It’s almost that time of year again. With summer fading in the rearview mirror, we look ahead to crisp air, apple cider, sweater weather and bright autumn leaves. Every year, tourists and locals alike hit the highways and back roads of America’s Northeast to take in the spectacular foliage that the region has to offer. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, sources at Alfa Romeo Fiat of Larchmont, a local Fiat dealer in Larchmont, New York, say that taking a long, stress-free drive is the perfect way to get to know a recently purchased car. Check out our list of some of the best scenic foliage drives in the Northeast for ideas, and don’t miss your chance to take in the beauty of autumn this year.
- The Green Mountain Byway, Vermont: Short but sweet, this 11-mile drive stretches between the mountain ridges of Stowe and Waterbury and offers incredible views between late September and mid-October. In a state that’s more than 75 percent wilderness and home to more maple trees than any other state in the region, you really only need 11 miles to take in some breathtaking sights.
- The Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire: Known affectionately as “the Kanc” among New Hampshire natives, this 35-mile stretch of Route 112 travels through the White Mountain National Forest from Lincoln to Conway. Not only does the Kanc offer spectacular foliage, drivers can feel free to pull off and explore the waterfalls at Rocky Gorge or Sabbaday Falls. Take some time on either end of the trip to enjoy the towns of Lincoln and Conway, both quaint destinations worthy of a visit.
- Northeast Corner, Connecticut: This 22-mile drive from Winstead to Canaan takes travellers of the beaten path to enjoy some of Connecticut’s wilderness. Marked by the occasional small town, the Northeast Corner route is largely foliage galore, and passes by the West Cornwall covered bridge, a perfect centerpiece for your foliage photos.
- The Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts: Following a Native American footpath through Massachusetts Routes 2 and 2A, the Mohawk Trail is one of the oldest auto-touring roads in the United States. The winding, 69-mile route offers bright leaves during the fall, and passes through many historic mill towns that flourished along the banks of the five rivers along the trail.
- Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway, Maine: Winding from one entrance of Maine’s Baxter State Park to the other, the Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway skirts the state’s tallest mountain. With views of Mount Katahdin and the Penobscot Rive, this drive is sure to impress the beauty of nature upon anyone who takes it. Boating, fishing, camping hiking and more is available for those who want to get out of the car and take some more time in this location.
- Scituate Loop, Rhode Island: This drive in the Blackstone Valley Region of Rhode Island passes around the Scituate Reservoir. In addition to views of nature and foliage, explorers of the Scituate Loop can enjoy the offerings of Salisbury Farm, a stop along the route that features fresh produce, hayrides, pumpkin picking and a corn maze. Nothing says fall fun like a day on the farm surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves.
Around the Northeast and New England, scenic drives and “leaf peeping” opportunities abound during the fall months. Check out one of these scenic drives from around the region, or just hop in your car and hit the back roads around your own home. Make a day out of your foliage trip by taking advantage of stops along the way, whether they’re covered bridges, waterfalls, or good old-fashioned hay rides.