 🙂

Optional Adjustments For The 10 Day Itinerary:

• You can easily cut out Acadia National Park, and head straight to New Hampshire, and choose to spend more time there. Acadia is out of the way, and further north, so I know it doesn’t suit everyone’s plans. This would allow you time to definitely ride The Cog, and have a more relaxed schedule.
• If you would rather have more time in Vermont, you can skip The Berkshires/CT. This is personal preference! Both areas are amazing for fall foliage, but nothing is quite like Vermont in the fall. This would allow you time to move at a slower pace. If you decide to skip The Berkshires/CT and stay in Vermont for a third night, see my 12 day itinerary, option 3 for suggestions on what to do!

12 Day Road Trip Itinerary Option

If you have 12 days (or more!), this is truly awesome. I would follow my 10 day itinerary, and then take one of these suggestions:

Option 1 : Add in 1 day to see Litchfield, CT after The Berkshires . Since you have the extra time, you can definitely see the Litchfield Hills region of Connecticut with this itinerary! I would recommend this option for those who really want to see as much of New England as possible, and make all the rounds.

Option 2 : Add an extra day to Littleton/Franconia. This region has so many great hikes and places to spot fall foliage. It’s well worth adding a day to this part of the trip if you have the extra time. This would allow you a half day to ride The Cog, and takes more scenic walks and hikes to enjoy the fall foliage.

Option 3 : Add an extra day to Vermont. On your extra day, you can take a day trip to Burlington and Shelburne, or spend the day driving the back roads .

Burlington & Shelburne, Vermont things to check out :

• First, the drive from both Stowe and Woodstock to Burlington on I-89 is beautiful in the fall. You’ll see lots of mountains ablaze with fall color.
• In Burlington, check out the waterfront area, and walk along Lake Champlain.
• Burlington also has an awesome craft brewery scene, and Foam Brewers is especially great.
• The American Flatbread restaurant in Burlington is a cozy place to stop for lunch.
• Church Street Marketplace in Burlington is a must!
• In Shelburne, you’ll want to spend most of your time walking around Shelburne Farms. This is a historic farm once owned by the Vanderbilt family, and has beautiful hiking trails, and you can also sample their homemade cheeses. Definitely do the Farm Trail, which takes you to an epic view of Lake Champlain.

Vermont back roads driving itinerary near Stowe :

This drive is easier to do from Stowe, but it’s also doable from Woodstock if you’re okay with a longer day. This itinerary is is order based on departing from Stowe, but you can also adjust based on which town you’re coming from 🙂

• The covered bridges in Montgomery, including Montgomery covered bridge (which is actually in Waterville), and Longley Covered Bridge.
• Barn Owl Bistro is a hidden gem nearby that’s a great little pitstop.
• The town of Cabot and the nearby AM Foster Covered Bridge are really beautiful areas to visit full of rustic Vermont charm.
• Peacham is a very small town with iconic landscapes and scenery.
• Bogie Farm in East Ryegate is a landscape that worthy of a postcard, and is especially beautiful in the fall.
• The drive between all these destinations will also be lovely and scenic, and packed with fall color.

1 Week (7 Day) New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

If you have 7 days, welcome to your itinerary! This option is the same as the 10 day option, but eliminates Acadia National Park to save time.

7 Day Road Trip Overview

Day 1 : Arrival In Boston Day 2 : Drive To Jackson, NH + A Stop In Salem, MA Day 3 : Drive To Franconia Along The Kancamagus Highway Days 4-5 : Drive To Stowe or Woodstock, VT + Stay 2 Nights Day 6 : The Berkshires Day 7 : Return To Boston

For this itinerary, you can also eliminate The Berkshires, and stay an extra night in Jackson or Franconia.

5 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

With 5 days, you can go in a few different directions, and below, I break down my suggested options, and the benefits of each. This way, you can tailor it to your preferences.

Option 1 : Spend two nights in Boston with a day trip to Salem, then spend 3 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT.

Option 1 is perfect if you prefer staying in one place longer. This itinerary will allow you to stay in the same hotel in Boston for 2 nights, and take an easy day trip to Salem for the perfect fall day of Halloween fun and history! Then you can pick up your rental car (if you haven’t already), and drive to Stowe or Woodstock, VT for 3 days to explore both towns.

With 3 days in Vermont, you can easily see both Stowe and Woodstock, and maybe even plan a day of driving around the back roads. See the 12-day itinerary option for my suggestions on driving the back roads around Vermont during foliage season .

Option 2 : Spend 1 night in Boston, stop in Salem on your way to Franconia and spend 2 nights in Franconia. Then spend 2 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT, and then drive back to Boston.

Option 2 is perfect for those who still want to see as much as possible in 5 days. You’ll get to see a bit of New Hampshire and Vermont, while making a stop in Salem.

Note: For this itinerary, I would drive from Salem to Conway, and the drive The Kancamagus Highway on your way to Franconia so you get to experience the fall foliage along this route. But this itinerary option eliminates the stay in Jackson, as there are more fall things to do in Franconia.

Option 3 : Spend 1 night in Boston, 1 night in Salem, 3 nights in Stowe/Woodstock, VT, and then back to Boston.

Option 3 is perfect for those who really want to spend some time in Salem. This itinerary allows you to spend a whole night in Salem to really enjoy all the Halloween festivities and tours, and then you can spend 3 beautiful days in Vermont.

I excluded New Hampshire from this option because I felt like it would be too much to cram in when adding 1 night in Salem. But if you were feeling adventurous (I’ve been there, I get it! 😂), you can drive to Franconia, NH for 1 night after Salem, and then do 2 nights in Vermont instead of 3.

3 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

3 days in New England is the perfect long weekend getaway!

With 3 days, I suggest you stay in one location , and add day trips . If you’re flying into Boston, you can stay 1 night in Boston if needed, and then drive to Vermont or New Hampshire for 2 nights. If you’re not flying in, you can spend all 3 nights in Vermont or New Hampshire.

Stowe is very close to New Hampshire, and it’s only about 1.5 hours from Franconia. You can easily do a day trip from Stowe to New Hampshire, or vice versa, for this type of itinerary.

It would also be easy to work in a stop in Salem, MA, either on your way in or out of Boston.

Weekend New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

For a weekend getaway in New England (essentially, 2 days), I would also recommend you stay in one place and take a day trip. For this itinerary, I almost always suggest Stowe or Woodstock. You can stay in either town, and spend 1 day exploring that town, and then the next day, exploring the other as a day trip.

Vermont Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Looking to just see Vermont? Excellent choice. It’s my personal favorite fall destination in New England (even though it’s a very close call 😉)

For a Vermont fall road trip , you can really do it in anywhere from 5-7 days. Of course, more is better to really see everything, but generally speaking, you can actually make it happen in a week or less. A popular route to take in Vermont is Route 100 , which runs the entire length of state, right through the middle. This allows you opportunities to veer off and see some other places as well.

For the purpose of this itinerary, I’m going to provide a week-long (7 day) itinerary, and you can adjust it to your own plans.

Day 1 : Bennington & Manchester Day 2 : Drive to Woodstock, stopping in Grafton and Weston on the way Day 3 : Spend the day in Woodstock Day 4 : Drive to Stowe, stopping in Montpelier if you’d like Day 5 : Spend the day in Stowe Day 6 : Staying in Stowe, take a day trip to Burlington & Shelburne Day 7 : Drive back

Day 1 Suggestions : Bennington and Manchester are pretty close to each other, so you can easily do both in one afternoon. There are some wonderful covered bridges in the area to see, and here are some more things to check out:

• The Bennington Battle Monument for fall foliage scenery.
• Downtown Bennington for shopping on Main Street (small, but cute!).
• Apple Barn is a few minutes from Main Street for a fun country store and bakery.
• Zoe’s in Manchester for lunch (great sandwiches!)
• Downtown Manchester for shopping in a cute town (don’t skip Northshire!)

Day 2 Suggestions : Grafton is a very small town, but it’s quintessential Vermont. It has a cute little cheese shop, and a nice little market/cafe called MKT Grafton, which is perfect for a quick bite. Also, swing by Weston to visit the Vermont Country Store.

For the rest of the itinerary, refer to the 10 day option for details 🙂

Click here to check out my post on a Vermont covered bridges road trip!

New Hampshire Fall Road Trip Itinerary

My second favorite fall foliage destination! Here’s my suggested itinerary for a New Hampshire-only fall road trip.

To just see New Hampshire , you can also spend anywhere from 4-7 days.

With 4 days, you can easily just stick to the White Mountains region, but I’m here to give you all my tips on even more awesome places to see in the fall season in New Hampshire ☺️ So, this itinerary will be 7 full days , but adjust as you need to!

Day 1 : Portsmouth Day 2 : Lake Winnipesaukee Days 3-4 : Littleton/Franconia Days 5-6 : North Conway/Jackson Day 7 : Drive back

Connecticut Fall Road Trip Itinerary Option

If you’ve seen all the “hot spots” around Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine, and you’re looking to explore a new part of New England in the fall, Connecticut should be next on your list!

As mentioned, my favorite place in Connecticut for fall foliage is the Litchfield Hills region. I always like to share that this region was what inspired Amy Sherman-Palladino’s creation of Stars Hollow, so Gilmore Girls fans will especially love this area.

The Litchfield Hills is very compact, and you can easily do a lot in a weekend here. However, 3-4 nights will allow you a nice, leisurely pace to explore all the amazing things this region has to offer in the fall.

The best towns to stay in in the Litchfield Hills region are:

• New Milford
• Washington/Washington Depot

Of all these towns, Litchfield probably has the most options when it comes to shopping and dining, however, they’re all very quaint and charming. I would pick whichever one has the best hotel for your plans.

If you have extra time for your Connecticut fall road trip, you can tack on places like Canaan to the north of the Litchfield Hills region, drive to Glastonbury, and then through the River Valley region, which includes the adorable towns of Chester and Essex. You can also choose to end your road trip in Mystic.

What To Pack For A New England Fall Road Trip

I always start every New England packing guide with the same thing, and this post is no different: begin to check the weather reports 5 days out from your trip to get an idea of what the weather will be like . And keep checking it until the day before you leave .

This is because weather in New England can change quickly, especially in the fall season. It’s not quite as dramatic as say … Iceland 😉 But, it can change and vary a bit. Generally speaking, fall will be chilly and a bit rainy. However, you could also have warm and sunny days. For longer trips, you’ll want to pack for both scenarios.

Here are some things I recommend you consider when packing for a fall road trip through New England:

Waterproof hiking boots . If you plan to do any hiking, or even nature walks, you’ll want a pair of sturdy boots that are waterproof. Even some attractions like Flume Gorge and other waterfalls in New Hampshire are pretty wet, so this is a good idea to stay dry and comfortable. I really like the Eddie Bauer K-6 Hiking boots. Find the women’s version here and the men’s version here . They’re a much less expensive version of the famous Danner hiking boots featured in the movie Wild !

Good hiking socks to keep your feet dry . An awesome brand to support is Tarn Tough Socks , which is a Vermont-based company. They’re an investment, but they’re also the best, and come with a lifetime guarantee!

Waterproof rain jacket to stay dry if it rains . You won’t want to let the rain slow you down, especially if there’s a lot in the forecast! So definitely pack one that’s completely water proof ( not water-resistant).

Layers . The best way to dress in the fall season is with layers. Under your rain gear, flannels, sweaters, and lightweight t-shirts (both short-sleeved or long-sleeved) work great.

Jeans . These work really well for most days. Fall in New England is pretty casual.

Hiking clothing . For any hikes you want to do, pack whatever clothes you typically wear and feel comfortable in 🙂

Comfortable sneakers or boots . When it’s not raining, a good pair of comfortable sneakers or cute boots work perfectly, depending on your plans. Since I drive from New York, I don’t usually have to worry too much about weight limits on a suitcase, so I’ll throw a pair of sneakers, flat boots/booties, and my hiking boots into the car. This is usually all I ever need.

Dinner outfits . New England is home to incredible places for farm-to-table dining, some of which are a bit more fancy. If you plan to go out for a nice dinner or two, you’ll want to pack accordingly. New England isn’t super fancy, so women can do a casual dress/jeans and a nice top with booties in the fall, and men can easily do dark-wash jeans and a button down top.

Reusable water bottle . You’ll need to stay hydrated while out exploring!

Day pack . If you plan to do any hiking, you’ll want to bring a day pack with you to carry your essentials. If you don’t plan to do any hikes, you can probably skip this, as you can keep most everything you need in your car or room.

Does It Snow In New England In The Fall?

Here’s the thing – it might if you’re up in the mountains. However, it doesn’t usually snow during peak foliage times. Usually, New England gets its first snow of the year later in October or early November. So, I wouldn’t worry about packing any snow gear or winter boots for your fall road trip.

How Do To A New England Fall Trip On A Budget

So, first thing’s first, you’ll unfortunately have to rethink what “budget” means in New England, especially during peak season in the fall. It’s generally more expensive than other areas of the country regardless of the reason, so during prime foliage times, prices will go up significantly.

Especially in the past, I never had the money to spend on several nights at hotels during this time of the year, so I have learned to do it on more of a budget. Not necessarily cheap, but not as tough on the wallet 😉 Here are my tips:

• Stay in motels. I love a good hotel splurge, and do it more now than I did in my 20s and early 30s. But for most of my road trips when the focus in exploring outdoors, I stay in motels with efficiency kitchens . You can find some really nice ones, and while they’re likely to be outdated, they’re usually clean and cozy.
• Efficiency kitchens allow you to make some meals at home. For a road trip style trip, this may be more challenging, as it’s hard to bring perishable items with you to store in a fridge. But I usually try to make my own breakfasts to save money, and pack snacks to have for lunch.
• Stay outside of town. If you’re really on a tight budget, you can stay outside of the towns you’re visiting. Places like Franconia, Stowe, and Woodstock charge premium rates for peak season, so you’re likely to find deals a town or two away.
• Go camping! If you’re really adventurous, you can go camping! There are camp sites all over New England, and this will definitely be more affordable. One thing to keep in mind is the colder weather, and for this reason, some camp sites may close down after Indigenous People’s weekend in October. But many remain open, and offer Yurt-style camping, too.

Is Fall In New England Worth It?

A resounding yes! I truly believe this is such a magical time to visit – if not the most magical time. Despite the crowds and the cost, it’s more than worth it. Many of the landscapes you’ll see are actual stock photos and postcards, and since so many people equate the fall season to all things cozy, there’s really no cozier place to be than in New England during foliage season.

More posts you may enjoy:

• Fall In New England: The Best Things To See & Do
• Vermont In The Fall: Festive Things To Do!
• Fall In New Hampshire: The Best Things To Do
• Fall In Massachusetts Ultimate Guide: All The Best Things To Do & Foliage Spots!
• The Best 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary For Any Season
• Best Stops To Make On A Boston To Stowe, VT Road Trip
• Vermont vs. New Hampshire In The Fall
• Maine In October: Best Towns For Foliage & Things To Do!
• Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands To Visit In The Fall
• Awesome Corn Mazes In Vermont
• Best Time To Visit New England
• Best Time To Visit Vermont

That’s A Wrap On The Best New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

And there you have it! All my tips and expert advice on planning the most epic New England fall road trip during foliage season! This truly is such a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should do at least once, and hopefully, you’re now well on your way to planning your own foliage adventure through New England!

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Kate Abroad

The Ultimate 10 Day Northeast USA Itinerary (+ 1 and 2 week options)

Thinking of visiting the Northeastern Region of the USA? Look no further than this 10 day Northeastern USA travel itinerary.

The Northeast region of the United States is a beautiful and historically rich area that offers a ton of unique travel experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring bustling cities, enjoying the great outdoors, or soaking up some American history, there’s something for everyone in the Northeast.

With so many incredible destinations to choose from, planning the perfect itinerary can be overwhelming. But don’t stress, in this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of planning your Northeast USA travel itinerary. We’ll cover all the must-see destinations, the best times to visit, and plenty of tips to help you make the most of your trip.

From the stunning fall foliage in New England to the towering skyscrapers of New York City, the Northeast has it all. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoors enthusiast, the Northeast is sure to exceed your expectations. So block out your calendar and get ready to explore the very best that the Northeastern USA has to offer!

First a note: these itineraries all start in New York because for international travellers that’s typically the cheapest place to fly in and out of with the most airports and flight options. However, if you’re already in the USA or not concerned about flight costs, it would make sense to start at Boston (the northernmost point on the itinerary) and work your way south or vice versa.

How to get around the Northeastern USA

This itinerary is designed so that you can do it either as a 10 day Northeast USA road trip or travel by bus or train if you prefer not to drive. I’ve personally done it both ways and can tell you the trains are the easiest and most affordable way to get around in the Northeast.

All of the destinations on these itineraries (including the 1 and 2 week options) are along Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train route so you don’t even need to worry about train connections. Most trains stations in the Northeast are right in the center of each city, so you can walk straight off the train and start exploring.

The 10 Day Northeast USA road/train trip itinerary

Days 1-3: new york.

There’s no better place to start a USA road trip than the Big Apple, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of…. While you can (and I have) easily spend a week or more in NYC, 3 days is a good amount of time to see the highlights and get a taste.

It can be overwhelming to know where to start so to make it easy I recommend dedicating one day to each of Midtown and Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Day 1 – Midtown Manhattan: Start your day in Times Square, the bustling heart of Midtown Manhattan. There’s no better place to take in the bright lights and energy of the city. Here, you can shop at the many stores and boutiques (don’t miss the 3 storey M&Ms store) and grab breakfast or coffee at one of the many cafes.

From there, head to the  Empire State Building , where you can take in breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck. Next, visit the iconic Grand Central Terminal, one of the busiest train stations in the world and a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture.

End your day with a visit to Central Park, the iconic park that spans 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan. Here, you can have a picnic, go for a jog, rent a boat, or simply relax and people watch. It’s not advised to do a carriage ride as some horses may be mistreated.

Day 2 – Downtown Manhattan: Start your day in Battery Park, where you can catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You have the option of either the free Staten Island Ferry that goes past Liberty Island or the  paid Statue Cruises that lets you get off on Liberty Island, I’ve done both and the paid version is worth the money.

