The BEST 5 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary!

There’s nothing like a fall road trip in New England – crunchy leaves, cozy sweaters, and maple-flavored everything. I’d been dreaming about doing this exact trip for years: renting a camper van, chasing peak foliage, and soaking up every bit of those Gilmore Girls-meets-Halloweentown vibes.

However, there is a ton to see and do across New England, and it can be hard to decide where to go and how long to stay, without driving a million miles each day.

My husband and I finally decided to do this trip in 2024 to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary. We spent 5 action-packed days chasing the fall foliage through New England, starting with the White Mountains of New Hampshire and then making our way through Stowe, Burlington, and Woodstock in Vermont!

We caught the tail end of peak foliage in late October, which meant we avoided most of the crowds (and the traffic jams) but still got to experience Halloween celebrations and jaw-dropping fall colors.

In this post, I’m sharing our exact itinerary with every single detail to help you plan your own dreamy fall foliage road trip! From the famous Kancamagus Highway to hidden covered bridges, brewery hops to cider mills, this itinerary is packed with incredible views, easy hikes, cozy small towns, and plenty of tips across 5 full days.

It was the perfect blend of Gilmore Girls meets outdoor adventure, and I hope you love it!

Planning Your Route: Foliage Timing, Map, and Tips

Itinerary Overview:
Day 0: Arrive in New Hampshire and Drive to White Mountains
🏨 Stay: White Mountain Hotel & Resort ($$)
🏕️ Or Camp: Blackberry Crossing

Day 1: Explore White Mountain National Forest
🏨 Stay: White Mountain Hotel & Resort ($$)
🏕️ Or Camp: Blackberry Crossing

Day 3: NH Hikes & Drive to Stowe, Vermont
🏨 Stay: von Trapp Family Lodge ($$$)
🏕️ Or Camp: Smuggler’s Notch RV Village

Day 4: Explore Stowe + Day Trip to Burlington
🏨 Stay: von Trapp Family Lodge ($$$)
🏕️ Or Camp: Smuggler’s Notch RV Village

Day 5: Morning in Stowe + Cozy Evening in Woodstock
🏨 Stay: Woodstock Inn & Resort ($$$$)
🏕️ Or Camp: This spot on a local farm!

Itinerary Route and Map

This 5 Day New England fall road trip starts in New Hampshire and winds its way north through the White Mountains before crossing into Vermont to explore Stowe, Burlington, and Woodstock.

We did this as a loop, flying in and out of Manchester, NH, but you could also start in Boston if it’s more convenient. (I touch more on Boston at the end of this post).

We tackled this trip in the Glamp Mobile camper van which made it feel like the ultimate fall foliage adventure, waking up in the middle of orange and yellow canopies each morning.

However, you can absolutely use this itinerary for traveling in a rental car and staying in hotels instead! Throughout the itinerary, I’ll mention the campsites we stayed at, as well as some nearby hotels for each area.

Below is a map showing the full route with every stop we made (plus some extras) along the way! Make sure to save this map for later so you can reference it on your trip.

Timing Your Fall Road Trip to Peak Foliage

We did our road trip in the third week of October, which is a bit later than the typical peak foliage window. In most years, peak foliage hits northern New Hampshire and Vermont in early to mid-October, but it shifts slightly every season based on weather and elevation.

The trees start turning in the north first and work their way south, so if you’re visiting later like we did, you’ll want to head slightly south to find the best color. (We added a bonus stop in Meredith, NH just for that reason!)

There are tons of online trackers and prediction tools that estimate when peak foliage will hit certain areas and provide updates throughout the season. If you want to see how the trees are progressing ahead of your trip, you can check out the New Hampshire Foliage Tracker and the Vermont Foliage Tracker for updates!

I actually loved going a little past peak though! We missed a majority of the crowds, especially in White Mountain National Forest, but still got amazing color in most places.

Some areas further north, like the Artist’s Bluff Hike and Crawford Notch were definitely past peak for us, but overall, we still got to see plenty of fall colors, especially in my favorite spot, Woodstock, Vermont!

One thing we definitely noticed was that some areas start “closing down” for the season after mid-October. For example, most reservation-based campgrounds in White Mountain National Forest shut down starting in the third week of October. We saw two campgrounds open on a first-come first serve basis along the Kancamagus Highway, which is where we stayed.

