Fall Foilage: Visit These New England States to See the Fall Leaves

The autumn leaves are starting to turn and you're thinking of taking a trip to some of the New England states that have a glorious array of fall foilage. The leaves usually start to turn in mid to late September and continue through mid to late October. Any time during those weeks should give your some great choices of magnificent fall colors.

There are a few unusual ways to enjoy the annual including horseback riding, sailing or cruising along the shores of states with fall trees growing close to the seashore and going up in a hot air balloon. Personally, I think the hot air balloons would really be fun. They are many hot air balloon companies for you to check out; just google some keywords.

Here are a few places to visit -

Driving along Connecticut Route 169 is a great way to see some of Mother Nature's annual fall show along "the road less traveled." This route meanders through the rural northeastern section of the state and is considered one of the 10 most beautiful drives in the entire US. Along the way, you might visit the Sharpe Hill Winery in Pomfret on Wade Road. They have already completed the picking of their St. Croix grapes but have several harvests approaching and continuing until late October, picking vignole grapes. If you're interested in helping with the '06 harvest, please email them for exact dates. They offer wine tasting and lunch and dinner in their restaurant Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 11am. (Visit sharpehill.com for details.)

Maine boasts of over 17 million acres of forested lands and probably has the biggest show of fall foilage colors. Late September showcases the northern part of the state and mid to late October has the southern portion of the state strutting its beautiful plumage. For the first show you'll want to drive along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, starting in west Maine at Byron, heading north. For the second showing, visit Camden. Here you can enjoy a walking tour to see the leaves, kayak in the area or even sail on a windjammer to see the glorious show. There are several autumn arts and crafts shows you might enjoy attending in the area also. (Go to visitcamden.com for details.)

In New Hampshire it's driving on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway where the best show is at. You'll traverse the state White Mountain National Forest, ending in the city of Conway where Highways 112 and 16 meet. Once there you can take one of the nostalgic train rides where you'll experience the excitement of rail travel of yesteryear in open cars or carefully restored enclosed passenger cars. (Check out conwayscenic.com for more information.)

In the Green Mountain State, Vermont, the annual show starts about the middle of September in the northern part of the state and in the higher elevations. As the weeks segue into October the show moves southward and into the lower elevations. This state is small enough to travel across in only one day and see much of varying colors of its autumn show. The most scenic drive is the Smugglers' Notch Scenic Byway, Vermont Route 108, which is a very curvy road but worth it as you turn in and out of beautiful shades leaves of varying colors. You might want to stop and enjoy a traditional New England meal at the Smugglers' Inn and Tavern, in Jeffersonville. Originally built in 1790, this inn has been lovingly restored and now has 11 guest rooms and an excellent restaurant. (visit smuggsinn.com)

All of these areas have wonderful inns and B & B to stay in while you're touring regions.

Of course, there are other state and other regions in these states that have spectacular fall foilage. Hopefully, this will get you started in planning a "leaf peepers" weekend.

The autumn leaves are starting to turn and you're thinking of taking a trip to some of the New England states that have a glorious array of fall foilage. The leaves usually start to turn in mid to late September and continue through mid to late October. Any time during those weeks should give your some great choices of magnificent fall colors.

There are a few unusual ways to enjoy the annual including horseback riding, sailing or cruising along the shores of states with fall trees growing close to the seashore and going up in a hot air balloon. Personally, I think the hot air balloons would really be fun. They are many hot air balloon companies for you to check out; just google some keywords.

Here are a few places to visit -

Driving along Connecticut Route 169 is a great way to see some of Mother Nature's annual fall show along "the road less traveled." This route meanders through the rural northeastern section of the state and is considered one of the 10 most beautiful drives in the entire US. Along the way, you might visit the Sharpe Hill Winery in Pomfret on Wade Road. They have already completed the picking of their St. Croix grapes but have several harvests approaching and continuing until late October, picking vignole grapes. If you're interested in helping with the '06 harvest, please email them for exact dates. They offer wine tasting and lunch and dinner in their restaurant Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 11am. (Visit sharpehill.com for details.)

Maine boasts of over 17 million acres of forested lands and probably has the biggest show of fall foilage colors. Late September showcases the northern part of the state and mid to late October has the southern portion of the state strutting its beautiful plumage. For the first show you'll want to drive along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, starting in west Maine at Byron, heading north. For the second showing, visit Camden. Here you can enjoy a walking tour to see the leaves, kayak in the area or even sail on a windjammer to see the glorious show. There are several autumn arts and crafts shows you might enjoy attending in the area also. (Go to visitcamden.com for details.)

In New Hampshire it's driving on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway where the best show is at. You'll traverse the state White Mountain National Forest, ending in the city of Conway where Highways 112 and 16 meet. Once there you can take one of the nostalgic train rides where you'll experience the excitement of rail travel of yesteryear in open cars or carefully restored enclosed passenger cars. (Check out conwayscenic.com for more information.)

In the Green Mountain State, Vermont, the annual show starts about the middle of September in the northern part of the state and in the higher elevations. As the weeks segue into October the show moves southward and into the lower elevations. This state is small enough to travel across in only one day and see much of varying colors of its autumn show. The most scenic drive is the Smugglers' Notch Scenic Byway, Vermont Route 108, which is a very curvy road but worth it as you turn in and out of beautiful shades leaves of varying colors. You might want to stop and enjoy a traditional New England meal at the Smugglers' Inn and Tavern, in Jeffersonville. Originally built in 1790, this inn has been lovingly restored and now has 11 guest rooms and an excellent restaurant. (visit smuggsinn.com)

All of these areas have wonderful inns and B & B to stay in while you're touring regions.

Of course, there are other state and other regions in these states that have spectacular fall foilage. Hopefully, this will get you started in planning a "leaf peepers" weekend.