Afterward, take a stroll through the historic Financial District, where you can see the New York Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull statue, and the extremely moving 9/11 Memorial.

If you’re keen for more views you can head up the One World Trade Center Observatory, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

End your day with a stroll through the trendy neighborhoods of SoHo and Greenwich Village, where you can shop, dine, and people-watch to your heart’s content.

Day 3 – Brooklyn and Uptown: On the last day in NYC, make your way across the Brooklyn Bridge, walk around the waterfront with its panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, get your photos in DUMBO and eat your way through Time Out Market.

If you have extra time, explore the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or visit the Brooklyn Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

Then spend the afternoon taking in thousands of years of art at The Met and seeing how the other half live on the Upper East Side.

From there, take a subway ride up to Harlem, where you can explore the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage, visit the famous Apollo Theater, and grab dinner at one of the many soul food restaurants.

To help save money on attractions, try a  Go City pass . They have 2 and 3 day all-inclusive passes that would be perfect for this itinerary –  click here to see how you can save .

Finally, don’t forget to make time for plenty of pizza slices, bagels, pretzels and hot dogs!

• Luxury:  Kixby
• Mid-range:  Hotel Indigo Downtown
• Budget:  HI USA Hostel

Click here to compare NYC accommodation prices on Booking.com

Day 4-5: Boston

Drive: 220 miles – approx. 3.5 hours

Train: Amtrak Northeast Regional from Moynihan Train Hall – approx. 4 hours

After the craziness of New York, head up north to the relative calm of Boston, Massachusetts. Boston is a city steeped in history and culture but despite its historic nature the crazy number of universities in Boston means the city has a very young, fun vibe. With world-class museums, delicious food, and beautiful parks, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Start your trip with a walk along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route that takes you through some of Boston’s most important historic sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the USS Constitution Museum. Along the way, you’ll learn about the events leading up to the American Revolution and the role Boston played in shaping the country’s history.

There are plenty of  walking tours available  but I’d recommend just downloading an audio guide for the Freedom Trail and going at your own pace. And don’t miss the Boston Public Library, it might not be on the Freedom Trail but it was my favourite spot.

Next, head over to the Museum of Fine Arts, where you can explore over 450,000 works of art from around the world. The museum’s collections range from ancient artifacts to contemporary art, and there’s something for every taste and interest.

If you’re a sports fan, make sure to catch a game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. And if baseball isn’t your thing, try an ice hockey game, I can promise it will make for a memorable experience.

For foodies, Boston is a paradise with both fresh New England seafood and quality Italian cuisine on offer. Make sure to try the city’s signature clam chowder and lobster rolls as well as Boston cream pie (go to Omni Parker House for the original version), and cannoli from Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry in the North End.

Finally, take a stroll through the beautiful Boston Common, the oldest public park in the country. With over 50 acres of green space, the park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the city’s natural beauty.

On your second day in Boston, head out to Cambridge to see the Harvard campus (students run  walking tours ) and try some of the fun student bars.

If you have extra time, you can take the train out to Salem to explore the witchy museums and filming locations. It’s only a short ride from North Station or you can take a  day tour from Boston . 

• Luxury:  The Liberty Hotel
• Mid-range:  Revolution Hotel
• Budget:  Found Boston Common

Click here to compare Boston accommodation prices on Booking.com

Day 6: Providence/Newport

Drive: 50 miles – approx. 1 hour

Train: Amtrak Northeast Regional from Back Bay or South Boston and local bus to Newport – approx. 2 hours total

Rhode Island, the smallest state in the USA, might not be on every Northeast itinerary but it’s very much worth a visit.  

Providence itself is quite a small town with a very compact city centre. There are a couple of decent things to do in Providence itself, including visiting the Rhode Island State Capitol – unlike the one in DC, here you’re allowed to just wander around at will and see all the rooms – and the Brown University campus.

However, the number one reason for coming to Providence is because it’s the gateway to Newport, which you’ll want to dedicate most of the day to seeing. 

Newport is a beautiful seaside town full of cute boutiques and restaurants, but its biggest draw is the Gilded Age mansions.  These homes are straight out of The Great Gatsby, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of America’s wealthiest families during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These grand estates are designed to feel very like European palaces with grand ballrooms, ornate gardens, and stunning ocean views. You can tour these mansions and learn about the families who lived there, including the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Morgans. I recommend picking 2-3 and using the audio tours which are included with your tickets and are super informative.

While you’re in Newport check out the Cliff Walk, a stunning (but windy) hike along the ocean. Warm up afterwards with a hot chocolate or some of the famous New England clam chowder.

• Luxury:  The Beatrice
• Mid-range:  Graduate Providence
• Budget:  Courtyard by Marriott Providence Downtown

Click here to compare Providence accommodation prices on Booking.com

Days 7-8: Philadelphia 

Drive: 300 miles – approx. 4.5 hours

Train: Amtrak Northeast Regional from Providence – approx. 5.5 hours

When in Philadelphia, the must-visit attraction is Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. To visit, you’ll need to book tickets through the National Parks website several weeks (ideally months) in advance of your trip as numbers are strictly limited and security is tight.

Even if you miss out on tickets to Independence Hall you can still line up to go see the Liberty Bell across the street and wander through the remains of George Washington’s house.

Next head across town to another of Philadelphia awesome free attractions, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This beautiful neoclassical building boasts works from van Gogh and Monet, among many many others.

Finish the day with a visit to the Eastern State Penitentiary, one of the most famous and haunted prisons in the world. The prison’s notable inmates, include Al Capone and the bank robber “Slick Willie”. If you’re brave enough, sign up for the night tour to discover the spookiest stories from the prison’s history.

Start your second day in Philadelphia with a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution , where you can learn about the events leading up to the American Revolution and the impact it had on the country and the world. The museum features interactive exhibits, including a replica of a colonial-era privateer ship and Goerge Washington’s tent. We enjoyed the short talks from the educators explaining the artefacts in each room.

If you’re a really dedicated fan of America history you can also head over to the Betsy Ross House, where the first American flag was allegedly sewn and take a guided tour of the house to learn about the life of Betsy Ross and the history of the flag.

For lunch head to the Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest and largest public markets in the country. This is a food’es paradise and the place to go to try local dishes including Philly cheesesteaks, Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, and Amish donuts.

If you haven’t succumbed to a food coma then spend the rest of the day strolling through the historic district and waterfront, where you can see many other historic sites, including Franklin Court, site of Benjamin Franklin’s home.

• Luxury:  The Franklin on Rittenhouse
• Mid-range:  The Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square
• Budget:  Apple Hostels of Philadelphia

Click here to compare Philly accommodation prices on Booking.com

Days 9-10: Washington DC

Drive: 150 miles – approx. 2.5 hours

Train: Amtrak Northeast Regional from Philadelphia 30 th  Street – approx. 2 hours

There’s no better place to wrap up your vacation in the Northeast United States than in the nation’s capital: Washington, D.C.

One of the best things about visiting D.C. is how much you can do for free. The city is home to countless museums, galleries, monuments, and historic buildings that are open to the public.

However, one important piece of advice: it’s essential to plan ahead and book your visits. Many places will book out months in advance, and even those that allow some walk-ins will often require you to spend a long time queuing outside which is no fun in the heat/wind/rain.

If you’re hoping to tour the White House, don’t expect it to be easy. The booking process requires US residents to apply through their local congressman process. The White House website suggests that foreigners can apply through their embassy, but we found that our embassies weren’t even taking bookings.

The Capitol, on the other hand, is much easier to get into, you do need to book but they can get large numbers of visitors through in a day so it’s not hard to get tickets. The Capitol is a must-do. You can’t see in the actual Senate or House chambers but the beautiful rotunda and National Statuary Hall are well worth it in themselves, we loved seeing the statues each state had chosen to donate.

Continuing on the must-see attractions in D.C., walking along the National Mall is a must. This beautiful parkland features the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and a variety of other monuments and memorials.

If you’re an art lover, don’t miss the National Gallery. This beautiful museum houses tons of amazing artworks including one by Leonardo Da Vinci. Whatever your interests, D.C. is sure to delight and inspire you with its wealth of cultural and historic offerings.

• Luxury:  Eaton DC
• Mid-range:  Lyle DC
• Budget:  Hotel Harrington

Click here to compare DC accommodation prices on Booking.com

Alternative: 1 week Northeast USA itinerary 

This shortened itinerary is very action-packed, suited to fast-paced travellers and those who want to see as much as possible in one trip. 

• Philadelphia
• Washington DC

Alternative: 2 week Northeast USA itinerary 

This extended itinerary fits even more in, while also allowing some extra time in the top destinations for those who prefer to take things at a slower pace. 

• Providence/Newport

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Northeastern USA

True to the name, the Northeast covers the area from the Canadian border in the North down to (depending on who you ask) Washington DC on the Virginia border and inland as far as the Ohio border including 11 states.

To avoid the summer crowds and the freezing Northeastern winters, the best time to visit is in late spring (May-June) and early fall (October-November), these are also good times to catch the cherry blossoms or the fall foliage respectively.

For a first-time visitor, 10 days is enough time to see the highlights of the American Northeast but if you can stay a full 2 weeks you’ll get to see even more.

In Short: 10 Days in the Northeastern USA

It’s hard to narrow down the best parts of the Northeast to a short itinerary as there’s so much to see and do and there’s no wrong way to see this part of the USA. Hopefully, these Northeast USA itineraries give you some inspiration to get started!

For more USA travel inspiration, check out these articles:

• East Coast Road Trip Itinerary
• One Week in Los Angeles Itinerary
• Best Midwest Holiday Destinations

Happy travelling!

USA Travel Resources

• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
• Find tickets for attractions and awesome day tours on Viator
• Save $$$ on attractions in NYC, LA, Miami and more with a Go City Pass
• Compare prices on cars and campervans at RentalCars.com
• Sort your US dollars with a Wise currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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Two-Week Bucket-List Road Trip: Explore the Northeastern US

Take this bucket list road trip across the American northeast. Visit New York, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, Portland, and Boston.

Quick Links

Day 1 - landing in jfk, new york, day 2 - new york city, day 3 - philadelphia, day 4 - atlantic city, day 5 - east durham, catskills, day 6 - niagara falls and buffalo, new york, day 7 - golden hill state park, new york, day 8 - syracuse, new york, day 9 - burlington, vermont, day 10 - waterville valley, new hampshire, day 11 - portland, maine, day 12 - portsmouth, new hampshire, day 13 - boston, massachusetts, day 14 - fly out of logan airport.

The Northeast of the US is home to some of the oldest cities in the US, as well as amazing natural locations such as Niagara Falls, the old mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the rocky coasts that run from Maine and down to Massachusetts . The northeast is full of amazing travel destinations with a bit of historical significance.

Travelers embarking on this road trip will end with a great idea and taste of culture in the northeastern US. With four dramatic seasons and rapidly changing weather, check out the stunning northeastern United States.

Travelers will start their journey at JFK airport, where they will land and pick up their car rental. The first day is primarily for adjustment and getting everything together. Once the travelers are all set, they should venture into the city to start enjoying New York City.

• Car Rental - Kayak

The largest American city, New York, and its boroughs offer much to both travelers and residents of the city. First-time visitors to New York should hit up a couple of attractions such as the Statue of Liberty or Elis Island. Of course, New York is full of an abundance of delicious food to check out and cool places to spend time at too.

• Must-Visit - The Metropolitan Museum of Art , Brooklyn Bridge , and Statue of Liberty

This Michelin Star restaurant in New York City comes highly recommended. It has an adorable interior, a creative food menu, and some excellent cocktails.

• Address - 51 Grove St, New York City, NY 10014-3416
• Contact - +1 212-255-1962
• Cost - $$-$$$
• Must-Try - Zucchini Fritti

After travelers finish off in New York, it will be time to make the journey to Philadelphia, one of the most historic cities in the US. First-timers to Philadelphia should check out some historical attractions, such as the Liberty Bell , an iconic part of American History. Philadelphia is also home to some great food and museums.

• Must-Visit - Independence Hall , Barnes , and Reading Terminal Market
• The Day’s Route

Hershel's East Side Deli

It’s hard to beat a good Sandwich in Philadelphia. Travelers should check out Hershel's East Side Deli for some of the best sandwiches in the city.

• Address - 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2902
• Contact - +1 215-922-6220
• Must-Try - Pastrami Sandwich
• Social Media

Topping 20 million visitors a year, Atlantic City and its stunning coast have been tourist magnets for decades. Travelers can experience the city’s famous boardwalk with all of its amusements and eateries. Absecon Lighthouse and Steel Pier are also places worth checking out while in the city.

• Must-Visit - Atlantic City Boardwalk , Hard Rock Casino , and Dock's Oyster House

White House Sub Shop

While in Jersey, travelers should be sure to enjoy a sub at White House Sub Shop. Their subs are of great value, and they have that northeastern Italian-American feel.

• Address - 2301 Arctic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401-4001
• Contact - +1 609-345-1564
• Must-Try - The Italian

Related: The Great Italian Road-Trip, Two-Week Bucket List Vacation in Italy

It is a bit of a drive up to East Durham from Atlantic City, but as long as travelers get a fairly early start, then they still have plenty of time in East Durham and the Catskills. Travelers can take advantage of a couple of local hikes or perhaps some local Irish food.

• Must-Visit - Long Path From Mount Pisgah to South Mountain , Shamrock House , and McGrath's Edgewood Falls

Crossing most of New York State to reach Buffalo and Niagara Falls is a bit of a drive, so travelers should start early. Niagara Falls is in itself one of the modern natural wonders of the world. However, after some time at the falls, travelers should venture into Buffalo to spend the evening.

• Must-Visit - Niagara Falls , Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House , and Canalside

Hutch's

Hutch’s is everything a traveler wants on a night out after nearly a week of exploring. With good drinks and excellent food, travelers will find Hutch’s to be an excellent place to unwind.

• Address - 1375 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209-1108
• Contact - +1 716-885-0074
• Cost - $$$$
• Must-Try - The Halibut

The primary goal of this day in the journey is to spend the night at the Lighthouse in Golden Hill State Park, so travelers can spend the evening stargazing. The lighthouse is only rentable to one group at a time to travelers should try to book in advance.

• Main Entrance - 9691 Lower Lake Rd, Barker, NY 14012, United States
• Park Activities - camping, fishing, boating, shoreline hiking, picnicking, nature walks, walking tours of the lighthouse site, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
• Cost for Entrance - Vehicle Entrance Fee: Cars $6 / Non-Profit Buses $35 /Commercial Buses $75
• Cost for Campsites - $15-$31/night *Additional $5/night for non-NYS residents
• Cost for Yurts - $83.75 per day / $335 weekly (NYS Residents) $90.00 per day / $360 weekly (Non-NYS Residents)
• Cost for Lighthouse, Non-Peak - $200/night-$800/week.
• Cost for Lighthouse, Peak season - $200/night-$1250/week.

On the shore of Lake Onondaga and with the reach of Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes region, Syracuse is a stunning city. A city of hills, Syracuse gives travelers a small city feel with everything the larger cities have to offer.

• Must-Visit - Rosamond Gifford Zoo , The Great New York State Fair , and Destiny USA

Related: 2-Week Bucket List Road Trip Across Canada, Vancouver To Quebec

The largest in Vermont and the home of the University of Vermont, there is always quite a bit happening in Burlington. The city offers a blend of culture and New England charms while being nestled between the Adirondack and Green Mountains.

• Must-Visit - Church Street Marketplace , Hiking Trails , and Foam Brewers

Penny Cluse Café

When it comes to breakfast in Burlington, the Penny Cluse Café stands out. Travelers can expect to start their morning off right with a visit here.

• Address - 169 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401-3817
• Contact - +1 802-651-8834
• Must-Try - Smoked Salmon Plate

The trip from Burlington to Waterville Valley across Vermont and New Hampshire is quite a pleasant one. It isn’t too long, and travelers will be able to pass through some incredibly scenic wilderness. Once in the Valley, travelers should perhaps check out some local hiking trails or perhaps just enjoy Waterville’s town square.

• Must-Try - Hiking Trails , Waterville Valley Ice Arena , Waterville Valley Golf Course

Coyote Grill

The Coyote Grill offers a delicious and dependable dining experience. They offer up a mix of American favorites as well as some more creative dishes on their ever-changing menu.

• Address - 98 Valley Rd, Waterville Valley, NH 03215
• Contact - +1 603-236-4919
• Must-Try - Venison (if available)

A city known for ornate mansions and ocean views, Portland is a charming city and popular destination along the New England coast. Its cobblestone streets and port district give it a bit of a European feel, and it is full of great eateries.

• Must-Try - Allagash Brewery , Old Port , and Casco Bay

Evo Kitchen + Bar

Evo offers an energetic atmosphere and mix of excellent food and great drinks. Evo Kitchen + Bar will be a great way for travelers to spend their evenings in Portland.

• Address - 443 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101-4025
• Contact - +1 207-358-7830
• Must-Try - Baba Ganoush

Portsmouth is one of the most walkable cities in the northeast, and that’s exactly what travelers will do during their visit to this city. Shops and restaurants populate the brick buildings of Portsmouth's downtown, giving travelers something new to discover at every corner.

• Must-Try - Market Square , The Music Hall , and Isles of Shoals

Travelers will finally arrive in Boston, Massachusetts, on the third day of their road trip. Boston has a ton for travelers to check out. They can spend time at one of the museums, the aquarium, or perhaps just be a tourist and explore Quincy Market.

• Must-Try - Fenway Park , Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , and Quincy Market

Monica’s Mercato

Monica’s Mercato is another fantastic sandwich shop that travelers should check out. Their sandwiches are huge and authentically delicious.

• Address - 130 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113-1764
• Contact - +1 617-742-4101
• Must-Try - The Hero with Prosciutto and Burrata

Depending on the time of their flight, travelers may have a bit of time to explore the city before they depart. If they are looking to end the day with a good Irish breakfast, then they check out Emmets . However, this day does mark the end of this two-week road trip.