Overall though, we didn’t feel like we missed out on too much being there towards the end of October, and we definitely appreciated the lack of crowds!

Day 0: Pick Up the Van & Head to the White Mountains

Morning: Fly to Manchester or Boston

As mentioned, this itinerary starts in the White Mountain National Forest in northern New Hampshire.

The closest major airport to this area is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which is where we flew into. However, you can also look into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), which typically has way more flights and can be significantly cheaper. Flying into Boston will add about an hour to your drive.

Note: If you have more than 5 days, I’ve included some extra stops to the end of this itinerary which are even better if you’re flying out of Boston!

We flew round-trip in and out of Manchester because we had to pick up our GlampMobile campervan rental in Concord, a quick 30-minute Uber ride away!

After picking up the van, we made a quick stop at Target to stock up on groceries. We planned to cook breakfast and lunch in the van and eat dinner out, so we grabbed easy meals, snacks, and of course, coffee.

Afternoon & Evening: Drive to White Mountain National Forest

Once we were stocked up, we hit the road and drove about an hour to Lincoln, NH, right at the edge of White Mountain National Forest. Lincoln marks one end of the Kancamagus Highway, which you’ll explore all day tomorrow!

If you’re not camping, Lincoln is a good place to base yourself. Or, you can check out hotels in the town of North Conway on the east side of the forest!

Because we visited in late October, many campgrounds were closed or full by the time we arrived to the National Forest around dinner time. We ended up sleeping in a random parking lot on our first night since we didn’t want to drive around all night in the dark.

If you’re doing this trip around the same time, I’d recommend aiming for Blackberry Crossing Campground, across from the Albany Covered Bridge, which we found the next day and really liked. However, it is first-come first-serve, so try to arrive earlier in the day to secure a spot!

🏨 For those staying in hotels, here are my recommendations for days 1-2 in the White Mountains:
White Mountain Hotel & Resort
North Conway Grand Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln East

Day 1: Explore the White Mountains and Beyond

Morning: Sunrise Views and Scenic Stops Along the Kancamagus Highway

I highly recommend starting your first full day in New Hampshire by waking up early for sunrise! We made the short drive from our campsite to CL Graham Wangan Overlook for sunrise, and it was easily one of the most beautiful moments of our trip.

We pulled up just before 7:00 AM, brewed coffee in the van, and watched the sun rise over the mountains in complete silence. It was a bit chilly outside before the sun came up, so we were glad to have warm coffee and blankets in the van!

From there, we continued driving along the Kancamagus Highway, stopping at every scenic overlook we could find and chasing the best fall foliage!

Luckily for us, there was barely anybody else on the road as we drove and explored. However, I had seen videos of the highway from the week before, with a huge line of cars crawling through the forest.

My friend told me it took them several hours to make their way from Lincoln to Conway across the length of the highway, a journey that should take less than an hour! So, if you’re visiting in peak season, be prepared for crowds!

Below are our favorite places that we stopped along the Kancamagus Highway!

• Sugar Hill Scenic Vista – This one really lived up to its name. It had a sweeping view of distant ridgelines layered with red, gold, and orange trees. It’s a quick stop with a large pull-off, and there were barely any people when we visited.
• Albany Covered Bridge – Located right across from Blackberry Crossing Campground, this bridge was one of my favorite photo spots. It’s a historic covered bridge with a river running underneath and trees exploding with color all around. You can also walk around the area on short trails.
• Rocky Gorge Scenic Area – Here, a bridge spans across the gorge with clear views of the river below. We walked along the water, took a ton of photos, and explored a few side trails.
• Hancock Overlook – This is one of the most popular places for aerial photos, thanks to the strong U-turn shape of the road with foliage bursting around it. It’s a beautiful spot for a quick stop!

Afternoon: Journey North or South to Chase the Foliage

If you’re visiting earlier in October, I’d suggest continuing north this afternoon into the Crawford Notch area, stopping at spots like Mt. Willard, Flume Cascade, and the Omni Mount Washington Resort. This area is usually at peak earlier in the season and has even more dramatic mountain views!

Since we were visiting later in October, we decided to head south instead to do some more leaf peeping. We drove down to Meredith, a small town on Lake Winnipesaukee. The lake is surrounded by vibrant fall trees and truly felt like a postcard.

We enjoyed a leisurely afternoon, strolling around Hesky Park and wandering around the town of Meredith. From there, we looped back up toward Conway, taking scenic backroads through towns like Sandwich, which were absolutely glowing with color.

