How To Go Leaf Peeping in New England

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I grew up in Massachusetts. I went to school in the middle of the mountains in Central, Massachusetts. At this time of year, the foliage was gorgeous. Did I notice? Absolutely not. That’s why the first Autumn I had the chance, I flew back home to go leaf peeping and, for the first time, appreciate the natural beauty of mother earth.

Leaf peeping is the term used for people who travel to watch the Autumn Leaves change color. A successful trip requires the following:

1. The Right Time of Year
2. The Right Location

The Right Time of Year

The chart below indicates the best time of year (on average) to watch the leaves change color. Notice the further North you travel, the earlier you need to go. Stay away from the areas in grey. Florida is not the state to visit to see falling leaves, neither is the desert of Nevada.

The Right Location

Research the location you’d like to visit beforehand. New England is the quintessential spot that I’m partial towards. But you may have some luck in other parts of the country. The key to selecting your location is to make sure there are great activities to make an adventure out of it, especially if you have young children with you. Some may become easily bored with admiring the leaves, so pad your weekend with traditional fall activities. Here are some highlights from my trip.

Our family trip began with a trip to North Conway, New Hampshire. It’s a quaint, little town in the middle of the White Mountains. It’s just as popular during ski season as it is during the fall. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and shopping locations. In fact, bargain shoppers may enjoy the plentiful outlets scattered throughout the town. We happened to stay at the Eastern Inns. It’s a small, motel just beyond downtown. It’s not full on amenities, but it has a lot of family history with us. We’ve been staying there ever since I was a little kid.

Beyond the shopping, dining and casual atmosphere this resort town has to offer, there are lots of attractions for people of all ages. You’ll read later this week about our trip to Mt. Washington. But for all of you Leaf Peepers, the Kancamangus Highway is the reason why you came here in the first place.

Can’t pronounce the name? Don’t worry about it. All that matters is that you are about to embark on a breathtaking road trip across the state. The highway is about 34 miles long and travels east-west. The highway runs alongside a mountain river. There are plenty of stops along the way to step out, take some photographs, have a picnic and enjoy the scenery.

Don’t you want to run your fingers through the waterfall? Or maybe you’d rather go rock hopping?

Why not try something different and challenge your nature photography skills?

The Kancamangus Highway is a great drive for a Saturday afternoon. And the surrounding attractions complete the weekend. Now what will you do?

Step outside and take a moment to reflect on the natural beauty the seasons bring to your neighborhood. Appreciate the color, Listen to the crunch of leaves under your feet. And if you live in a tropical climate like I do, relish in the cooler, night air that fall brings.

Now think about what you will do to celebrate the season. It only comes once-a-year after all. There’s plenty of magic out there if you choose to find it.

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