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Home » Blog » The ULTIMATE New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

The ULTIMATE New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

The Northeast USA is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the entire world during fall. For that reason you NEED to add a New England fall road trip to your bucket list!

Prior to this trip, exploring the northeast had been on my travel radar for the longest time. I am stoked to say that New England definitely lived up to the hype and I am excited to share this New England fall road trip itinerary with you all! (3 day, 5 day and 7 day itineraries)

Read on to find out all the must-see places for fall foliage, where to stay, what to pack, the top hikes to take, photography inspiration, and more! I even provide you with a handy map to use for planning and navigation. In my opinion this is the BEST New England fall road trip and I hope you get the chance to take it!

Disclaimer : This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers. Learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Before we jump into it, I do want to add a disclaimer that this road trip was my own experience during the 2018 fall season . Every year is different, some more magical, and others less so.

I will do my best to help you plan the perfect New England fall road trip itinerary, but you will need to go in with an open mind! Honestly, some of the best trips I have ever taken have been when things haven’t gone to plan. Sometimes all the planning in the world cannot change the weather!

Okay, let’s jump into how to plan a fall New England road trip !

How to plan a New England fall road trip

There are generally two ways to approach planning for a New England fall road trip. The first is to meticulously plan everything in the attempt to not waste a moment, and the second (the option we went with) is to pretty much not plan at all. Sounds weird right? Why would you not plan and wouldn’t that potentially waste you time and money? Well, at this time of the year, it kind of works in the opposite way.

The reason for this is that fall colors gradually change from green, to yellow (or orange, red, purple) until they fall off. Not all trees in an area change at the exact same time. There’s a point in the fall transition where most trees are changed to their beautiful shades of yellow, orange or red prior to falling off and with minimal green trees. This is considered “peak fall foliage” or “peak fall color”.

Peak color doesn’t happen at the exact same time every year (usually varying a week or so either way). It can vary due to a variety of factors but this is mostly due to weather. By not booking hotels or camping prior to your Northeast fall road trip, this allows you to be flexible. You can go to the areas that are at “peak color” rather than spend time in a spot that isn’t yet fully changed or worse, the leaves have fallen.

When to start planning your New England fall road trip itinerary

Advantages and disadvantages come with this method of not planning. The major advantage of not booking all your accommodation in advance is flexibility . You won’t miss the colors because they happened to be a week late or earlier than expected. You can drive to wherever the colors happen to be best in that moment.

This comes with a downside though… accommodation prices and availability. Fall is extremely busy in this part of the country . Like you, many others choose to take East Coast fall road trips in the hope of seeing the incredible beauty that comes with the changing of seasons. This means hotels and vacation rentals can book out well in advance, leaving the remaining last-minute bookings quite expensive.

We ended up opting to mostly find accommodation as we went along, including some last-minute vacation rentals and hotels /motels. We tried to stay at a budget of around $80-150 USD per night, which did narrow down our search a little but overall the places were more than adequate, use Expedia to get price comparisons across multiple booking sites and save you time searching for a place to stay. A couple of times we did have to drive to places slightly further out of town to find a more affordable price but this was an okay compromise to have the extra flexibility.

If you need to rent a car, check out Kayak for price comparisons from rental agents. Or you could use this road trip to test out van life! Rent an RV or camper from Outdoorsy , and you won’t have to worry much about accommodations.

Another option is to bring camping gear .

Keep in mind though, at this time of the year some of the campgrounds are beginning to close. Some places we traveled through didn’t seem to have many tent camping options. In saying that, there was the possibility of sleeping in your car. I have a guide all about sleeping in your car on road trips – check it out!

If you are thinking of camping, you can check sites in the area on The Dyrt where you can see which are open and the facilities available as well as reviews from previous campers. Click here , or use my code reneeroaming for a free 30 day trial .

With all that being said, how you want to plan your Northeast fall road trip is up to you. Do you want to take the chance of potentially missing the peak colors and pre-book more affordable/convenient accommodation? Or do you want to pay slightly more for accommodation and make sure you are seeing the best of the colors? It’s up to you. Either way, we found this be the most accurate and up-to-date map of where the colors are peaking .

Mid-October is often the best time to take a New England road trip for leaf peepers, but it’s helpful if you can be flexible with your date. For reference, we took our fall New England road trip on October 8 – 12, 2018 . But don’t take those dates as a sure thing because peak color can change year to year! Just remember to pack your camera to capture those autumnal colors. You can see the equipment I use further down in the post.

Best New England fall road trip itinerary

Below I’m sharing a suggested itinerary for your New England fall road trip, based on our own adventure. First off, here is a map with all the best spots linked and pins for each day of the itinerary, see below.

Now let’s talk through the day-to-day itinerary…

Day 1 – Dixville Notch State Park

Fly into Boston , Massachusetts and pick up a rental car . From here, drive 4 hours north to Dixville Notch to begin your New England fall road trip. Dixville Notch is a very small area, but for what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty!

The main road that travels over Dixville Notch initially winds its way past some cute farmland surrounded by rolling hills. The drive then passes stunning Lake Gloriette , up over Dixville Notch and down the other side of the pass-through incredible fall foliage to a couple of serene picnic areas and walks.

Plan to do the stunning Table Rock trail which is a short one at only 1.5 miles round-trip, but a relatively steep 700 feet climb. This gives you epic 360-degree views over Dixville Notch from above, and the photos are beautiful! If you have timed it right, you might even be able to enjoy sunset from up there.

Unfortunately when we were there, the clouds were low and covering the views.

Instead, we parked at what is labeled Whittemore Family Cemetery on GoogleMaps and hiked a short trail that leaves from the parking lot. This is a great alternative if the weather is not cooperating.

This trail made its way through a vibrant forest that leads to a cute little bridge and stream. The hike would only take 10-15 minutes round-trip without stopping. It was a great way to stretch the legs and take a moment to snap some photos of our first glimpse of fall colors.

After finishing your hike at Table Rock, or the alternative trail, head back to nearby Colebrook for dinner and a good night’s rest in your hotel . You can also book into this great cottage on a farm or Tentrr’s Signature Site for luxury glamping.

Day 2 – Stowe

Wake up early, grab some breakfast at Mostly Muffins in Colebrook (so yummy!) and then drive west towards Stowe , Vermont. On the way, you will pass loads of beautiful fall foliage and small rural towns including the memorable Island Pond. The Great Vermont Corn Maze is also a fun stop if you’re into that sort of thing.

After a beautiful drive to Stowe, you can spend the rest of the day exploring its charm, cute gift stores, and scenic walks. We had lunch at the Green Goddess Cafe and it was amazing! We then took a quick walk along the bike path which leaves from behind the Stowe Community Church and runs along the river. You can also take a brewery tour in Stowe to sample locally made beer, spirits and ciders.

From this vantage, there are some great views of the church worth photographing. Finish the night off with a delicious pizza at Piecasso in town – we definitely recommend this restaurant! Stay the night in Stowe at The Green Mountain Inn or in The Loft at Hobble Inn .

Day 3 – Smugglers Notch & White Mountains

Day 3 of your Northwest fall road trip will be a busy one! Wake up early and head to Smugglers Notch . This area has a road that goes up and through a small gap between two mountains (referred to as a “notch”). It is quite similar to Dixville Notch, but in my opinion, Smugglers is even more spectacular.

This was one of the spots we were most looking forward to on our New England fall road trip, and it didn’t disappoint! The mountains on either side are HUGE, and there are so many beautiful twists and turns in the road to photograph and check out.

Definitely drive this to the other side and back before moving on to your next location. Another option is taking the Gondola SkyRide at the Stowe Mountain Resort, for beautiful aerial mountain views.

From Smuggler’s Notch, drive south to Pomfret, Vermont .

Taking Cloudland Road south from Pomfret to Woodstock will take you along cute dirt roads lined with fall colors, rolling hills, and quaint farms. A necessary stop along this route is the farm located opposite “Elm Grove Farm” on GoogleMaps, often referred to as “Sleepy Hollow Farm” . It’s a great little photography stop that captures one of the most photogenic farm properties you will ever see.

Sugarbush Farm is another local property you can visit, though we didn’t go there ourselves. I hear their maple syrup is delicious!

Now, time to head back to New Hampshire! Your scenic drive today will take you through Franconia Notch State Park. At the base of the White Mountains, the town of  Lincoln is a good place to end day 3 of your New England fall road trip. Stay at Woodwards White Mountain Resort or the Loon Mountain Apartment .

Day 4 – White Mountains

Your New England fall road trip would not be complete without a drive along the famous Kancamagus Highway . Leaving early on day 4 from Lincoln, there are a lot of epic road-side views on this stretch of road. A number of pull-outs also allow for some great photo opportunities. Continue east until you hit the Rocky Gorge Parking Lot. Here you can take a walk along the beautiful Swift River and get views of the beautiful Falls Pond . North Conway is a cute town on the east end of the Kancamagus Highway, and a great spot for lunch or a stroll around town.

From Rocky Gorge, we backtracked a short distance to drive up  Bear Notch Road . Bear Notch provides a scenic drive along a mountainside and more roadside pullouts for some gorgeous photo opportunities.

At the end of Bear Notch Road, drive north to Crawford Notch State Park . Here, you can explore the backroads and snap photos of all the beautiful fall colors. A side-trip option in this area is a hike up the Mount Willard trail . It’s a relatively steep, but short 3.2-mile round-trip hike to a clifftop overlooking Crawford Notch. The views from there are unreal! Again, unfortunately, the weather wasn’t cooperating so we had to skip this one.

Next, continue north where you have the option of taking a short detour to the Mt Washington Cog Railway . Here, you can catch an old-school train up to the summit of Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the northeastern US at 6,289 feet. Due to the bad weather, we kept driving, but if you are a fan of trains then this should not be missed!

To end your day, depending on availability you can stay in the nearby towns of Carroll, Franconia, Littleton, or Bethlehem.

We stayed in Franconia ourselves and chose to drive to Bethlehem to have dinner at the Cold Mountain Cafe . It if works out with timing, we highly recommend it as a delicious way to end a busy day.

There are great hotels to chose from, the Hampton Inn in Littleton and Stonybrook Motel & Lodge in Franconia are lovely options or you can opt for vacation rentals. On the Mountain Suite in Carroll, Rustic Log Cabin in Sugar Hill and Kilburn Place in Littleton are worth checking into.

Day 5 – White Mountains

Day 5 is the last day of your New England fall road trip, and what better way to start than with a sunrise hike up to Artist’s Bluff . This is a short 1.4-mile walk up to a stunning hilltop that overlooks Echo Lake , and the fall foliage here is insane! Unfortunately, it was raining when we drove past here (a common theme on our trip!) so we opted to skip the hike as the clouds were hiding most of the views.

We continued on to Flume Gorge which is a relatively easy 2-mile loop hike and one of our favorite stops of the trip. Multiple waterfalls, streams, and covered bridges keep the eyes entertained for the whole 2 miles. Do note that there is a $18 per person entry fee (I definitely recommend making advance reservations) but we felt it was very much worth it. In fact, we spent a couple of hours exploring this area and even in the rain it was absolutely gorgeous!

By now your Northeast fall road trip is coming to an end. It’s probably time to head back towards Boston to catch your flight… or onward to your next destination (see more below!)

7 day East Coast fall road trip

If you really want to take an incredible Northeast fall road trip and have some extra days ( 1 week total ), here is what I would recommend. Add a couple of days in between Stowe/Smuggler’s Notch and the White Mountains. It would be fun to spend a day in Burlington and walk along Lake Champlain, or check out Waterbury, Vermont. With these extra days, you can drive further into Upstate New York and the Adirondack Mountains , where the colors were absolutely incredible. There are also abundant hiking opportunities, and the beautiful town of Lake Placid to explore. Lake Placid has some amazing accommodation options and beautiful views so it is definitely worth spending a night there. Try the Crowne Plaza or this Rustic Room or search cabins in the area for larger groups.

As an alternative to the Adirondacks, you could scoot over to Maine and visit Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park . Acadia has some really unique scenery, boasting both coastal views and mountain tops! Bar Harbor has plenty of great vacation rentals available.

Check out my blog, How To Prepare for Hiking Trips , ahead of time to prepare!

As I know many of you will ask, we opted to take a sunset hike in the Adirondacks (see photo above), however I have been asked by locals to please not share the exact location. There are some concerns about the potential damage of increased trail traffic and it was pointed out to us that parking spots are also very limited.

I urge you to be responsible and always abide by Leave No Trace Principles when exploring the outdoors. You can read my blog, Hiking Trail Etiquette Rules You Should Know , to learn more and click here to read my in-depth guide on How To Follow Leave No Trace Principles.

3 day New England Road Trip

You could do this New England fall road trip in 3 days with some adventurous spirit! It would be kind of rushed, and you wouldn’t always be able to be in the best spots for sunrise or sunset. That being said, if it’s all you have, go for it! It’s definitely doable and would also be a blast. I hope you don’t mind missing out on some sleep though 😉

Some options to put together a shorter Northeast fall road trip itinerary would be to cut out the Pomfret / Sleepy Hollow Farm section, as that does add some driving hours. Another way to cut downtime would be to combine your visit to Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch into one day.

New England fall road trip packing guide

There are some essential items you should pack for your Northeast fall road trip to make it as enjoyable as possible! I hadn’t explored much of New England or Upstate New York before this trip and found the weather to be a little up and down. In fact, one minute it was sunny and the next freezing and rainy! You’ll definitely want to pack some additional layers for your leaf peeping adventures.

This packing guide is also tailored towards people who enjoy hiking. If you don’t plan to hit the trails, simply leave off the hiking-specific items when using the guide. For those choosing to camp, I have an entire guide and packing list for car camping essentials , so make sure to check that out!

Insulated jacket

Mid-layer :.

Perfect for chilly mornings and evenings. Opt for something lightweight like a fleece or pullover. Recommended mid-layer .

Insulated jacket :

It’s likely to get colder than you are expecting, especially if you plan to be out during sunrise and sunset hours. In fact, it even snowed in New Hampshire towards the end of our trip! So I would highly recommend packing a puffy jacket or a parka that has insulation. Recommended insulated jacket .

Rain jacket :

Do not attempt to take a Northeast fall road trip without a rain jacket/coat ! It rained at least once every day we were on the East Coast. Although it didn’t ruin our trip, it could have if we didn’t have adequate rain protection. Recommended rain jacket , recommended windbreaker .

Casual clothes :

Pack some casual and/or nicer outfits if you plan to eat out at restaurants. This is of course optional though! Check out my Favorites page on Backcountry for some recommendations.

Hiking shoes:

I was VERY happy that I packed waterproof boots for our East Coast fall adventure! We experienced wet, muddy, and cold conditions and waterproof boots made a huge difference. I suggest choosing a pair that can be worn both casually and also when hiking. If you prefer a more solid, supportive hiking boot the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots are a great choice. We also have a guide on all the best hiking shoes , so don’t forget to check that out when shopping for new hiking boots!

Merino wool socks :

Wool socks are the best for preventing blisters and also letting your feet breathe. Recommended hiking socks .

Hiking pants & Leggings:

Don’t stress too much about bottom layers, just make sure they are comfortable and practical for road tripping. I personally like wearing leggings, jeggings, or comfy jeans on road trips, as then I can transition from car, to around town, to hiking, and more. Choose whatever feels comfortable and practical for you! Recommended hiking pants ; hiking shorts ; hiking skort , hiking dress , hiking leggings .

Beanie & Gloves:

As I mentioned above, it even snowed during our New England fall road trip! I would highly suggest packing a beanie and some warm gloves .

Day pack/hiking backpack :

Choose something with hip and chest straps for optimal comfort and practicality. Recommended backpack . When taking short walks or exploring roadside stops I often prefer to opt for a small hip pack instead of a backpack. Just something to fit my phone, lip balm , sunglasses , and any other essentials.

Navigation :

When driving, have Google Maps or Maps.Me handy. We often lost phone service when driving in the mountains of New England and down back roads. For hiking, carry a physical map and a compass , and download offline maps onto your phone. I use Gaia GPS – click here to get 20% off a Premium membership!

Camera + batteries :

Optional but trust me, you will want a camera to capture the incredible fall foliage! Check out the camera gear I use to capture my travel photos and the camera bag I pack it all in!

Every road trip requires snacks! We found it challenging to find food between towns and also after hours. Bring whatever your favorite snacks like nuts, seeds, granola bars, dried fruit, etc. My go-to snacks . If you enjoy drinking coffee then it’s best to bring along a reusable mug or tumbler. Recommended mug ; insulated tumbler . Having your own travel utensils / cutlery is a great way to cut down on single-use plastics when ordering take-out food.

Road trip playlist + Podcasts:

Don’t forget to download some good tunes and podcasts for your road trip. For music, check out my playlists on Spotify . For podcasts, we have an entire guide on the best road trip podcasts !

Want more packing & gear tips?  Check out our guides on what to wear hiking , car camping gear essentials , how to plan a national parks trip , and the best hiking shoes .

I hope that helps you plan an incredible New England fall road trip! With a little flexibility you’re guaranteed to have an epic road trip, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate the whole time. Have an amazing time and feel free to leave a comment and let me know how you got on 😊

PIN for later planning!

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25 comments

• Pingback: New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary - 4 days in New Hampshire & Vermont - Laura Peruchi | NYC

HELLO! Thank you for posting the perfect Fall road trip. I would love to take your advice and incorporate and extra two days to go up into the Adirondacks. Can you please suggest the best place to go and things to do with that two days? I need to book ASAP because we are going the last week of this September. If you could please get back to me quickly, it would be most appreciated. We are from Florida and know nothing of the area, so any advice would be very helpful. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Chris in Florida

• Pingback: 60 Fabulous Fall Aesthetic Photos » Lady Decluttered

Your blog is packed full of helpful information and absolutely beautiful photos!

I was curious if you could recommend an itinerary that would also include Niagara Falls?

I love your photos! Do you offer tours? Thanks!