Evening: Sunset Hike and Dinner in Conway

We ended the day at Cathedral Ledge for sunset. This is a steep drive-up viewpoint near North Conway, and it’s 100% worth the detour. You get a panoramic view of the valley below, and we even spotted rock climbers on the cliff face. It’s especially magical in golden hour, so I recommend timing it appropriately!

Or, if you’re visiting earlier in the month or traveling with kids, consider booking a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. It’s a historic train ride through the mountains that’s especially beautiful in the fall. We didn’t get to do it this time, but it’s high on my list for next trip!

We ended our night with dinner at the Muddy Moose, an adorable restaurant and pub decorated in your typical New Hampshire lodge style. We also made a pit stop at Sea Dog Brewing in Conway, which has my favorite beer (Sunfish) before heading back to our campsite at Blackberry Crossing!

Day 2: Hiking New Hampshire and Journey into Vermont

Morning: Flume Gorge and Artist’s Bluff

Today you will wrap up your time in New Hampshire and make your way to Vermont!

First, start your day with a short drive to Flume Gorge, a popular natural gorge in Franconia Notch State Park. Here, you can walk the boardwalk path through towering granite walls, waterfalls, and covered bridges. It feels like something out of a storybook!

There is a fee to enter, and you’ll save money if you book online ahead of time. The costs for adults as of 2025 are $18 for online reservations or $21 at ticket window!

After that, continue heading north to the Artist’s Bluff Loop Trail. This is one of the most photographed viewpoints in New England!

Even though the color was mostly gone when we visited, the view over Echo Lake and the mountains was still gorgeous. It’s a short loop (about 1.5 miles), with some steep sections but nothing too difficult if you’re in good shape.

Afternoon: Cross into Vermont – Cider Stops and Ice Cream

Once you wrap up the hike, it’s time to make your way into Vermont: the land of red flannel and maple-flavored everything. You’ll spend the next 3 days in Vermont exploring the towns of Stowe, Burlington, and Woodstock!

Unsurprisingly, the drive into Vermont is full of rural roads and rolling hills. No shame on New Hampshire, but there is something extra special about Vermont’s landscapes. Your final destination today is Stowe, but there’s a few stops along the way to check out.

We made a stop at Bragg Farm Sugar House, where you can sample maple products, grab souvenirs, and stock up on snacks. This sugar house has been producing Vermont Maple Syrup for 8 generations!!

Another option is Burtt’s Apple Orchard, especially if you want to pick your own apples or enjoy a more local, low-key stop. They also have a corn maze in the fall!

But the primary stop you cannot skip is the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in the small town of Waterbury, right outside of Stowe. Here, you can take a tour of the factory, which is so fun for adults and children alike! On the tour, you’ll get to see the factory floor from above and learn about the history of Ben and Jerry’s.

Tours run from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommend.

Unfortunately when we visited in October, the tour was completely sold out for the next few days! But even if you don’t do the full factory tour, it’s still a fun place to visit. You can grab ice cream, visit the quirky Flavor Graveyard, and shop for fun ice cream-themed apparel.

Evening: von Trapp Brewery

After you’ve wrapped up at Ben & Jerry’s, head over to your accommodation in Stowe and explore the area! We personally camped just north of Stowe at Smugglers’ Notch RV Village, which meant driving through the iconic but tight, winding mountain pass at dusk.. A little intense, but beautiful!

Once you’ve gotten settled, head out for dinner and beers at von Trapp Brewing & Bierhall!

This spot ended up being one of our favorite experiences of the whole trip. The brewery is part of the Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the actual von Trapp family — yes, that von Trapp family from The Sound of Music.

After fleeing Austria during World War II, they settled in Vermont because the landscape reminded them of home. They built the lodge here in the late 1940s and later expanded to include a brewery and beer hall.

The Bierhall is perched on a hilltop with sweeping mountain views and a cozy alpine vibe. The food was absolutely delicious, authentic Austrian bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, and the beer is brewed in-house!. The Helles and Dunkel were our favorites.

🏨 If you need a hotel recommendation for Stowe, I highly recommend checking out the Trapp Family Lodge! Other options include the Green Mountain Inn or The Lodge at Spruce Peak.

Day 3: Explore Stowe +Brewery Hopping in Burlington

Morning: Cozy Breakfast and Stroll Stowe

It’s time to explore the adorable town of Stowe!

