New England's Top Autumn Drives

Every year autumn returns reminding us of the splendor of color. From the mountain ranges in Northeastern states to the gentle lakes of the Poconos autumn blankets us with gorgeous yellows, vibrant reds and fiery oranges. From the Northeast to the Southeast and Midwest, foliage season typically starts in early September in the Northern regions and ends in the southern areas in late October or early November. Below are some of the best drives in the nation to explore the miracle of color.

Maine: Moosehead Lake Region

The Moosehead Lake region of inland Maine provides it's viewer a spectacular sight of bright, vivid colorful fall foliage that is breathtaking. This particular area makes for a great overnight stay. Outdoor activities in the area include hunting, fishing, kayaking and boating.

Scenic Routes Heading North

Take 95 North to 201 North toward Skowhegan - continuing onto Bingham. This route travels along the beautiful Kennebec River.

From here take Route 16 East to Abbott Village.

Take Route 15 North for a just a few miles and look for Whetstone Pond Road on the left just before the bridge.

Continue on Pond Road (*please note some of these roads are paved/unpaved at times) which turns back into Abbott Road, leading into downtown Blanchard.

Continue North on the Shirley Road which turns into an unpaved road. Stay on the Blanchard/Shirley Road for about 8 miles. This runs directly into Route 15.

Take Route 15 North into Greenville and beyond.

Heading Back to the Coast

Take 15 South to Monson to the North Guilford Road, then turn right on Route 150 South and continue until it ends at Route 15.

The North Guilford Road is a country road with gorgeous trees and rolling countryside.

Take Route 15 South just a few miles to Route 23. Take Route 23 just a few miles to the 4-way intersection.

Turn left onto Douty Hill Road. (*Stutzman's Farm Stand sits on the right side of the road, and is a great place to pick up fresh produce and homemade baked goods.)

Continue until the road dead ends into Route 7. From here you can go right into Dexter to Newport to 95, or go left and dead end into Route 15 taking a right here and head south, which takes you back towards Bangor.

Accommodations

The Cozy Moose (Lake and Mountain Cabin Rentals)
451 Moosehead Lake Rd.
Route15 Greenville, Maine 04441

Phone: 207.695.0242

The Birches Resort

281 Birches Road
Rockwood, Maine 04478

Phone: 800.825.WILD

Moosehead Lake Information
http://www.mooseheadlake.org/

Vermont: Green Mountain National Forest /Woodstock

Central Vermont's landscape is that of enchanting trees, farms and barns and in autumn this place is on fire with color.

A recommended drive starts you out in the smallest state capital city in America, Montpelier. Centrally located, Montpelier is 182 miles to Boston and 198 miles to Harford and can be easily accessed from Interstate 89.

Covered Bridge Sightings: You can take Route 12 out of Montpelier and head south to Northfield Falls. If you continue onto Route 12 you will run into the quaint town of Bethel.

From Bethel, you will run into Woodstock. Woodstock is a picturesque village and home to well known Billings Farm and Museum which gives its visitors a taste of life as they knew it in the late 1800's.

Further points of interest may include:

- Killington Peak (Route 4)

- Green Mountain National Forest (Route 100)

- Moss Glen Falls (north of Granville)

Billings Farm & Museum
5302 River Road
Woodstock, VT 05091

Phone: 802.457.2355
http://www.billingsfarm.org/

Northeastern Pennsylvania: Honesdale, Wayne County/ Pocono Mountains

Nestled away in Northeastern Pennsylvania, in the heart of Wayne County lies the historic town of Honesdale. Honesdale represents the quite, laid back life of the mountains and is home to the original location of the American railroad.

Cruise Route 6 - this is a historic route that covers the path of the Delaware and Hudson Canal.

Route 6 Information:

http://www.paroute6.com/static/index.cfm?action=group&contentID=26

For weekly fall foliage updates (in season) call: 570.421.5565

New Hampshire: White Mountains/Bethlehem

Bethlehem, New Hampshire is the type of place that makes New Englanders proud to call it home. The town of Bethlehem, situated among the White Mountains of New Hampshire has more than 20 historic bridges all within driving distance.

Hitting the road:

White Mountains Trail (Kancamagus Scenic Byway) You can begin this scenic tour from Bethlehem by heading East on Route 302 toward Conway.

In Conway, take Route 112 West (the Kancamagus Highway) toward Lincoln.

Once in Lincoln, take I-93 North. This part of the tour passes through spectacular Franconia Notch and the famous "Old Man of the Mountain".

Exit 40 off I-93 will bring you back to Bethlehem.

Great North Woods

Begin in Bethlehem on Route 302 East to Twin Mountain, and turn left at the junction of Route 3 North.

Follow Route 3 North to Colebrook. In Colebrook, turn right on Route 26 toward Errol.

Route 26 will take you through Dixville. In Errol, turn right on Route 16 toward Berlin/Gorham. Much of this route is along the picturesque Androscoggin River.

Connect with US Route 2 West in Gorham and follow Route 2 to Jefferson.

Turn left onto Route 115 until it intersects with Route 3 in Twin Mountain. Turn left on Route 3 and then turn right at the junction of Route 302.

Follow Route 302 back to Bethlehem.

These four areas just scratch the surface of what the U.S. has to offer in terms of autumn magic. The nation is filled with many other breathtaking spots to view the splendor of fall. Whether you are taking a day trip or packing up the family for a weekend getaway these spots are some local favorites.

For your enjoyment:

The Colors of Fall: A Celebration of New England's Foliage Season

Authors: Jerry Monkman and Marcy Monkman

Backroads of New England: Your Guide To New England's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures

Author: Kim Knox Beckius

A New England Autumn: A Sentimental Journey

Author: Ferenc Máté