Hi Renee, Love this post! My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon to the Adirondacks this fall, so I loved your suggestions and your photographs are beautiful! I was wondering if you knew where you got the grey hoodie you’re wearing in several of your pictures? It’s so cute and looks prefect for fall day hikes.

Hi! Thanks for the wonderful info! We’re just starting to plan a trip for next year. Question, is there nothing to see on the four hour drive from Boston to Dixville Notch? Again, we’re just starting on this, but it appears you’re going up the same way you’re coming back? Thank you so much for the help and this awesome site! 🙂

Gorgeous photos! I’ve spent time in New England in the fall its incredibly idyllic. (Lived in Maine and Massachusetts for 3 years) The White Mountains is truly one of God’s masterpieces. Excellent post!

Hey there!!! As far as the smugglers notch and Stowe area… is it redundant to do the gondola ride as well as take the drive up smugglers notch? Should we pick one or the other? Thanks!

• Pingback: New England Fall Road Trip: The ULTIMATE Leaf Peeping Itinerary - Renee Roaming - Fitness Sport und Gesundheit

Thank you for the Google Maps — so helpful!

Planning a trip for this October, but we have only 3 days! Trying to decide how to see the most of everything! lol any recommendations for “must sees” for only 3 days!?

I can’t wait to travel to the east coast this fall! (I live in California, and we don’t get much of a fall here). Thanks for sharing your itinerary, I’m planning on a road trip and didn’t know where to start! I was wondering where the second picture was taken? (Of you and the water in the background) Thanks!

Did you find out where that 2nd photo was taken? I also would like to go there this October.

I would like to know the shooting spot of the second photo (Stowe?)

This blog post is just amazing and the pictures so beautiful ! Thank you for sharing your experience. I love travelling and was looking for new ideas, this is definitely one 🙂

Wow, these fall colors looks awesome! Thank’s for this helpful post, Renee!

Thank you for reading Laura!

Thanks for sharing your stunning pictures! I totally agree with what you said about not planning in order to find the best colors. The fall we spent living in Upstate NY and hiking all over the NE contained many of my favorite days of my life so far, there truly isn’t a bad hike when it’s that colorful! It makes up for the 6 months of winter that follows. 🙂

What a magical time that must have been!

Thankyou for all this indepth info Renee. Should be super helpful when I plan my own fall trip. And of course stunning photos that I really enjoyed.

Thank you!!

Wow, the nature there looks amazing. And your Photos are loveley. Thank you both for this blogpost. Maybe, we can travel there one day. My wife and I live in the North of Germany. Last weekend we took our own Fall Roadtrip in the Harz National Park. The first blogpost of this trip is now online. It’s about the lovely oldtown in Quedlinburg 😉 best wishes Christian

Thanks Christian! That sounds like an amazing road trip, I’ll add it to my bucket list 😉

i’d love to see Christian’s blogpost about Quedlinburg (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). I was there last year and it was wonderful. My grandparents live in the Harz Mountains, Please share a link, Christian.

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15 Places you need to visit in the Northeast U.S.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

Though it’s easy to become entranced by popular attractions, the Northeastern U.S. is much more than the bright lights of New York City, the historic streets of Boston, or the popular national parks in Maine. Don’t get us wrong– these spots are widely known for a reason and deserve to be seen and explored. But, it’s worth knowing there are so many lesser known places to fall in love with in this region.  

From quaint towns, breathtaking foliage, nature trails, waterfalls, mountains, and beautiful bodies of water, the terrain and features of the Northeast are diverse. Take note of this list when planning your Northeast adventure and don’t overlook places that are off the beaten path!

Massachusetts

1.  frank knowles-little river reserve.

This serene wetland adventure features a 200-foot-long suspension bridge, an old farmhouse, and plenty of wooden boardwalks. There’s roughly 9 miles of hiking trails to meander!

2.  Menemsha Hills

You’ll be rewarded by stunning ocean views and the Elizabeth Islands in the distance on this vineyard hike. The seaside cliffs are breathtaking and you can take in this popular summer destination island from a whole new vantage point atop the hills.

3.  Nick’s Lake

This family-friendly hike is located in the central Adirondacks by the town of Old Forge. On this relatively flat 6.2-mile trail, you’ll catch glimpses of the peaceful waters of Nick's Lake. A campground on the property offers a beach, bathrooms, and kayak rentals if you decide to stay the night or longer.

4.  Pillsbury Mountain

This 3.3-mile up-and-back adventure leads to panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and lakes from the top of a fire tower and a ranger station that is no longer in-use. If you're into fire towers, consider doing the Adirondack Fire Tower Hiking Challenge and checking this tower off your list!

5.  Carpenter and Angel Falls

Take yourself to the middle of a serene natural oasis on this three-mile loop! Carpenter Falls is roughly 95-feet tall, making for an impressive and photo-worthy sight. The rocks can be slippery, so be extra careful and use the ropes to assist with climbing.

Connecticut

6.  chauncey peak.

A 2.2-mile loop hike has endless views of the Giuffrida Park and town of Meridan below while at the top! Note that some of the trail markers aren’t very clear and there are a few unmarked trails. Be sure to be prepared with a trail map or proper gpx route. Download the Outbound App  to download offline maps to ensure you're on the right track!

7.  Sleeping Giant State Park

This three-mile out-and-back hike features charming wooded areas, a stone tower, and sweeping vistas. When you reach the top, be sure to explore different overlooks. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Long Island Sound. Find a private spot and sit down to take a rest or enjoy lunch with friends. This is also a great place for bouldering.

8.  Moss Glen Falls

This beautiful waterfall is located right along the scenic Route 100 - just .1 miles off the road. There’s a large parking area, making it super easy to take a quick pitstop to enjoy and photograph the falls. Go during Autumn to experience the beautiful foliage in the area!

New Hampshire

9.  mt. moosilauke.

Explore Benton State Forest while admiring the magnificent forest and mountain scenery along the way during this 7.1-mile loop hike. During the spring and summer, there are beautiful wildflowers along the way. There are several river crossings with bridges, and you can take dips to cool off during the hot summer months.

Rhode Island

10.  beavertail state park.

On the island of Jamestown, soak in true New England coastal beauty at Beavertail State Park. Explore the secluded cove beaches and stay for sunrise or sunset for an especially memorable experience. This park (and its short, dirt trails) is the perfect alternative to overcrowded beaches. There are plenty of nooks to discover and marvel in at this beautiful island state park. Don't be tempted to jump off the cliffs into the water below as it's full of jagged, dangerous rocks. Instead, follow the paths that lead down the cliffs to the beaches where you can swim without the dangers of diving.

11.  Borestone Mountain

This scenic 3.6-mile out-and-back trail is at the base of the 100 Mile Wilderness, part of the Appalachian Trail. Breathe in the fresh air and take in impressive views overlooking the surrounding mountains and lakes at the top. Colorful treetops in the autumn seem to go on forever. Note: there is an entry fee collected at the visitor center located one mile into the hike. Make sure to bring cash!

12.  Rocky Pond

Immerse yourself in the remote mountains of Northern Maine while avoiding large crowds on this one-mile out-and-back hike.The mountain views from Rocky Pond are breathtaking! Be on the lookout for moose along the shorelines - they like to eat and drink here!

13.  The Cranberry Bogs at Double Tree State Park

Before entering Double Trouble Park, you’ll pass by Double Trouble Historic Village, which features old schoolhouses, general stores, sawmills, and cottages dating back to the 1700s to 1900s. Stretch your legs by heading to the park to walk a 1.9-mile nearly flat loop trail through cranberry bogs and forest. Locals harvest tart, sweet cranberries here every year and you can purchase cranberry goods at the village shops.

Pennsylvania

14.  mill creek falls.

Visiting this easily accessible waterfall is the perfect way to get a quick nature fix and enjoy the natural beauty of this photo-worthy spot. After enjoying the falls, take a two-mile loop hike through the woods to admire glimpses of the Susquehanna River.

15.  Rose Valley Lake

Anglers should explore this pristine area in all seasons! The man-made lake is perfect for bass, bluegill, and perch fishing. For those who like spotting wildlife, there are opportunities to view plenty of birds like ducks, gulls, swans, hawks, and herons. Using a boat or kayak is the best way to explore and take in the full beauty of this stunning body of water.

Cover Photo: Tate Yoder

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Northeast USA tours & vacations

Welcome to Northeast USA

Covering nine states, hundreds of years of history, a few major cities and a sprinkling of heavenly nature reserves; the Northeast makes for some pretty incredible days out. From the roaring Niagara Falls to the contemplative Gettysburg fields , to the buzzing streets of major metropolitan hubs or the quaint seaside villages of Maine . There’s so much to see in the land of the free, but don’t worry; we’ve got it sorted.  

Our Northeast USA trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Northeast USA highlights

Northeast usa travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Where is Northeast USA?

Northeast USA is found in the top right-hand corner of the continental United States. There are sometimes different states included in this region, but generally, these states make up the Northeast:  Maine , Maryland, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The northernmost states neighbor the Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick provinces of   Canada . To the east is the Atlantic Ocean, with many of the Northeast states right on the coast. To the west is the Midwest region, and below is   the South . 

How do I get to Northeast USA?

It's pretty easy to get to the Northeastern USA as there are several international airports throughout the states. Some of the largest airports include:

• John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), La Guardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New York.
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington, D.C.

Depending on where you'd like to visit, you can also drive in from any other part of the US or even Canada. 

Trainlines and buses also operate in and out of this area which can be great options for those not looking to rent a car.

How will I get around Northeast USA?

Getting around the Northeast as a traveler is generally easy as there is a lot of public transport that operates interstate. Buses can get you just about anywhere in the Northeast, however, long-distance and inter-city trains can take you between several of the major hubs, including New York, Philadelphia and Boston.

Other transport options include the use of private cars, which is great for road trips. There's also the option to fly between certain areas depending on the destination.

When is the best time to visit Northeast USA?

The best time to visit Northeast USA is during the summer from May to August when the weather is at its best. The shoulder seasons can also be good times to visit for small crowds.

If you're looking for a trip filled with snow days and cozy fireside meals, winter in the Northeast is a magical time.

What to pack for a trip to Northeast USA

What to pack on a trip to the Northeast USA depends on your trip type and time of travel. Generally, the climate in the Northeast can vary and change quickly. With that in mind, you should pack to ensure you have warmer clothing, especially for the evening, as well as waterproof items in case of wet weather. 

If you are going on a camping or walking/trekking trip, you will likely need to bring some specialty items, including hiking boots, breathable non-cotton hiking t-shirts, a sleeping bag, a towel and suitable layers for rugging up.

If you are traveling in North America over winter, it's recommended that you're prepared for temperatures that can easily fall below 32ºF. This means bringing waterproof clothing, especially shoes with good grip for walking across snow or ice, as well as cold weather gear such as gloves, thermals, fleece and headwear, such as beanies. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

New England States: Planning the Perfect Northeast Road trip

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6 states, 6 days, 700 miles, countless memories

It has been a goal of ours to road trip through New England for YEARS! Karen is obsessed with tracking all the states she has visited, and the Northeast seemed like a giant black hole in her progress. Somehow for the past few years, other travel got in the way and our New England plans got delayed. The New England states are Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Both of us have only visited Massachusetts prior to this road trip. We did quite a bit of planning in order to find the perfect route through the New England states, including the best places to visit in New England and the best FOOD! If you already live on the East coast, we hope this journey planner inspires you to take a New England day trip to one of your beautiful neighboring states.

When the American Lamb Association invited us to Portland, Maine for an event, we knew it was the perfect opportunity for us to plan the ultimate New England road trip! Due to timing, we started south, drove up the coast to make it to Maine, and then ventured West across New Hampshire to Vermont. Our route can be done in either direction. With it being Autumn, it actually might have made more sense to start in Vermont and road trip south to take better advantage of the changing foliage.

Connecticut

We started in Connecticut. Our rationalizations were twofold: Karen needed to check this state off of her list, and Hartford was a larger airport than Rhode Island which made travel cheaper and provided more flexible flight options. We’re sure Connecticut has a lot of offer as a state, but we literally just flew in and headed Southeast for the two-hour drive to Rhode Island.

Rhode Island

After the easy drive from the Hartford airport, we arrived in Westerly, Rhode Island. This is a quiet town with beautiful Nantucket-style homes, gorgeous coastal views, and a relaxing aura. During our stay, we spent time at both the Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn , which are historically charming resorts and only 15 minutes apart. These are partner resorts, meaning you can use the amenities of both properties, which is perfect as each property has a different personality. The Weekapaug Inn is a bit less formal and very cozy with lots of fireplaces. They offer birdwatching, adorable rental bikes, and walking trails. The Ocean House is much more grandiose with fine art adorning the walls and very extravagant suites. They also offer many complimentary activities including cooking demonstrations, a croquet field, and even a putting green in the front of the breathtaking property.

Both properties were elegant with accommodations that range from cozy rooms with claw foot bathtubs to expansive suites with massive verandas, outdoor kitchens, jacuzzi hot tubs, and gourmet kitchens where private chefs can create custom meals for your group. Both resorts also offer free luxury car rentals. Take a Mercedes out from the Ocean House or if you are more of a beemer fan, a BMW for a ride at the Weekapaug Inn.

We met with the food forger who sources all the resort ingredients from farms, forges nearby forests, and hosts guests for private and public cooking culinary demonstrations. Talk about a cool job! He provided us some gourmet cheddar to sample and discussed how the resort’s chefs took sourcing locally and seasonally so seriously. We really wished we had time to join his free Master Sauce class that afternoon!

We dined at the Ocean House for lunch and enjoyed the creamiest New England Clam Chowder. We also noshed on two lobster rolls: hot and cold. Gavin preferred the Connecticut hot lobster roll and Karen liked the cold New England-style lobster roll. Either way, they were the tastiest lobster rolls we’ve ever had!

Dinner at the Weekapaug was a full tour of the menu with wine pairings. Dinner started with their Fall Fashioned while seated in the lounge next to the fireplace: poached local cranberries muddled with whiskey. Highlights of the meal include the best oyster we’ve tasted (it can’t hurt that it was seriously local – from about 15 miles down the road) with a watermelon radish foam. The lamb ravioli was the perfect balance of comfort food without being too heavy. A new menu addition, the scallops over butternut squash risotto was a perfect plate to celebrate autumn.

Westerly, Rhode Island was the perfect place to unplug, relax, and let time slow down. From Rhode Island we ventured towards Cape Cod.

Massachusetts

Next, we headed to Cape Cod. The Cape is technically the entire 65-mile “arm” stretching out from Massachusetts with a number of towns along the way. We decided to stay at the very end of the cape, which was about a three-hour drive. If you choose to stay more inland, you would likely shave 30 minutes or more off of your drive time.

Provincetown is the last town at the tip of Cape Cod. This LGBT-friendly town is warm and social. Historic buildings (some of the oldest in America) are just steps away from the beach where you can experience whale watching or dune buggy tours. Head down Commercial street for cute shops, art galleries, and eateries. We found ourselves stopping into old-time candy shops for saltwater taffy, the new-age Fudge Factory for homemade peanut butter cups (they were pretty dang good!), and their Portuguese Bakery for egg tarts (which were a bit disappointing, but the Portuguese cinnamon bread was delish).

We popped into Strangers and Saints for a craft cocktail and upscale gastropub eats. The decor carried a hip vibe, which was a fun contrast to the vintage feel of the rest of the street. Nosh on their clam dip for a traditional New England treat – note, it can feed a crowd! Additionally, they served up Mediterranean fare like curry octopus and reinvented comfort food like deviled duck eggs.

We stayed at the Crowne Pointe Inn . This inn is recognized by the Historic Hotels of America and is super cozy. The driveways are comprised of tons of pieces of seashells instead of gravel, adding to the charm of the inn. The lobby and most rooms feature a warm fireplace which was perfect for when the night breeze came into Cape Cod. 

Dinner at The Pointe at the Crowne Pointe Inn featured fish and seafood that was pulled right from the bay down the street – talk about fresh!! We loved the lobster gnocchi with an irresistible lobster butter sauce. The halibut came on top of perfectly cooked risotto with a pea puree. The most impressive part of dinner, however, was the massive two-pound whole lobster! 

Traveling from Cape Cod to Portland, Maine was one of the more entertaining driving segments of the whole New England road trip. A few pit stops along the way gave us time to stretch our legs and experience additional aspects of New England history. About an hour from the Cape was Plymouth, MA, home of Plymouth Rock. While the stop was relatively quick (after all, it literally is just a rock, and much smaller than you’d expect) it was a fun part of American history to experience. If you have time, join a tour or visit the neighboring museums. We only hung out for about 10-15 minutes and then continued north.

In no time we were passing Boston. If we had more time we would have totally stopped in Boston for a day or two. Since we had to be in Portland by that evening, we targeted Salem, MA, for our next stop. Salem is only an hour drive north from the pit stop at Plymouth Rock. It just so happened that we were visiting a town known for their famous witch trials on Friday the 13th AND during the month of Halloween! CREEPY! While nothing paranormal happened to us, the town was bustling with lots of people, a street market, and lines outside of haunted houses, torture museums, and fortune tellers. We spent some time wandering through the Salem Witch Trials Memorial . You’ll see an old graveyard as well as Memorial stones for all 20 people who were executed during the months of the Salem Witch Trials.

About one block down from the memorial, we walked to the Notch Brewery for an Oktoberfest beer and a pretzel. It was a really cool spot right on the water. It would have been fun to have stayed the night on such a spooky day, in this spooky town, but we needed to head northbound for another hour and a half drive to Portland, Maine.

Portland, Maine is an adorable town with unique, old architecture and a pretty darn fantastic food scene. Our first dinner was at The Honey Paw and was part of our event with the American Lamb Association . We noshed on craft cocktails and ate Asian-Fusion dishes with an emphasis on lamb. It was spectacular! A few notable dishes were the lamb dumplings, lamb Khao Soi soup (we haven’t had Khao Soi since our journey to Chiang Mai! ), and the lamb Moo Shu. 