You absolutely have to start your morning with breakfast at the Round Hearth Café, a charming and historic spot that doubles as a lodge, antique shop, and breakfast café.

The building still has its original ski lodge feel, including the massive round hearth in the center that gives it its name. The vibe here was unmatched, and the food was hearty and comforting! We loved spending some time in front of the fireplace with our coffee before and after breakfast.

After breakfast, spend the morning walking around Stowe, one of Vermont’s most picturesque towns. Even though it’s small, there’s plenty to wander — boutique shops, fall displays, cozy cafés, and charming streets that feel straight out of a Hallmark movie.

If you’re looking for a short and easy hike, you can make your way to Sunset Rock for picturesque views looking down on the town.

Another option is to drive the 4.5 mile Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road, which takes you to the top of Mount Mansfield in less than 20 minutes and offers stunning views along the way! Once you reach the top, there are a few trails you can conquer, or just take in the views.

🍁 For more ideas on things to do in Stowe, make sure to check out my full guide on Visiting Stowe in Fall! 🍁

Afternoon: Drive to Burlington + Brewery Hop

Once we wrapped up our morning in Stowe, we decided to drive west to Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, perched right on the edge of Lake Champlain.

It’s about a 45-minute drive and makes a great change of pace from the small-town vibe. However, if you’re not into breweries, you might consider skipping this portion of the itinerary and staying around Stowe instead!

We focused our afternoon on checking out Burlington’s thriving craft beer scene. A few of our top picks:

• Foam Brewers – Right on the lakefront and perfect for a scenic beer stop
• Zero Gravity – Classic Vermont vibes with great outdoor seating
• Switchback Brewing – Known for their unfiltered ale and relaxed setting
• Burlington Beer Company – Industrial space and creative beer menu

We also thoroughly enjoyed walking around the lakefront and downtown areas of Burlington. This city is so unique and very different from the small towns on the rest of this itinerary! Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, the lake views, art murals, and energy of Burlington make it worth exploring.

Evening: Dinner at Honey Road + Return to Stowe

For dinner, we booked a table at Honey Road, and it might’ve been the best food of our entire trip. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired small plates restaurant with an ever-changing seasonal menu.

Every dish we tried was incredible. I definitely recommend making a reservation if you plan to go! We had to wait a bit for our table.

After dinner, we drove back to Stowe and returned to our campsite for the night, ending the evening with a scary movie and a fire! If want to stay in Burlington instead, there are plenty of great hotel options in the downtown area, like the Hotel Vermont!

P.S. For more details on where to stay and things to do in Burlington, check out my 3 Day Vermont Itinerary!

Day 4: Cider Mills, Scenic Drives, and a Cozy Night in Woodstock

Morning: Cold Hollow Cider Mill and Gondola Ride

Start your morning at one of the most Instagram-famous place’s in Vermont – Cold Hollow Cider Mill. This Cider Mill is 10 minutes from downtown Stowe and is the perfect cozy fall breakfast stop. They open at 8:00am, and I highly recommend arriving early to beat the crowds.

On one side, you can walk through the working cider mill, sample fresh cider, and browse a huge shop filled with Vermont-made goods, like maple syrup, hot sauces, cookbooks, and every fall-themed souvenir imaginable.

Across the parking lot is their cafe, which serves breakfast until 10:30am and had the best biscuits of our lives. We were also obsessed with the coffee they served, Speeder and Earl’s, which we ended up buying several bags of as souvenirs!

Of course, we also had to try the famous apple cider donuts, which were honestly just okay! But I still recommend stopping here for the breakfast and fun treats.

After breakfast, make your way over to the Stowe Gondola SkyRide, also called the Mt. Mansfield Gondola. This scenic lift takes you up to the top of Vermont’s tallest mountain, Mt. Mansfield, and offers insane panoramic views of the foliage-covered valleys below. It’s an incredible way to take in the landscape without a long hike!

Once at the top, you can explore a few easy trails or just soak up the views from the observation deck.

Unfortunately, it closes in mid-October, and we missed it by just a few days, but it’s high on my list for next time

Afternoon: south Royalton and Woodstock

After the gondola ride, it’s time to leave Stowe and make your way to the final stop of this itinerary: Woodstock! Stowe and Woodstock have a lot of similarities, but they also feel very different, so it’s important to explore both if you can!