Prior to starting our farm adventure, we woke up early to head to The Holy Donut. This spot is voted as one of the top 10 donuts in all of the US. What makes them unique is that they make their donuts with MASHED POTATOES! We’re not sure how they do it, but their donuts are magical. Top picks are the apple, chai and sweet potato donuts.

After stuffing ourselves full of sugar, we hopped on a bus with 20 other food bloggers and journalists from across the country. We took a scenic tour of Maine and pulled up to the North Star Sheep Farm . The farm was picturesque with bright pastures and glowing trees that were changing colors with the season.

We started the morning with a lamb-inspired baaarunch where we noshed on sweet potato lamb hash, lamb sausages, sheep’s milk yogurt parfaits, and even lamb bacon! After stuffing ourselves, we visited with sheep, donkeys, rabbits, and horses as we explored the farm.

Later we were previewed to a full lamb butchery demonstration. Up until this event, our experience with lamb was typically centered around the traditional cuts. Being able to experience the different tastes, based on the cut, was so interesting. They all tasted different! The demonstration really opened our eyes to using new cuts of lamb to cook more adventurous dishes. We were inspired to braise lamb shank and cook it into a ragu as well as make lamb stock for hearty fall stews. We clinked our glasses filled with custom-made cocktails as we savored even more lamb dishes to wrap up our time on the farm.

Later that night we enjoyed small bites and cocktails with the lamb crew at The Press Hotel . The hotel was the perfect location for the blogger event as the entire hotel was themed around journalists. The wallpaper and carpet artistically displayed letters and typography and antique typewriters adorned the walls of the lobby. The rooms were modern and featured a gorgeous shower with floor to ceiling marble tiles.

Even though we technically ate at the hotel, we HAD to visit Eventide Oyster Co for some Maine seafood. This spot came highly recommended from a number of our foodie friends on Instagram . We got a dozen of some of the most delicious oysters in the US, the lobster stew, and the world-famous brown butter lobster roll. Although the lobster roll was relatively small, it seemed to just melt in your mouth. The bread was incredibly soft compared to crusty rolls you find elsewhere, which made this lobster roll extra unique.

The next morning, we went back to The Holy Donut to get our fix and then we hit the road towards New Hampshire and Vermont, the final leg of our New England journey.

New Hampshire

When driving from Maine to Vermont, there were a number of routes to take. Upon looking at the map, we thought that driving into the mountains logically seemed like a prettier drive. We chose right! The first half of the four-hour drive to Stowe, VT was pretty but didn’t have many pit stops. About halfway through, we were in the midst of the White Mountains and were overwhelmed by the Autumn colors. The mountains were orange, almost as if they were afire! We stopped at Crawford Notch State Park on Mount Washington as it had a nice roadside pull off. Gavin played around getting some gorgeous photography. Additionally, not even a mile down the road were a number of roadside waterfalls to see and snap photos.

While we didn’t have time to stay overnight in New Hampshire, we drove through the adorable town of North Conway. We’re sure there is a cute bed & breakfast available for you to rent. We passed the cutest historical train from 1847 chugging down the tracks, as guests looked out the windows at the fabulous fall foliage. You can book your ride through the Conway Scenic Railroad . Another lodging option in New Hampshire is the massive Mount Washington Resort that we passed on our route.

Vermont is the place to go for cozy romance and artisan foods. After driving through the breathtaking White Mountains in New Hampshire, our next pit stop was in Cabot, Vermont. This is only a slight detour from our route and brought us to The Cabot Cheese Factory . We tasted every type of cheese they produced and left with some goodies. Most notably was their Everything Bagel Cheddar, we’re obsessed! Overall, it took maybe took 10 minutes, but if you are interested in a factory tour you could absolutely spend more time there. Note, we found a lot of Cabot cheese being sold in Waterbury, so you can still get their cheddar in gift shops around town if you choose to skip this stop. 

Next up, we stopped at Bragg Farm Sugarhouse . This small sugar farm and gift shop was a peaceful spot to see the old-time equipment used to make and bottle maple syrup. We also tasted their four syrup varieties, picked a favorite (the Amber) and bought a bunch to bring home.

After getting back on the road we wandered to Waterbury. A lively town very close to our resort destination with a number of things to do: 

– Ben and Jerry’s Factory : Be prepared for long lines, then nosh on the famous ice cream overlooking the beautiful Vermont mountains.

– Cold Hollow Cider Mill : Free samples of their apple cider (score!), a peek at the antique equipment, and 75 cent apple cider donuts.

– Smugglers Notch Distillery: For a $3 tasting fee try their award-winning spirits including vodka, gin, whiskey, bourbon, rye, and even a maple rum! 

The city of Stowe was not far away, and that was the location of our lodging, The TopNotch Resort. On the way in, we stopped at Von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall and relaxed while enjoying a flight of their beers and a bratwurst. The Biergarten was large and the grounds had cornhole, picnic tables, and sweeping views.

Finally, we concluded the day’s road trip and arrived at the TopNotch . The resort offers indoor and outdoor pools, relaxing outdoor areas with firepits, a casual bar compete with shuffleboard (The Roost), spa, fitness classes, and an upscale dining restaurant (Flannel).

Our theme of Vermont was “Maple Everything” and that held true while dining at Flannel . We started with a Maple Manhattan cocktail that was so tasty, we ordered it all night. Another memorable dish was their fall pasta. Ribbons of homemade pappardelle, with butternut squash and slathered in a maple sage butter. It was the perfect balance of sweet and savory! Another thing we’ll miss is their smashed fingerlings. They were the side served with our perfectly cooked filet, but we were RAVING about how buttery and delicious they were.

The next morning, we were so relaxed that we decided to zen out even more at the spa. Due to tight timing, we opted to get a quick breakfast at Flannel once again. We continued our infatuation with maple by ordering their eggs Benedict (complete with a maple chive Benedict sauce), maple sausage, and pancakes with (you guessed it) more maple syrup. 

We don’t always make time for the spa when traveling but the TopNotch Resort was so relaxing, we decided this was the perfect place to continue to indulge ourselves. At the spa, we enjoyed services like the maple sugar body scrub, Swedish massage, and a pampering facial. The spa also has a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi for additional relaxation time, which made our spa time even more valuable.

The resort was so relaxing. We loved cozying up by the fire with a cup of coffee and seeing the beautiful fall foliage from the expansive windows in our room.

We were so sad when it was time for the 45-minute drive into Burlington for our flight home. Burlington has a number of really terrific breweries and cideries. We had every intention of getting to Burlington early enough to hit up a few. In reality, we liked the resort so much, we spent the morning relaxing. We were able to carve out about 40 extra minutes to have a bite and a brew prior to our flight. We chose Zero Gravity Brewery and were not disappointed. Vermont is the perfect romantic getaway to relax and connect with your loved one. 

We found this New England road trip to be incredibly romantic, especially because early to mid-October is the best time for fall foliage in New England. We truly think that this is one of the best road trips in the USA. It is perfect for foodies because of the varying regional specialties across each state, but this is also a great family road trip because the states are so close to each other, which really breaks up the drive. We hope that our road trip planner not only inspires your East coast road trip but potentially a road trip across America!

Be sure to pin this post to save this New England travel itinerary!

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18 comments.

Mary Reinsberg

Great job documenting your travels. I wanna go!

Karen Reinsberg

Thank you! The trip far exceeded our expectations, you need to try and go in Fall of 2018!

Wonder what it’d be like to go in mid April….

It would probably be a bit cooler but hopefully you could catch the spring flowers starting to pop up!

Hi Yin, mid April is not the best time in New England. The only flowers you’d see would be daffodils and forsythia. April is mostly mud season here. It might be nice & spring-like, or you could get a full-on blizzard. Most likely 50s & wet.

Hey Jane – Thanks so much for your insight! April in New England sounds a lot like April in MN, where Karen grew up. 🙂

Josie Lopez

We just both turned 71 and want to do this for our 50th wedding anniversary October 12th…we will be leaving around the 15th…will be flying into Boston….is this feasible for two active seniors who make road trips all the time…meaning driving and weather?…just like Karen, Josie, my wife, has always dreamed of visiting New England in the fall…

Absolutely! When we took this trip, Karen was one month out of ankle surgery and was actually in a wheelchair! The only area that was difficult for us was Cape Cod, as the historic buildings were not always handicap accessible. Additionally, Provincetown had some pretty steep hills. There are 15 cities that make up Cape Cod, so that might not be the case for other cities. The drive is pretty easy and the weather should be beautiful. Happy Anniversary and have a wonderful trip.

Marty Rowland

What an awesome itenerary! My hubby and I are planning a road trip in October. I have been looking at maps. Would you mind telling me what highways you took from Portland all the way to Stowe? I know there are different routes, but yours sounds like the perfect route to see what would interest me. Thanks! Marty

If you use google maps, choose the route that goes through the mountains, near Mt. Washington. It looks like it was I-93 to US-302 E.

Hi, what a wonderful wealth of information, thank you! Driving to a wedding in Brooklyn NY the weekend of July 4th…want to go up the coast through the NE states… feasible this time of year? Any suggestions are most welcome, thank you!

That is totally feasible! We bet New England will be very festive for the holiday.

What are the letters on the map? Are they tied to the places you stayed or visited? I couldn’t find a legend.

Those are the places we visited. We didn’t have a legend as we built the image as a way for people to see the general road trip path. That’s a great recommendation though! We will look to add that as an enhancement in the future. Happy travels. 🙂

Terry Butler

Coming from Columbus Ohio we have four days what would you recommend where to start and what airport to fly into and fly out of , will rent a car at the beginning Mostly wanting to see the coast line thank you

If you’re planning on spending more time on the coast, we’d recommend doing the leg of the trip from Westerly, Rhode Island to Cape Code to Portland, Maine (or vise-versa). Search on the calendar function in Google Flights to see if it is cheaper to start or end in Portland. Since you’re renting a car, consider flying into other nearby airports as well. We flew into Hartford to save a substantial amount on flights. Have a blast!

Where did you stay in Portland ? And how many days should we stay around there , Thank you

Wonderful article! Thank you so much for sharing this information. This is so helpful for me as I start to plan my trip to New England!

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10 Overlooked Places to Visit in the Northeast This Summer

When you think about northeast America, you probably picture New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. These are some great cities to visit, but the northeast has so much more to offer.

From the formal gardens of Brandywine Valley in Pennsylvania to the bear sanctuary of Shenandoah National Park, we’ve put together a list of ten overlooked but incredible places to visit in the northeast this summer .

What to Pack

It gets pretty hot in the northeast during the summer. The hot season lasts for almost four months, from May to September, with an average temperature of over 76°F. The hottest month is July, and you can expect an average high temperature of 85°F.

With such high temperatures, it’s important to pack for the weather:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must for keeping cool while exploring.
• Don’t forget a hat for added protection from the midday sun.
• Sunscreen is a must to protect your skin, whether you’re hiking or sipping cocktails at a beach bar.
• Comfortable sandals or breathable walking shoes will be best for long days of sightseeing while looking good on your travels .

Places to Visit in the Northeast This Summer

Here are our top ten favorite places to visit in the northeast and what you can expect on each trip.

Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania

Brandywine Valley is known for its beautiful, formal gardens and unique American Castles. Longwood Gardens is particularly popular and renowned for its landscape. The estate is dotted with planted conservatories, fountains, and thousands of acres of gardens and woodland to explore.

There are also several museums in Brandywine that are a must-visit. The Winterthur Museum and Gardens has an impressive collection of furniture and decorative art, as well as a research library.

You can also visit the Brandywine River Museum, which homes an unrivaled collection of art curated by the Wyeth family.

If you’re looking for a place of natural beauty and rich history, Brandywine Valley in Pennsylvania is the trip for you.

Acadia National Park, ME

Sitting on the coast of Maine, sprawling across Mount Desert Island; you’ll find Acadia National Park. It has over 47,000 acres of breathtaking landscape and wildlife and tons of activities to keep you busy year-round.

Whether you’re into winter skiing, summer hiking, or spring fishing, Acadia National Park is the perfect spot. Make sure to start at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to learn more about the park , or head to the Welcome Center at Rockefeller Hall for fewer crowds.

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic was once a shipbuilding seaport village that was first settled back in 1654. Today, the town treasures its maritime history and is dripping in New England charm.

Downtown Mystic has a fantastic food and drink scene with some of the best fresh seafood you’ll find. While Main Street is dotted with local shops, eateries, and galleries to explore.

The town only covered four square miles, but there’s a lot packed in. From the USA’s only steam-powered cider mill to the outdoor Art Festival, you’ll never want to leave this quaint town.

Portland, Maine

Portland has the perfect blend of outdoor adventures and a sophisticated art scene. The beach is never far away, and the beautiful weather makes it the perfect summer destination that is often overlooked.

This gorgeous area of Maine is known for its beautiful lighthouses, so don’t forget to go on tour while you’re visiting. From the Nubble Lighthouse to the Portland Head Light, it’s an interesting tour to take.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh comes alive in the Summer with festivals, live music, and activities filling up almost every weekend. In fact, Pittsburgh was ranked as one of the ten most event-filled cities in 2022 by PredictHQ .

Rent a Golden Triangle Bike and explore the scenic river paths, go for a stroll in Kennywood Park, or simply enjoy the architecture in the city. And when you need to refuel, Pittsburgh has an award-winning food and drink scene and some cool hotels to stay in.

Shenandoah National Park

If you’re looking for unmatched panoramic views and breathtaking natural beauty , Shenandoah National Park should be on your bucket list. This 300-square-mile sanctuary is home to bears, brook trout, and other wildlife, all living in a diverse forest.

The Skyline Drive allows for unbelievable views, with its highest point reaching 4,049 feet at Hawksbill. Shenandoah was the first of Virginia’s national parks but an overlooked spot for adventurers you won’t want to miss.

White Mountains, NH

If you’re looking for a not-so-well-known hiking holiday, check out the White Mountains in New Hampshire. There’s something for everyone, from easy woodland walks to tough scrambles, not to mention gold courses, lakeside beaches, and crystal clear mountain streams for fishing and swimming.

And when you need a break from the wilderness, you’ll find live theater, entertainment, antique stores, and more in the nearby town. It’s pretty popular in the summer, but the buzz of the town is perfect for family vacations and you’ll find plenty to do.

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Stowe has a small-town charm about it that will make you want to stay forever. Previously named one of the best small towns in America, it has 45 hiking trails to try out, including Vermont’s tallest peak and a breathtaking waterfall.

In the town, you’ll find beautiful architecture and three classic covered bridges, as well as local eateries and cafes to refuel. For small-town charm and iconic scenery, it doesn’t get much better than Stowe.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport in Rhode Island is known as the sailing capital of the world. Whether you are an experienced sailor or want to get your sea legs, you’ll have fun with the world’s largest fleet of America’s Cup 12 Meters.

But it’s not just sailing Newport is known for, you’ll also get a taste of the high life by touring the Newport Mansions, once home to America’s wealthiest families. Or you could take a peaceful walk along the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk for some of the best scenic views of your life.

There is so much to do and see in Newport that it can be hard to pack it all into one trip. But it’s a must-visit destination for adventurers and families alike.

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

Whether you’re an avid hiker or just want a unique adventure, White Mountain National Forest offers outdoor recreation year-round.

Spread over 800,000 acres, you can take part in hiking, cross-country skiing, boating, fishing, kayaking, and more. And with 22 campgrounds scattered across the forest, there are plenty of places to camp . It’s an adventurer’s dream.

Where Will You Visit This Summer?

The northeast has so many hidden gems that get overlooked by most travelers. But it’s always great finding a new place to explore. The big question is, where will you visit this summer?

Will you be hiking the trails of the White Mountains in New Hampshire or sunbathing on the beautiful beaches of Portland, Maine?

Hopefully, this guide has helped you narrow down your next adventure.

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• 1 Grafton, Vermont
• 2 Sugar Hill, New Hampshire
• 3 Stockbridge, Massachusetts
• 4 Montpelier, Vermont
• 5 Hudson, New York
• 6 Frenchtown, New Jersey
• 7 Bristol, Rhode Island
• 8 Mystic, Connecticut
• 9 Castine, Maine

Northeast Vacations: The 9 Cutest Towns For Your Trip

With lighthouse-scattered coasts, bucolic countryside, rich historical ties, and too many quaint villages to count, the Northeast radiates a relaxed energy no other region could hope to replicate. Here, 9 of the cutest towns to check out next time you’re in the neighborhood.

A Brooklyn-based writer and editor, Chelsea's work has appeared in Matador Network, The Huffington Post, the TripAdvisor blog, and more. When not planning her next trip, you'll usually find her drinking way too much iced coffee (always iced—she’s from New England) or bingeing a Netflix original series.

See recent posts by Chelsea Stuart

Grafton, Vermont

One look at Grafton’s historic covered bridges, romantic country inns, family-run farmsteads, and sheep-dotted pastures, and you’ll realize that the village is a representation of small town New England at its finest. Nestled in Vermont’s Green Mountains, the charming town is home to less than 600 year-round residents who regularly convene for Town Meetings (see Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow, for reference). Tuck your things away at Main Street’s circa-1801 Grafton Inn —right next door to the village’s iconic white steepled church—and make a beeline for Grafton Village Cheese Co. We'd argue that there's no better way to spend an afternoon than nibbling on naturally-aged, handmade variations (there’s more than 80) like truffle cheddar, 18-month emmentaler, and sheep gouda while you watch the company’s cheesemakers in action.

Sugar Hill, New Hampshire

Tucked away in New Hampshire’s rugged White Mountains, with stunning scenic views (especially come fall), hole-in-the-wall antique shops, and a population that hovers around just 560, Sugar Hill has all the trappings of a quintessential New England town. Swing by in June to catch the annual Celebration of Lupines , when the reborn blooms blanket Sugar Hill’s countryside in a brilliant display of blues, purples, pinks, and whites. From there, extend your outdoor time with an excursion in neighboring Franconia Notch State Park. Take a dip in Echo Lake , listen to the roaring waters of the Flume Gorge , or take a ride on an 80-person cable car at the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. On a clear day, you can see straight across NH to Maine, Vermont, New York, and even Canada.