But first, we made our way south for a key stop along the way: Worthy Burger in South Royalton.

This place is my favorite burger spot ever – I used to visit here all the time when I was working in Vermont. The parmesan truffle fries and juicy burgers are literally to die for.

But my primary reason for visiting South Royalton was to fly my drone. For my fellow Gilmore Girls fans: the aerial shot from the show’s intro was filmed in South Royalton. So of course I had to recreate it!

As a bonus, we happened to be in town on a Saturday in late October, and they were having a Halloween Trunk or Treat in the town square. The whole area was decked out with pumpkins, hay bales, and costumes. It truly felt like a scene out of Gilmore Girls with the gazebo in the center and made me even more glad we visited later in October.

From there, we continued down to Woodstock, my favorite town in Vermont that absolutely lives up to the hype! There’s a reason visiting this town is one of the best things to do in Vermont in the fall.

It’s one of the most picturesque towns in New England, full of historic architecture, covered bridges, and vibrant fall decor everywhere. It’s also very tiny, so you can find metered parking on one of the main streets, and then explore on foot from there.

We spent our afternoon exploring around the town square, popping into the general store, grabbing a maple creamy at the local ice cream shop, and browsing a few of the boutique shops!

My favorite part, however, is seeing all the incredible Halloween displays on people’s front porches. Woodstock goes all out for Halloween, and it’s the best time of year to visit!

P.S. For more ideas on things to do in Woodstock, make sure to check out my Ultimate Fall Woodstock Guide here!

Evening: Dinner at the Woodstock Inn

For dinner, we had reservations at Richardson’s Tavern, located inside the iconic Woodstock Inn & Resort (which is basically the Dragonfly Inn from Gilmore Girls). Even if you’re not staying at the inn (it’s pricey), you can still eat and drink there, and it’s 100% worth it.

The Woodstock Inn is the center point of town, and when you walk up to the entrance, you’ll see why. The manicured front lawn is gorgeous in all seasons, but my favorite is hands-down autumn. (I actually used to stay here when I visited Vermont for work!!).

In my opinion, the Woodstock Inn is really what sets Woodstock apart when compared to Stowe or Burlington.

Inside, you’ll be greeted by a massive fireplace with cozy chairs around it, a library with chess and books, a basement game room, and a sprawling back lawn with more fireplaces!

We grabbed wine from the Red Rooster Bar inside before dinner and then strolled the beautiful grounds of the hotel, relaxing and enjoying the incredible fall vibes.

After dinner at Richardson’s, we headed to our campsite just outside of Woodstock. We booked a spot through Hipcamp on a quiet farm, where we literally fell asleep under the stars next to grazing cows!!!

🏨 For those staying in hotels, here are my recommendations for Woodstock:
Woodstock Inn & Resort
The Shire Woodstock
The Jackson

Day 5: Explore Quechee and Fly Home

Morning: Sunrise, Coffee, and a Final Stroll

Today is the official last day of this itinerary, but I am squeezing in a few more things in case you have an evening flight home like we did! (Or if you have more than 5 days, the next section has some optional add ons!).

We woke up at our Hipcamp farm site with the cows and were greeted with the most beautiful sunrise! After having some coffee and soaking in the views, we drove back into Woodstock for one final stroll through town.

Most places don’t open until 10am, so we grabbed a quick pastry and coffee from the Mon Vert Café food truck parked right outside (the main café is also a great option if you want a sit-down breakfast, but it gets packed!).

If you missed any shops the day before, this is your chance to pop into a few more before hitting the road.

Afternoon: Quechee Gorge and Simon Pearce

Before heading back to Concord, we stopped at two more places near Woodstock — Quechee Gorge and Simon Pearce!

Quechee Gorge is known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon” and has a dramatic drop with views of the river and forest below. You can get a great photo just walking across the bridge on Route 4, or stop at the visitor center and take a short trail down to the water for a closer look.

There’s also a big gift shop here with Cabot cheese, maple syrup, and every kind of Vermont-y souvenir you can imagine.

Right down the road from the gorge is the Simon Pearce glassblowing studio and restaurant. It’s housed in a restored 19th-century mill that sits right over Mill Pond Falls, and you can actually go downstairs and watch artisans blowing glass on-site.

It’s mesmerizing to see how they shape each piece, and everything made there is sold upstairs in their store, from wine glasses and candlesticks to vases and dinnerware. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but if you’re looking for a special keepsake or a unique gift, this is the spot.

They also have a restaurant that overlooks the waterfall if you want one last scenic lunch before heading back!

From there, we made the drive back to Concord to drop off the van, and then fly home out of Manchester airport (MHT)!

However, you can check out the next section for optional add-ons to this itinerary in case you have more than 5 days to explore!

Optional Add-Ons: Maine and Massachusetts

Unfortunately we only had 5 full days (+ 1 travel day) for our fall foliage road trip, so we stuck to exploring Vermont and New Hampshire.

However, if you’ve got more time and want to tack on some extra adventures, I recommend adding a stop in Massachusetts or Maine for peak fall foliage and spooky vibes!

If seeing the fall colors is your priority, let the time of year dictate which area you add on to your itinerary. If you’re visiting in late September/early October, Maine is the better choice for foliage.

On the flip side, if you’re visiting in late October closer to Halloween, the fall colors will be better in Massachusetts!

Below are more details on both stops to help you decide!

Head North: Maine, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park

If you’re up for more epic views and hiking, consider driving north into Maine. Bar Harbor is a cozy seaside town and the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most stunning places to see fall foliage meeting the ocean.

Acadia’s Park Loop Road offers sweeping coastal vistas, rugged cliffs, and bursts of color from maple and birch trees. You can hike Cadillac Mountain (or drive to the summit for sunrise), explore Jordan Pond, or take a leisurely stroll around Sand Beach.

Just be sure to check foliage maps, as colors tend to peak earlier up here, often late September to early October.

If you add this to your trip, consider flying out of Bangor International Airport (BGR) instead of Manchester, since it’s much closer to Acadia.

Head South: Boston and Salem

Heading south brings you to two iconic Massachusetts towns with very different vibes.

Boston is a great stop if you want a dose of city life to end your trip. You’ll still catch some fall color in the parks and along the Charles River if you’re visiting later in the season.

You can soak in history along the Freedom Trail, explore the museums, or grab incredible seafood. We did a historic walking tour during our trip to Boston and absolutely loved it! And don’t miss the delicious food stands at Quincy Market while you’re there.

An hour north of Boston, Salem is the ultimate spooky October destination. It’s famous for the 1692 Salem Witch Trials and draws big crowds every fall, especially in October. The whole town leans into the theme with haunted happenings, museums, and walking tours.

Plus, if you’re a Hocus Pocus fan, you’ll recognize plenty of filming locations here! Just know it gets packed in Salem around Halloween, so go early or on a weekday if possible!

What to Pack for Your New England Road Trip

Fall in New England can throw all four seasons at you in a single day, so the key is packing smart. Think versatile layers, weather-ready footwear, and a few extras to make the trip extra comfy.

• Weather-ready jacket – A lightweight puffer or packable rain jacket will cover both chilly mornings and surprise showers.
• Cozy mid-layers – Long-sleeve thermals, fleece pullovers, or your favorite chunky sweater for that “apple cider in hand” feeling.
• Sturdy, all-day shoes – Waterproof boots or trail sneakers that can handle leaf-covered sidewalks and short hikes.
• Bottoms you can move in – Jeans for exploring towns, leggings or joggers for hikes and long drives.
• Cold-weather accessories – Knit beanie, scarf, and gloves for crisp mornings or windy overlooks.
• Day pack or crossbody bag – For your camera, snacks, and that maple syrup you swear is “just for gifts.”

➡️ For my full breakdown of clothing, accessories, and a few extras that made our trip so much easier, check out my Ultimate New England Fall Packing Guide!

Final Thoughts

This 5-day New England fall road trip was one of the most memorable adventures I’ve ever taken. Between the fiery foliage, charming towns, cozy campfires, and maple-syrup everything, it truly lived up to the hype!

If you’re planning a trip like this, just know that timing is everything. Peak foliage can vary by a week or more depending on the year. But don’t stress too much. Even if you’re “past peak,” the scenery is still breathtaking and the smaller crowds are a major win!

Whether you follow this itinerary exactly or use it as a loose guide, I hope it helps you plan a trip that’s just as magical. Pack your flannels, load up on snacks, and get ready for some of the best views of your life.

And if you don’t have a full 5 days for your trip, you can check out my 3 Day Vermont Fall Itinerary for a long-weekend adventure instead!