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Stockbridge, Massachusetts

In recent years, the Massachusetts Berkshires have been luring more city slickers out of NYC and Boston than ever. Those in search of a picturesque bucolic escape look no further than Stockbridge, a resort town with relative name recognition thanks to famous resident Norman Rockwell. In fact, many visitors make the hike out to the western MA town just to glimpse the largest collection of the prolific artist's work and personal items at the Norman Rockwell Museum . Priceless art aside, it’s also worth spending some downtime at the Berkshire Botanical Garden and window-shopping the bric-a-brac-filled country stores on Historic Main Street. Once you work up an appetite, head 5 minutes down the road to No. Six Depot in West Stockbridge. The rustic small-batch coffee roaster/café/art gallery serves a mean panini (go for the porchetta with truffle aioli, hazelnut gremolata, and lemon-caper aioli) and—of course—the best caffeine fix in town.

Montpelier, Vermont

If you make the trip to Vermont—the maple syrup capital of the United States— and you don’t leave with a stash of the homemade treat, you’re doing something seriously wrong. To remedy this, start your Montpelier stay with a stop by Bragg Farm Sugar House , a family-run business that’s taught eight generations the secret to crafting perfect maple kettle corn, cookies, and candies. From there, it’s over to stylish creperie, The Skinny Pancake , to further indulge with sweet and savory options like the Pure and Simple, with Cabot butter, granulated sugar, local syrup, and the Sass-Squash, with butternut squash, VT chevre and apples, and organic spinach. Before you’re forced to leave the foothills of the Green Mountains, fit in one last food-fueled event. Swing by the Capital City Farmer’s Market so you can pick up farm-fresh produce that supports local growers.

Hudson, New York

Despite being just over two hours outside Manhattan, Hudson feels worlds away. As “Upstate’s Downtown,” the once sleepy, now trendy city is an amalgam of old-world architecture (Federal, Victorian, and Queen Anne), verdant countryside, and lively art and music scenes. If you’re visiting from the city, you have to make good on outdoor options with hikes through the hemlock-forested wilderness of Taconic State Park and Bash Bish Falls (just over the border in MA). When you need to refuel, mosey back into town for a meal in Wm Farmer & Sons ’ handsome, modern-meets-vintage dining room (akin to those you’d find in Brooklyn). Once you’ve stuffed your face with cast-iron burgers and smoked brisket on brioche, retire to Rivertown Lodge . Once a two-story movie theater, you’ll easily spot the stylish stay thanks to its enduring marquee. Inside, the aesthetic is just as pleasing as guest rooms are kitted out with custom-built furniture, white oak floors, brass bathroom faucets, and Americana-style accents.

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Frenchtown, New Jersey

Just a 1.5-hour drive from both NYC and Philly, Frenchtown presents an easy weekend getaway that rivals trips to the Poconos and Hudson Valley. Given its size (tiny), the Delaware River gem is shockingly rife with worthwhile restaurants and boutique shops that run the gamut from home decor to fine jewelry. Since you can’t shop on an empty stomach, make a pit stop at the Lovin’ Oven , a farm-to-table eatery that calls a converted manufacturing warehouse home. On Wednesday’s, they serve a three-course “Welcome Home” dinner full of comfort foods (both traditional and modified) like fish and chips, Nashville fried chicken, and vegan sloppy joes. Post-meal, it's time to peruse eclectic titles at The Book Garden . The indie shop sets up its shelves inside a 19th-century Victorian home on Bridge Street. Pro-tip: if you're looking for a cookbook, head straight for the kitchen.

Bristol, Rhode Island

Bestowed with the nickname “America’s Most Patriotic Town,” colonial-era Bristol has been proudly hosting the oldest, continuous Fourth of July celebration in the US since they threw their first shindig in 1777. Today, the annual affair includes outdoor concerts, soapbox races, an elaborate parade down Hope Street , and more, but you’ll still find plenty to see and do should your visit fall outside of July. Historical sites are a dime a dozen in this neck of the woods. Spend an afternoon at the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum a 45-room, heirloom-filled estate that sits on 33 garden-framed acres overlooking Narragansett Bay, and plan time for a visit to Linden Place , as well. If the historic house museum has you feeling some sort of déjà vu, it’s likely you saw its on-screen debut in Robert Redford and Mia Farrow’s The Great Gatsby .

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Mystic, Connecticut

This destination may no longer be under wraps, but the maritime village of Mystic is still a top-notch option for those looking to relax in the Northeast. Nearly equidistance between NYC and Boston, the quaint community is brimming with B&Bs, seaside restaurants, and a world-class aquarium. Drop your bags at Spicer Mansion , a romantic, clapboard inn with only eight lavish guest rooms (think: high ceilings, four-poster beds, and antique-inspired furnishings). From there, it’s time to explore the historic downtown for small mom-and-pop shops and a slice of surprisingly good pizza from the one and only Mystic Pizza (be prepared for lots of Julia Roberts kitsch).

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Mystic, CT hotels

Castine, Maine

In midcoast Maine, on a peninsula in Penobscot Bay, you’ll find one of the state’s oldest communities: Castine. Rich in seafaring tradition, the harbor town is home to the Maine Maritime Academy, and, perhaps, it’s most easily recognizable feature, the stone Dice Head Light. For classic Maine accommodations, the seaside Pentagoet Inn has you covered. The three-story, turreted Queen Anne Victorian is all about old-fashioned details: vintage lithographs, period antiques, clawfoot tubs, and intricately carved headboards—and its location is ideal, putting you within reach of countless art galleries, flea markets, seasonal fairs, and more. Just a minute down the block, MarKel’s Bakehouse is a must when it comes time to snack. Cinnamon buns, sweet breads, scones, and to-go sandwiches all vie for attention, but once you’ve picked something sweet, retreat back to the inn to relax on the wraparound porch where wicker rockers afford guests stunning views of the bay.

What to Wear in the Northeast

Women’s outfit to wear in the hamptons, shop the look.

Longwear Foundation

Canvas Wedge Espadrilles

Men’s picnic date outfit.

Denim Shorts

Polarized Aviators

Espadrilles

Large Waterproof Picnic Blanket

Women’s classic shorts outfit to wear to florida.

Air Ruched Blouse

Belted City Shorts

Iridescent Headband

3 Chain Earrings

Cozy Adventure in the US Outfit for Men

Fleece Pullover

Slim Fit Shorts

Baseball Cap

Skateboarding Shoes

Women’s swimsuit for international beaches in the fall.

One-piece Swimsuit

Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion

Baltic Bracelet

Heart Sarong

Men’s stylish swimming outfit to wear in florida.

Swim Trunks

Striped Shirt

Leather Fanny Pack

Women’s Chill Romper Outfit for a Getaway from DC

Cutout Hoops

Long Sleeve Romper

Bandana Headband

Chuck Taylor®

Men’s day outfit for the east coast.

Elastic Shorts

Swingarm Sunglasses

Q Explorist Smartwatch

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15 Best US Northeast Summer Vacation Spots

Posted on March 21, 2023 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on September 25, 2023

Planning a summer vacation in the Northeast and wondering where to go? From sandy beaches to breathtaking mountain ranges, you’ll find plenty of great summer destinations in the Northeast .

Summer is the perfect time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and go on a much-needed vacation. The Northeast region of the United States offers some of the most beautiful and exciting vacation spots with plenty of fun things to do during this time of year.

From the stunning beaches and quaint towns of Cape Cod to the gorgeous overlooks and outdoor recreation opportunities of the Poconos, there’s something for everyone in the Northeast. Keep on reading to discover some of the best Northeast summer vacation spots !

If you’re on a budget, discover some of the most affordable summer destinations in the USA and abroad.

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Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is a popular summer vacation destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. This 70-mile-long peninsula is known for its picturesque lighthouses, charming fishing villages, and sandy beaches . There are plenty of things to do in Cape Cod , from whale watching and fishing to biking and hiking.

One of the main draws of Cape Cod is its beautiful beaches . You can spend days relaxing in the sun, swimming in the ocean, or taking a long walk along the beach. Some of the most popular beaches on Cape Cod include Nauset Beach, Coast Guard Beach, and Race Point Beach .

Another popular attraction in Cape Cod is the Cape Cod National Seashore , which stretches for 40 miles and includes beaches, dunes, and marshlands . If you’re looking for a quieter spot to relax and unwind, head to the town of Chatham , which is known for its quaint streets, boutique shops, and historic architecture.

You can also take a whale-watching tour to spot humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales. Many tours depart from Provincetown or Barnstable Harbor.

For those interested in history and culture, Cape Cod offers many opportunities to explore its rich past. The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History showcases the area’s natural history, while the Heritage Museums and Gardens features exhibits on local history and culture.

Cape Cod is also home to many charming towns and villages , each with its own unique character and attractions. The town of Chatham is known for its picturesque lighthouse and quaint downtown area, while the village of Woods Hole is home to the world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Finally, Cape Cod offers a variety of outdoor activities for those who love to stay active. You can hike along the Cape Cod Rail Trail , a 22-mile bike path that winds through the area’s beautiful landscapes, or take a kayaking tour of the area’s many marshes and waterways.

A great place to stay in Cape Cod is the family-friendly Sea Crest Beach Hotel . This beachfront hotel is located in North Falmouth, close to Woods Hole and other Cape Cod attractions. It features an indoor swimming pool, a private beach with watercraft rentals, and an on-site restaurant.

For something more romantic, check out the Chatham Bars Inn . This iconic Cape Cod resort is located in Chatham, with views of Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It features luxurious rooms and suites with ocean or garden views, a full-service spa, a private beach, and a restaurant.

You’ll also find plenty of nice vacation homes , but make sure to book ahead as summer is a popular time to visit Cape Cod.

Newport, Rhode Island

If you’re looking for a summer vacation spot in the Northeast that combines history, culture, and seaside charm , Newport, Rhode Island, is the place for you. This small coastal town is known for its mansions , which were once the summer homes of America’s wealthiest families. You can take a tour of these mansions , which are now open to the public, and marvel at their opulence and grandeur.

In addition to the mansions, Newport is also home to several museums , including the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Naval War College Museum . If you’re looking for outdoor activities, head to one of the town’s beaches, such as Easton’s Beach or Second Beach , where you can swim, surf, or sunbathe .

One of the main draws of Newport is its stunning coastal views , which can be enjoyed from the Cliff Walk , a scenic walkway that winds along the rocky shoreline and offers views of the ocean and the area’s historic mansions. Visitors can also take a cruise along Narragansett Bay or go on a whale-watching tour.

In addition to its natural beauty and historic landmarks, Newport is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene . The Newport Art Museum showcases the work of local and regional artists, and the Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival draw music fans from all over the world.

Finally, you can explore the city’s charming downtown area , which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Bowen’s Wharf area, located along Newport Harbor, is a popular spot for shopping, dining, and people-watching.

Families planning a summer getaway will love staying at the Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina . This waterfront resort is located on Goat Island, with views of Newport Harbor and the Newport Bridge . It features indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and a marina, as well as several restaurants and bars.

For a more romantic option, check out The Chanler at Cliff Walk . This historic mansion-turned-hotel is located on the Cliff Walk, with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Easton Bay. It features luxurious rooms with antique furnishings and modern amenities, some with a spa bath, and a fine-dining restaurant.

You’ll also find plenty of nice vacation rentals around town.

Bar Harbor, Maine

One of the best Northeast summer vacation spots, Bar Harbor is a charming coastal town located on Mount Desert Island, just outside of Acadia National Park. This town is known for its stunning coastal beauty, historic landmarks, and outdoor activities .

One of the most popular attractions in Bar Harbor is the Shore Path , a scenic walkway that follows the shoreline of Frenchman Bay. Another must-visit destination is the Abbe Museum , which showcases the history and culture of Maine’s Native American tribes, and St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church , a historic stone church dating back to the 19th century.

The nearby Acadia National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking . You can explore the park’s many trails, including the popular Cadillac Mountain Trail , which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

For those interested in getting out on the water, Bar Harbor offers a variety of opportunities for whale-watching as well as all sorts of cruises to explore the coast.

In addition to its natural beauty and historic landmarks, Bar Harbor is also known for its charming downtown area, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes . You can stroll along Main Street and browse the many boutiques and art galleries, or enjoy a meal at one of the area’s many restaurants.

The Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center is a great place to stay during your trip. This hotel is located on a hillside overlooking Frenchman Bay, with easy access to Acadia National Park and downtown Bar Harbor. It features indoor and outdoor pools, a private beach, and a playground, as well as a restaurant and bar.

For something more intimate, check out the many vacation rentals available in and around town, or book a room at the elegant Chiltern Inn .

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington is a vibrant college town located on the shores of Lake Champlain . This town is known for its lively music scene, craft breweries , and farm-to-table dining, making it a great destination for a summer getaway in the Northeast. Visitors can explore the town’s many shops and restaurants , or take a stroll along the waterfront bike path .

One of the highlights of Burlington is the Church Street Marketplace , a pedestrian-only shopping district that is home to dozens of boutique shops, restaurants, and street performers.

The nearby Lake Champlain offers a variety of water activities like swimming, sailing, and paddleboarding . You can also take a scenic cruise with Spirit of Ethan Allen , which offers a variety of cruises all featuring stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Burlington is also home to a variety of parks and nature preserves, such as the Waterfront Park , which offers beautiful views of the lake and hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the summer. You can also hike or bike the Burlington Bike Path , which follows the shoreline of Lake Champlain for 8 miles.

For those interested in culture, Burlington has a vibrant arts scene , with galleries, theaters, and museums showcasing the work of local artists. The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts offers a variety of performances throughout the summer, and the Burlington City Arts Center hosts exhibits and events throughout the year.

In addition to its natural beauty and arts scene, Burlington is also known for its farm-to-table cuisine , with a variety of restaurants and cafes offering locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes.

Families will enjoy staying at the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain , located right on the lake and offering plenty of water activities for families. The hotel also has an indoor pool and is located within walking distance of many family-friendly attractions.

The Hotel Vermont is a nice option for couples planning a romantic summer getaway . This boutique hotel offers modern, minimalist accommodations, a gourmet restaurant, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of Lake Champlain.

The Hamptons, New York

The Hamptons is a collection of villages and hamlets located on the eastern end of Long Island, New York. It’s known for its luxury homes, high-end shopping, and beautiful beaches . Visitors can take a stroll along Main Street in East Hampton, relax on the beach in Southampton, or enjoy a round of golf in Bridgehampton.

One of the main draws of the Hamptons is its stunning beaches . You can spend your vacation swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water activities like surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking . Some of the most popular beaches in the Hamptons include Main Beach in East Hampton, Coopers Beach in Southampton, and Montauk Beach in Montauk.

The Hamptons is also home to a variety of upscale shops and restaurants , with something to suit every taste and budget. You can browse the boutiques and art galleries in Southampton, or enjoy a meal at one of the area’s many fine-dining restaurants . The Hamptons is also known for its wineries, with several vineyards offering tastings and tours throughout the summer.

For those interested in culture and history, the Hamptons offers a variety of museums and historic landmarks , such as the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, which showcases the work of local artists, and the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum , which tells the story of the area’s whaling history.

In addition to its beaches, shopping, and culture, the Hamptons also offers a variety of outdoor activities , such as hiking, biking, and golfing . Visitors can explore the area’s many parks and nature preserves, or play a round of golf at one of the area’s many golf courses.

Finally, visitors can take advantage of the area’s nightlife, with plenty of bars and nightclubs offering live music and entertainment throughout the summer.

The Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is a great place to stay. It’s located right on the beach , with plenty of on-site water activities for families. The resort also has an outdoor pool and kids’ activities .

Couples looking for a romantic option will love staying at the Topping Rose House . This charming inn is set in a beautifully restored 1842 Greek Revival mansion and offers luxurious accommodations, a farm-to-table restaurant sourced from its own on-site farm, and a spa. A complimentary shuttle to the beach and private beach passes are also offered.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha’s Vineyard is a popular summer vacation spot in the Northeast . This island is known for its quaint towns, picturesque harbors, and beautiful beaches . Visitors can explore the shops and restaurants in the town of Edgartown, take a ferry ride to Chappaquiddick Island, or relax on the beach in Oak Bluffs.

One of the main draws of Martha’s Vineyard is its stunning beaches offering plenty of water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Make sure to check out South Beach, Oak Bluffs Town Beach, and Katama Beach.

Take a break from the beach and stroll around the charming town of Edgartown , which boasts historic homes and buildings dating back to the 1700s. Don’t miss the historic Gay Head Lighthouse , which was built in the 1800s and offers panoramic views of the island.

In the towns of Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs , browse the boutiques and art galleries or sample local food at one of the island’s many restaurants and cafes.

For those interested in the arts, Martha’s Vineyard has a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and museums showcasing the work of local artists. The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse offers a variety of plays and performances throughout the summer, and the Martha’s Vineyard Museum showcases the island’s rich history and culture through exhibits and artifacts.

Located in the heart of Edgartown, the historic Harbor View Hotel offers spacious rooms, easy beach access, an outdoor pool, and kids’ activities.

Lake Placid, New York

Located in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, Lake Placid is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and Olympic history . It’s a popular summer destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a relaxing getaway , hike in the High Peaks, paddle on Mirror Lake, and visit the Olympic Museum and ski jumps.

Make sure to take a gondola ride up Whiteface Mountain for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, or hike one of the many nearby trails for a more immersive outdoor experience.

Lake Placid is also home to several water activities, such as swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating. Head to Lake Placid Public Beach for a sandy beach and hike to Shoebox Falls for a natural swimming hole.

You can also tour the Olympic Sports Complex , which was used during the 1980 Winter Olympics, or visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museu m to learn more about the area’s Olympic legacy.

In addition to its outdoor activities, Lake Placid also offers a variety of shopping and dining options, browse the shops and galleries in the town of Lake Placid, or sample local cuisine at one of the area’s many restaurants and cafes.

Check out the Lake Placid Center for the Arts as well, and catch a concert, play, or other performances hosted throughout the summer.

A great place to stay for families, Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa offer plenty of water activities for families as well as a private beach, outdoor pool, restaurant, and game room for kids.

The Whiteface Lodge is also a great option. This luxurious Adirondack-style resort offers a plethora of activities, amenities, and services, with suites featuring a fireplace, full kitchen, and en suite bathroom with a spa bath.

Block Island, Rhode Island

Known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and beautiful beaches , Block Island is one of the best summer vacation spots in the Northeast – bike around the island, take a tour of the Southeast Lighthouse, or relax on the beach at Mansion Beach.

Enjoy the island’s many beaches such as Mansion Beach, Crescent Beach, and Ballard’s Beach , and maybe do some kayaking or go on a sunset cruise . Summer is also a great time to go whale-watching.

If you want to enjoy the outdoors, don’t miss visiting the Mohegan Bluffs and Clay Head Trail as well. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing , as well as stunning views of the island’s coastline.

Another must-do is to tour the historic Southeast Lighthouse , which was built in the 1800s and offers panoramic views of the island, or visit the Block Island Historical Society Museum , showcasing the island’s rich history through exhibits and artifacts.

The Spring House Hotel is a family-friendly hotel located on Block Island’s picturesque bluffs. This property features spacious rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool , and a farm-to-table restaurant. Families can also enjoy activities such as beachcombing, hiking, and kayaking right from the property.

The 1661 Inn is a romantic property located in the heart of Block Island’s historic district. This inn features elegantly appointed rooms with great views over the water, a gourmet restaurant, and a nice garden.

Niagara Falls, New York

A bucket-list destination in the Northeast, Niagara Falls is a world-famous natural wonder that makes a perfect summer vacation spot. Visitors can take a boat tour to the base of the falls, explore the Niagara Falls State Park, or visit the nearby Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino.

It offers a variety of activities in the summer months to enjoy the outdoors and breathtaking views of the falls. A must-do is to take a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist to get up close and personal with the falls, or take a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area.

For something more adventurous, some adrenaline-pumping activities include ziplining over the falls or taking a jet boat ride through the rapids.

Niagara Falls State Park is also a must-visit spot in the area. This park is home to several walking trails, picnic areas, and observation decks, as well as the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center , which offers educational exhibits on the area’s geology and ecology.

In town, you can explore Old Fort Niagara , a historic fort that played a key role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. There are also several museums in the area, including the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center , which offers exhibits on the region’s role in the Underground Railroad.

The Sheraton Niagara Falls is a family-friendly hotel located just steps from the falls. This hotel features an indoor pool , a game room, and a variety of dining options.

For something more romantic, The Giacomo is a boutique hotel located in a historic building in downtown Niagara Falls. This property features luxurious rooms with views of the city, some have a spa bath , a cozy lounge, and a complimentary breakfast.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport is a picturesque coastal town located in southern Maine. It’s known for its historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and quaint downtown area . Take a scenic drive along Ocean Avenue, explore the shops and galleries in Dock Square, or relax on the beach at Goose Rocks Beach for the perfect summer getaway.

You can enjoy spending time at the town’s three main beaches: Kennebunk Beach, Gooch’s Beach, and Mother’s Beach – and go for a hike at the nearby Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge .

Another must-visit spot in Kennebunkport is the Walker’s Point estate , which is the summer home of former President George H.W. Bush. While you can’t visit the house, you can see it from the outside, and tour the Kennebunkport Historical Society’s “ White Columns ” which includes an exhibit on the Bush family and their history in Maine.

Stroll around the town’s charming downtown area, filled with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. You can also take a guided walking tour to learn more about Kennebunkport’s history.

For those who love the water, there are a variety of boat tours and water activities available during summer – go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding , or take a sunset sail along the coast .

A great place to stay is The Nonantum Resort , a family-friendly property located on the banks of the Kennebunk River. This resort features a variety of activities for families , including a kids’ club, boat tours, and a nightly campfire with s’mores.

The White Barn Inn & Spa is a perfect romantic getaway located in a restored barn in the heart of Kennebunkport. This property features luxurious rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner in the inn’s candlelit dining room or relax together in the spa’s steam room or sauna.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Known for its charming town, beautiful beaches, and historic architecture , Nantucket is a great place for a summer vacation. Take a tour of the island’s historic homes, visit the Whaling Museum, or relax on the beach at Madaket Beach, you’ll find plenty of things to do on the island.

Start by exploring the island’s beaches, which are some of the most beautiful in the Northeast. Don’t miss Jetties Beach, Surfside Beach, and Madaket Beach.

Another must-visit spot in Nantucket is the Whaling Museum , which offers a fascinating look into the island’s history as a whaling port. See artifacts from the whaling industry, learn about the life of a whaler, and even step inside a whaleboat.

Nantucket also offers excellent opportunities for biking and hiking. The island has miles of scenic bike paths and hiking trails , with options for all levels of fitness and experience. Some popular trails include the Polpis Harbor Trail, the Squam Swamp Trail, and the Cliff Walk.

You can also take a boat tour around the island to see its beautiful coastline and learn about its history and ecology. Summer is also a great time to see whales.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Nantucket Hotel & Resort is a family-friendly property located just steps from the beach in the heart of Nantucket. This resort features a variety of amenities for families, including a heated outdoor pool, a children’s program, and a complimentary beach shuttle . Families can also enjoy activities such as tennis, croquet, and paddleboarding.

Couples looking for something more romantic will love staying at The White Elephant , a luxurious hotel located in Nantucket’s historic district. This property features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, a waterfront location with stunning views of the harbor, and a nice restaurant.

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock is a charming town in central Vermont and one of the best summer vacation spots in the Northeast. Known for its historic covered bridges, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities , you’ll find plenty of things to do during summer, from hiking in the nearby Green Mountains to visiting the Billings Farm and Museum.

In the Green Mountains, you’ll find many trails for all levels of fitness and experience. Some popular trails include the Quechee Gorge Trail, Mount Tom Trail, and the Pogue Trail .

Every Wednesday from May through October, Woodstock hosts a farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and crafts.

In town, don’t miss driving by Middle Bridge, one of the cutest covered bridges in New England .

At the Billings Farm and Museum , a working dairy farm and a museum that offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural life, you can tour the farmhouse, watch demonstrations of traditional farm practices, and interact with farm animals.

Don’t miss the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park , a great place to learn about the history of conservation and land management in the United States. You can tour the mansion and gardens, as well as take guided hikes and attend educational programs.

The historic Woodstock Inn & Resort is a great place for a summer getaway. This resort features a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, a spa, and an on-site restaurant.

For something more intimate, the Lincoln Inn & Restaurant at the Covered Bridge is a cozy bed and breakfast located just outside of Woodstock, with stylishly appointed rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a scenic location overlooking a covered bridge. It’s the perfect place for couples seeking a romantic getaway in the Vermont countryside.

In the area, you’ll also find plenty of vacation rentals from charming cabins in secluded areas to historic houses.

Greenwich, Connecticut

Greenwich, Connecticut is a beautiful town located just outside of New York City. During the summer months, Greenwich offers a variety of activities and attractions to enjoy.

One of the most popular attractions in Greenwich during the summer is Greenwich Point Park . The park features a stunning beach, walking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views of the Long Island Sound .

Another must-see attraction in Greenwich is the Bush-Holley House . The historic home dates back to the 18th century and is now a museum that offers tours and exhibits on local history and culture.

For those who love to shop, Greenwich Avenue is a must-visit destination. The charming street is lined with boutiques and shops offering everything from designer clothing to unique gifts and home decor.

Greenwich is also home to several premier golf courses, including the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course and the Stanwich Club . Golf enthusiasts can book a tee time and spend the day on the green.

Finally, visitors to Greenwich during the summer can attend the Greenwich International Film Festival . The annual festival showcases independent films from around the world and includes screenings, panel discussions, and special events.

Families will enjoy staying at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich , conveniently located and featuring an indoor pool and a hot tub, a fitness center, and spacious family rooms.

The Delamar Greenwich Harbor is a great option for a romantic getaway. This waterfront hotel is located on the Greenwich Harbor, with views of the Long Island Sound. It features luxurious rooms and suites with water views, a full-service spa, and a fine-dining restaurant.

Conway, New Hampshire

Located in the heart of the White Mountains, Conway is one of the best summer destinations in the Northeast for outdoor lovers. During the summer months, the area offers a variety of activities and attractions for all ages to enjoy.

One of the most popular attractions in Conway during the summer is the Kancamagus Highway . This scenic byway offers stunning views of the White Mountains and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can drive or bike the highway , stopping at overlooks and hiking trails along the way.

Another must-see attraction in Conway is the Conway Scenic Railroad . The railroad offers a variety of train rides, including scenic tours of the White Mountains, dinner trains, and special events .

For those who love to hike, Conway is home to several great trails , including the popular Mount Washington hike . Hikers can enjoy a variety of trails of varying difficulty levels, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Diana’s Baths is an easy flat 0.6-mile hike leading to cascading ponds and natural pools.

If you want to swim and enjoy other water activities, spend a day exploring Echo Lake State Park .

Families with little kids can head to the Story Land amusement park where you’ll find fun attractions, rides, and live shows.

The Red Jacket Mountain View Resort is a great place to stay in town. It features indoor and outdoor pools, a water park, a game room, and several restaurants and bars. For something more intimate, check out the luxurious Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa . It features elegant rooms and suites with mountain views, a full-service spa, and a restaurant.

You’ll also find plenty of great vacation rentals in town and in the surrounding mountains.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

Known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, the Poconos region of Pennsylvania is a popular summer vacation spot with plenty of fun things to do.

One of the most popular attractions in the Poconos is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area . This area offers stunning views of the Delaware River and a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, swimming, and kayaking.

For something more relaxing, take a scenic drive through the mountains and stops at overlooks or hike one of the many short trails for beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

For those who love water sports, the Poconos offer several great lakes for swimming, boating, and other water activities. Lake Wallenpaupack is a popular destination for water sports, offering boat rentals.

The Poconos also offers several great golf courses , including the Jack Frost National Golf Club and the Mount Airy Golf Club . Golf enthusiasts can book a tee time and spend the day on the green.

Finally, visitors to the Poconos during the summer can enjoy the region’s unique entertainment options. The Pocono Raceway hosts NASCAR races and other events throughout the summer, while the Mount Airy Casino Resort offers a variety of gaming options, concerts, and other entertainment.

Families will love staying at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions thanks to its famous indoor and outdoor water parks, a virtual reality experience, an arcade, and several restaurants and bars.

The Skytop Lodge is a great option for couples who are planning a romantic summer getaway. The resort offers a luxurious spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, several restaurants, and several types of comfortable rooms.

The area is also filled with charming cabins and cottages , check out the lakefront ones for an unforgettable summer vacation!

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What is TravelTime?

Create a Travel Time Map

Travel time map generator & isochrones, i know i can get from a to b by public transport within my selected time, but it's not showing up.

• Walking to the station platform
• Waiting for the next available departure
• Time spent boarding the train
• Giving enough time to take the A to B journey
• Depart on the station on the other side.

You can't drive that far / you can drive much further than that"

• Open another mapping app of your choice and enter an A to B route
• Select a departure time for tomorrow.

Still not convinced?

About this tool, what is a travel time map, how to create a drive time radius map or other modes.

• Select a start location
• Select a maximum travel time limit
• Select a mode of transport, for example driving
• Voila! There's your driving radius map

Use cases for consumers

• Create a commute time map so you can see where to live based on commute time.
• How far can i travel in a given time: compare transport coverage for different areas.
• Create a drive time radius map: explore how far you can travel on a road trip.

Use cases for businesses

• Travel time mapping up to 4 hours & cross reference other data sets in GIS such as population data
• Site selection analysis: analyse the best location to locate a business by adding thousands of analysis points
• Create a distance matrix or travel time matrix & calculate travel times from thousands of origins to thousands of destinations
• Network analysis / travelling salesman problem: use spatial analytics to solve routing problems
• Commute time map - plot thousands of employee commute times for an office relocation
• Create up to 3 time polygons visualising where's reachable within 2 hours or less. Our API can create large travel time areas, talk to sales.
• Calculate travel times from an origin to various points of interest - in this demo we use points from Foursquare Give A to B routing details

Full access

• Book a demo
• Trial TravelTime API
• Trial QGIS Plugin
• Trial ArcGIS Pro Add-In
• Trial Alteryx Macros

TravelTime Features

• See 'How far can I get' in X minutes
• Create a drive time map or any other transport mode
• Overlap many shapes & highlight overlap area
• Search points of interest within the area
• Get A to B routing details

The flight time from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Moscow, Russia is:

9 hours, 51 minutes.

• How long is the trip from New York to Moscow?

Change your flying speed:

mph     knots     km/h    

take-off and landing: minutes

Flight map from JFK to Moscow, Russia

Open this map directly on Google Maps .

More trip calculations

• Reverse Flying Time
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• Time Difference

Flying time from JFK to Moscow, Russia

The total flight duration from JFK to Moscow, Russia is 9 hours, 51 minutes .

This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.

If you're planning a trip, remember to add more time for the plane to taxi between the gate and the airport runway. This measurement is only for the actual flying time. You should also factor in airport wait times and possible equipment or weather delays. If you're trying to figure out what time you'll arrive at the destination, you may want to see if there's a time difference between JFK and Moscow, Russia .

The calculation of flight time is based on the straight line distance from JFK to Moscow, Russia ("as the crow flies"), which is about 4,677 miles or 7 527 kilometers .

Your trip begins at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, New York. It ends in Moscow, Russia.

Your flight direction from JFK to Moscow, Russia is Northeast (35 degrees from North).

The flight time calculator measures the average flight duration between points. It uses the great circle formula to compute the travel mileage.

John F. Kennedy International Airport

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• airlines serving JFK
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Moscow, Russia

• airlines serving Moscow, Russia
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Flight time calculator

Travelmath provides an online flight time calculator for all types of travel routes. You can enter airports, cities, states, countries, or zip codes to find the flying time between any two points. The database uses the great circle distance and the average airspeed of a commercial airliner to figure out how long a typical flight would take. Find your travel time to estimate the length of a flight between airports, or ask how long it takes to fly from one city to another.

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US braces for major storm, 16 states under winter weather alerts

Winter alerts stretch from Montana to Michigan, spanning nearly 1,400 miles.

Last week marked the first official day of spring, however, millions of Americans are still feeling winter weather as the U.S. braces for a major snowstorm to sweep across the country.

On Sunday, 16 states from California to Michigan were under winter alerts as the next big storm will be dropping heavy snow and causing travel delays through Tuesday.

Winter alerts currently stretch from Montana to Michigan, spanning a distance of nearly 1,400 miles.

From northwest Kansas to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, 6 to 12 inches of snow is predicted with some locations facing up to 2 feet of heavy snow.

MORE: Over 50 million on East Coast under flood alerts amid heavy snow, rain

Blizzard warnings are now posted from eastern Colorado to South Dakota. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph will create intermittent whiteout conditions from Sunday through Tuesday morning.

While snowstorms in the central U.S. aren’t rare for this time of year, much of the area affected hasn’t had much winter weather in the past few months.

MORE: Spring storms bringing heavy snow, rain and flooding to millions

Minnesota and Wisconsin are fresh off their warmest winter on record, with snowfall less than half of normal in cities like Minneapolis.

On the southern tier of this storm, the clash of cold and warm air, among other factors, will contribute to a potential multi-day severe weather outbreak from the Southern Plains into the Deep South.

Today, thunderstorms moving across Kansas and Oklahoma will bring the threat of damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes.

MORE: More than 13 million in Texas face risk of flash flooding, tornadoes

Late tonight into early Monday morning, the concern for strong to severe storms moves into Texas, and eventually into Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi during the day on Monday.

These storms will also bring very heavy rainfall, so flash flooding will be a concern in the South.

In the northeast, heavy rainfall drenched cities from Baltimore to Boston, bringing 2 to 4 inches of rain over the weekend.

Northern New England also saw hefty snow totals, with Albany, New Hampshire, being hit with 28 inches of snow. Vermont and Maine experienced over two feet of snow.

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Maps of the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

By Jonathan Corum

On April 8, the moon will slip between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow across a swath of North America: a total solar eclipse.

By cosmic coincidence, the moon and the sun appear roughly the same size in the sky. When the moon blocks the glare of the sun, the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, will be briefly visible.

Below are several maps of the eclipse’s path as well as images of what you might experience during the event.

Where Can I See the Total Eclipse?

The eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, then cut through Mexico and cross the United States from Texas to Maine. Most of North America will see a partial eclipse, but viewers within the deepest shadow — a band sliding from Mazatlán, Mexico, to the Newfoundland coast near Gander, Canada — will experience a total solar eclipse.

Percentage of

the sun obscured

during the eclipse

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

Viewers inside the path of the total eclipse may notice a drop in temperature , a lull or shift in the wind , the appearance of bright planets in the sky, and the quieting of birds and other wildlife.

Many cities lie inside the path of the total eclipse, as shown below, the width of which varies from 108 miles to 122 miles.

20% partial eclipse

NEWFOUNDLAND

SASKATCHEWAN

Fredericton

Minneapolis

San Francisco

90% partial eclipse

Los Angeles

Mexico City

EL SALVADOR

Explore our interactive cloud outlook for eclipse viewing times and average cloud data at your location.

What Will I See?

A composite image of the 2017 solar eclipse over Madras, Ore.

Aubrey Gemignani/NASA

If the sky is clear, viewers in the path of the total eclipse should see a “diamond ring” effect a few seconds before and after the total eclipse, as the edge of the sun slips in and out of view.

The “diamond ring” effect during the 2017 solar eclipse.

Rami Daud/NASA, Alcyon Technical Services

The sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, is normally hidden by the sun’s glare. These tendrils and sheets of gas, heated to a million degrees Fahrenheit or more, are in constant motion and shaped by the sun’s swirling magnetic field.

The sun’s corona during the 2017 solar eclipse.

The sun is relatively active this year and is nearing the expected peak of its 11-year solar cycle . Researchers at Predictive Science are using data about the sun’s magnetic field to predict and model a dramatic corona for the April eclipse.

A prediction of how the sun’s corona might appear during the April 8 total eclipse.

Predictive Science

What Colors Should I Wear?

As the sky darkens, light-sensitive cells in human eyes become more sensitive to blue and green hues than to reds and oranges. This shift in color perception is known as the Purkinje effect , after a 19th-century Czech scientist, and is typically seen at twilight.

Watching the 2017 total eclipse at Southern Illinois University.

Andrea Morales for The New York Times

To take advantage of the Purkinje effect, wear green clothes or a contrasting combination of greens and reds. Blue-green colors (shorter wavelengths) will appear brighter, while red colors (longer wavelengths) will appear to recede into the darkness.

What If I Miss It?

The next two total solar eclipses in the United States won’t occur until 2044 and 2045 . But eclipse chasers might catch one in 2026 in Greenland, Iceland and Spain; 2027 along the coast of Northern Africa; 2028 in Australia and New Zealand; or 2030 across Southern Africa and Australia.

A Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

These are answers to common questions about the April 8 eclipse, and we’re offering you a place to pose more of them.

By Katrina Miller

What’s the Cloud Outlook for Eclipse Day? See if History Is on Your Side.

April 8 could be your best opportunity to see a total solar eclipse for decades. But if clouds fill the sky, your shot at seeing the spectacle could be lost.

By Josh Katz, K.K. Rebecca Lai and William B. Davis

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NASA map shows where and when to see the total solar eclipse of April 2024, as the path of totality crosses the US

Posted: March 28, 2024 | Last updated: March 28, 2024

• The total solar eclipse of April 2024 will give more than 30 million people a rare chance to see totality.
• NASA mapped the path of totality across the US, from Texas to Ohio to New York to Maine.
• Here are the best locations, cities, and times to watch the total solar eclipse on April 8.

A total solar eclipse is crossing the US on April 8, 2024, giving more than 30 million people the rare opportunity to watch the moon obscure the sun and darken the skies.

That's just the people who live in the eclipse's path. Countless others can see it just by driving an hour or two, or taking a short flight .

To see totality — the moment when the moon fully blocks the sun — you need to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time.

Luckily, NASA made a map to pinpoint just where you should be, and when you should be there.

Path of totality

NASA made this detailed map showing the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse.

How long totality lasts

White lines on the NASA map, running down the path of totality, indicate how long the eclipse will last along those lines.

Where totality lasts longest

The outermost lines along the path show where the eclipse will last a minute or two. On the innermost lines, it will last four minutes.

Texas is a great place to be for the eclipse

Texas hits a home run with this eclipse, which will begin near San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas.

Arkansas and Missouri are next

Then the eclipse will cast its shadow across the Ozarks in Arkansas and southeastern Missouri.

Totality in the Midwest

People in the Midwest can flock to southern Illinois, Indianapolis, or Cleveland to get into the path of totality.

Totality across New York

Much of the northeast can get its eclipse fix by driving to upstate New York. Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Syracuse are all in the path of totality.

Last chance in Maine

Everyone's last chance to see a total solar eclipse in the contiguous US for another 20 years will be late afternoon in northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

How to watch safely

No matter where you are, don't forget eclipse glasses to protect your eyes from permanent damage.

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses. They should comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard.

Beware of counterfeits! Look for the real thing through the American Astronomical Society .

Careful with cameras and binoculars

Don't look at the sun through a camera, telescope, or binoculars either. They will concentrate the sun's rays and injure your eyes, unless you have secured a special solar filter.

When you can look with the unaided eye

Only at the moment of totality can you safely remove your eclipse glasses. Happy viewing!

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Watch CBS News

How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: April 1, 2024 / 8:13 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early on the morning of March 26  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.    

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

• Francis Scott Key Bridge
• Bridge Collapse
• Patapsco River

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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When is the 2024 total solar eclipse? Your guide to glasses, forecast, where to watch.

Editor's note: An early cloud forecast for the April 2024 total solar eclipse is in. Read the latest eclipse forecast and news .

We're less than two weeks away from the astronomical event of the decade: A total eclipse of the sun , which will grace the nation's skies from Texas to Maine on the afternoon of Monday, April 8 .

Millions of people are expected to travel to see the spectacle, which will also attract scientists from across the country to study its unique effects on the Earth and its atmosphere . (Meanwhile, brands such as Burger King, Pizza Hut, Applebee's and Sonic are getting in on the eclipse excitement too.)

The full total solar eclipse experience will plunge people along a narrow path into darkness midday, but people outside the path of totality could still use eclipse glasses to see the moon pass in front of the sun. It's an awesome and confusing sight on the ground and in the sky.

It should go without saying: Don't drive while wearing eclipse glasses

One task to do now is to get yourself a pair of special eclipse glasses (and luckily there's still time to score a free pair of eclipse glasses ). They're important eyewear during an eclipse because they will block out the sun's harmful rays, which could damage your eyes when you're looking at the sun — even if it's partially blocked.

Solar eclipse glasses are still readily available from plenty of vendors across the internet as of Thursday, March 28. But be wary of counterfeit or fake glasses , experts warned.

The other big factor everyone's anxiously awaiting is the weather forecast, which most experts say is still a bit far away for a specific forecast. But more detailed, realistic forecasts will start to roll in over the next few days.

Of particular interest will be the cloud forecast , as a deck of thick, low clouds would likely ruin the entire event. But if the clouds are higher up in the atmosphere, such as thin, wispy cirrus , they'd act to diffuse but not ruin the eclipse.

USA TODAY 10Best: 10 solar eclipse fun facts to share with your friends

There's plenty to know before the big day, which won't happen again for about two decades . Read on for answers for all your eclipse questions, including how to watch the eclipse , understand the eclipse and use eclipse glasses to stay safe .

WATCHING THE APRIL 2024 ECLIPSE

How do i watch the 2024 solar eclipse.

There are a few ways of watching the eclipse:

• Get the full experience in person : If you're in a narrow band of U.S. land that spans from Texas to Maine, you could see the moon block the sun and its shadow cast a night-like darkness over Earth for a few minutes. You'll briefly be able to look up without eye protection and see the moon block the sun.
• Watch from outside the path of totality : Much of the U.S. is set to get a partial view of the eclipse that isn't nearly as impressive as being in the path of totality. Earth won't be plunged into complete darkness and you'll have to wear protective eyewear to see the moon partially block the sun.
• Watch a livestream : Check back on April 8 for a video feed from the path of totality. It's not the same as being there in person, but hey, at least you won't have to sit in traffic .

Totality explained: The real April 2024 total solar eclipse happens inside the path of totality

What time is the solar eclipse on April 8?

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.

You can search by zip code to find the exact time for your location.

Where will the April eclipse be visible?

All of the lower 48 U.S. states will see the moon at least clip the sun, but that sight is a trifle compared to being in the path of totality.

Because the narrow path includes or is near some of the nation's largest cities, expect millions of people to crowd into a band of land a little over 100 miles wide that spans from the Texas/Mexico border to the Maine/Canada border.

Here are the major cities in each state where you can expect to experience totality (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends):

• Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT
• Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT
• Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT
• Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT
• Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT
• Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT
• Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT
• Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT
• Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT
• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

Will clouds block the April 2024 eclipse?

It's too soon to say for sure, but history offers some clues.

Chances of cloudy skies are pretty high along much of the eclipse's northern path, and some areas such as Buffalo have about a 1-in-3 chance of clear skies in early April.

Skies are usually more clear to the south. Right along the Texas/Mexico border, chances of a clear sky can be nearly 75%.

However, early forecasts tell a different story — although forecaster caution it's too early for truly accurate forecasts.

Keep in mind that clouds don't always ruin an eclipse . High, wispy clouds won't spoil the show in the same way that low thick clouds would. In that case, you wouldn't be able to see the moon pass in front of the sun, but you would still notice a sudden darkness in the path of totality.

What dangers are associated with the eclipse?

The  eclipse , as exciting and fun as it promises to be, comes with a growing number of safety warnings — both for what will happen in the sky and what will happen on the ground.

In addition to the dangers of looking at the eclipse without proper eyewear, we've heard warnings about potentially dangerous  fake eclipse glasses , the possibility for increased  car  c rashes  around the time of the eclipse — and possible  air travel headaches  due to delayed or cancelled flights.

Where is the best place to watch the eclipse?

In the weeks leading up to the eclipse, Texas was considered the best state for eclipse viewing . Historically, there's a good chance the skies will be clear and its location along the southern path of the eclipse means totality will last a little longer. That could change as the forecast evolves .

A few lucky travelers will also have a front-row seat with unobstructed views — from a plane .

Will traffic be bad?

Most likely, yes — especially after the eclipse ends . Millions of people will crowd into the narrow path of totality, then many will attempt to leave all at once as soon as the eclipse is over.

When a total solar eclipse passed over the U.S. in 2017, reports say some traffic jams didn't fully clear for more than 12 hours. Even worse, a recent study reported that the 2017 eclipse "was associated with increased risks of a fatal traffic crash" – potentially as much as a 31% increase, the study said .

Also worth noting: The eclipse is expected to have impacts for air travel as well.

Cities across the eclipse's path of totality are also bracing for an influx of visitors who are already booking up hotels and short-term vacation rentals , officials have told USA TODAY. "Hotels are almost sold out," said Shalissa Perry, the chief marketing officer for Downtown Dallas.

Why are schools closing for the eclipse?

Primarily out of a concern for students' safety, schools across the country have given students  the day of the eclipse, April 8,  as a day off, a half day or a chance for e-learning. In Tennessee, for example, officials also say it gives students a chance  to experience the eclipse with their family and friends .

What's it like to watch a solar eclipse from space?

Ever wondered what it is like see the  solar eclipse  from space? NASA scientist and veteran astronaut Terry Virts has witnessed the spectacle in space .

"When I was in space in 2015, we saw an eclipse over the North Atlantic," Virts told USA TODAY this week. "It was an eclipse that very few humans saw I think, but it was a really unique experience to look down and just see this big black circle kind of moving across the planet."

"It was unlike anything I've ever seen," Virts adds. "I joke I'm glad they told us there was an eclipse because it would have been unsettling to look down at Earth and see this black spot moving across. It was really cool."

Virts, who is the face of  Sonic's eclipse-themed Blackout Slush Float , said that though he's seen one eclipse from space and many from Earth, he is super excited about the upcoming one on April 8.

UNDERSTANDING THE 2024 ECLIPSE

What is a solar eclipse definition explained..

A total solar eclipse happens when three celestial spheres — the sun, moon and Earth — line up in a specific way in space.

According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. That alignment casts a moving shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun's light in some areas. This leads to a period of partial or full darkness on a narrow stretch of Earth. 

The path is so narrow because of the huge distance and size of the sun — as well as the moon's distance from Earth. That focuses the moon's shadow on an area of land much smaller than the moon itself. The movement of the shadow across the land happens as the Earth's rotation interacts with the orbit of the moon.

A total eclipse only happens occasionally because the moon doesn't orbit in the exact same plane as the sun and Earth do. In addition, a solar eclipse can only happen during a new moon.

What's special about a total solar eclipse?

The total solar eclipse on April 8  is causing such a stir because the rare event is an astronomical experience like no other that will be unusually accessible to millions of people.

April's total solar eclipse will fall over more places in the U.S. than the total eclipse before and after it. And the broad length of the path of totality – where Americans have the best shot of getting a clear view – is "much wider"  than it was for the eclipse in 2017 , according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

A total solar eclipse is also far more impressive  than a lunar or an annular solar eclipse. During an annular eclipse, the moon covers the Sun but leaves an outside ring some call a "ring of fire" — it darkens the sky instead of plunging Earth into a night-like darkness, which is what happens during a total solar eclipse. And a lunar eclipse – the appearance of a red moon – happens when the moon passes into the Earth's shadow, according to NASA.

Total solar eclipses can have spiritual significance, too . Ancient cultures viewed as a sign of the gods' anger or impending departure. Some religions today are hosting eclipse viewings and services.

Historically, eclipses have left major marks on religious and spiritual civilizations. In Christianity, an eclipse has been associated with the darkness that accompanied Jesus' crucifixion and in Islam, the passing of the Prophet Muhammad's son Ibrahim.

When was the last solar eclipse?

The USA's most recent total solar eclipse was on August 21, 2017, and stretched from Oregon to South Carolina.

When will the next solar eclipse happen?

The  next visible total solar eclipse  to cross over the U.S. after April will come in more than two decades on Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA.

And that eclipse won't be as accessible as the 2024 one: The path of totality in 2044 will only touch the states of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach and political space advocacy. Another total eclipse  will pass over the U.S. in 2045  that will be more accessible to Americans, including for people who live in California, Florida and Nevada.

ECLIPSE GLASSES AND SAFETY

What are eclipse glasses and why are they needed for the eclipse.

Gazing at the bright rays from the eclipse without  protective eyewear  can seriously damage your eye, so wearing a pair of protective glasses is important.

There's a technical standard for eclipse glasses, which are designed to block out most light and let you safely see the moon pass in front of the sun: It's called ISO 12312-2 after the International Organization of Standardization.

While there's concerns that not all glasses marketed as eclipse glasses live up to that standard, experts say in the past, the shortcomings haven't been significant .

But as the 2024 eclipse approaches, the American Astronomical Society  has warned that there are some counterfeit and fake eclipse glasses being sold from unverified vendors that would be unsafe to use during the eclipse. They recommend buying from a vetted vendor and testing the glasses before the eclipse.

How do I get solar eclipse glasses?

You should buy from a reputable source who can ship the glasses to you in time for April 8. A guide to last-minute eclipse glasses explains more.

Heads up: The online marketplace is flooded with retailers selling solar eclipse glasses they claim have the NASA seal of approval . Consider that a red flag to look elsewhere.

How can you test eclipse glasses?

NASA shared an easy method to check eclipse glasses at home.

Buyers should put on their glasses and look at a bright light, like a flashlight. If the light is "extremely dim," or doesn't appear at all, the glasses are safe, Susannah Darling, of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in an instructional video. Viewers should be able to see the filament of the lightbulb, not the glow surrounding the bulb.

Can you really go blind watching a solar eclipse?

You could severely damage your eyes . Directly staring at the sun before and after the total eclipse, or watching a partial eclipse outside the path of totality without proper eye protection, can result in permanent damage including blurred and altered vision.

While rare, eye damage from watching a partial eclipse happens in part because a person's natural response to squint when looking at sunlight does not get triggered. In the lead-up to the  April 8 solar eclipse ,  doctors and a rare set of eclipse watchers are warning about  watching this planetary event without adequate eclipse glasses or with the naked eye.

It’s hard for experts to know or even estimate how many people experience eye damage from solar eclipses. Since looking at an eclipse does not cause complete blindness, people with permanent damage may not know they have it or report it to a doctor. The 2017 eclipse , which passed from Oregon to South Carolina, is thought to have caused about 100 cases, according to the  American Astronomical Society .

How can I watch the eclipse without glasses?

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses do not use regular sunglasses — You need a more creative solution for safe viewing, like a pinhole projector .

Welding glasses are not recommended for eclipse viewing .

Should I take dogs or cats to see the eclipse? Is it safe for pets?

An eclipse itself isn't dangerous for domestic animals such as dogs and cats, but experts say it's probably best to not bring pets .

Experts' biggest concern is not what’s happening in the sky but on the ground as crowds of excited and anxious people gather, said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

“Rather than the effects of the eclipse, I would be more worried about the excitement and all of the people,” she said.

Another fun way to experience the eclipse: disco balls

Don't just reach for the solar glasses; a disco ball might be a fun and safe way to enhance the total solar eclipse experience .

Inspired by a research paper from European scientists, the Round Rock Public Library in Round Rock, Texas, near Austin, used disco balls during the annular eclipse in October and recommends people do the same for the April 8 eclipse. Officials said the use of a disco ball creates a "party-like atmosphere" to make a solar eclipse event more fun.

The mirrored ball can be placed outside where it can catch the sunlight and reflect it on a shaded wall at least several feet away, or it can be inside near a window to cast reflections of the sun around the room. Youth Services Librarian Andrea Warkentin recommends people get disco balls that have smaller mirrors on them as they will create bigger and better images.

"It's a way to make it really memorable and fun for little kids who may not really understand what's going on in the sky," Warkentin said.

-Fernanda Figueroa, Austin American-Statesman

Contributing: Ramon Padilla, Karina Zaiets and Janet Loehrke

What time is the 2024 solar eclipse in Knoxville? Search your ZIP code for our guide

Knoxville and East Tennessee may not be in the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse , but will still get a pretty great view.

Most Americans will be able to see it in some form, but the distance between your location and the path of totality will determine how much of the sun will be covered by the moon. Tennessee residents living in the western part of the state will be closest to the path of totality, but in the Knoxville area viewers will still get a chance to witness a majority of the sun being eclipsed by the moon.

Want to know exactly how much? USA TODAY has put together a database for you to search for your ZIP code below —or select a major city — to reveal the time, duration, peak and percentage of the eclipse in your area.

What time is the total solar eclipse in Knoxville? How long will it last in East TN?

School closings for the eclipse: Are schools closing for the solar eclipse? What to know in Tennessee

When is the next eclipse? After April 8's solar eclipse, we still have a lunar one

When is the total solar eclipse?

On April 8, the moon will travel along the path of totality in North America starting in northern Mexico.

The shadow of the moon will pass into Texas a little before 1:30 p.m. local time. It will then cover portions of the Midwest and East Coast and touch southeast Canada before it moves out to sea, according to  NASA .

In Knoxville and East Tennessee, viewers may have a bit of a different start time depending on whether they are in eastern time or central time.

Where can I get eclipse glasses in Tennessee?

To the view the eclipse you'll need a special pair of glasses to look at the moment in the sky. It is imperative to practice eye safety to avoid causing eye damage.

If you are looking for some of these certified eclipse glasses, they can be found at the following retailers, however it is recommended to call your local retailer's location to inquire.

• Cracker Barrel
• Warby Parker

Other retail chains carrying eclipse glasses include: H-E-B, Wegmans, Meijer and Menards.