Are you beginning to prepare for your East Coast fall foliage trip? There are so many great destinations to choose from, it can be difficult to find the one that is just right for your family. Whether you’re looking for stunning views, scenic drives, hiking trails, or traditional fall activities, the options are plentiful!
We have chosen some of our own favorite fall foliage destinations and the favorites of others that we know to compile this list of amazing choices to help guide your decision. Get ready to pack up and begin an unforgettable adventure!
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
Best East Coast Fall Foliage Destinations
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont is a quaint New England town that is great to visit any time of year, but the changing leaves and fall foliage in this area are breathtaking! You can enjoy a scenic drive, waterfalls, hikes, and expansive views.
Taking the Stowe Mountain Resort Gondola Skyride for stunning views is one of the best things to do in Stowe. At the top, you will be treated to views of the surrounding Green Mountains. For more great views, take a scenic drive through Smugglers’ Notch, a mountain pass with towering walls.
For some outdoor exploration, plan on going for a hike or visiting a waterfall. Moss Glen Falls is easily accessible for families with a 0.5 mile out and back trail. The trail takes you to the base of the 125 foot waterfall. Bingham Falls is another option, reachable on a 1.3 mile trail.
For a scenic drive, take the Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road. The 4.5 mile gravel road takes you to the top of Mount Mansfield. At the top you will be treated to views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains.
Stroll downtown Stowe for and experience the New England small town feel. Downtown Stowe is full of boutiques, cafes, and local shops. You can pick up some locally made souvenirs and some maple products.
The best time to visit Stowe for fall foliage is late September to early October.
Manchester, Vermont
Located in Southern Vermont, Manchester sits in the Green Mountain National Forest. Manchester is a small town known for its historic sites and access to outdoor activities. In the fall, the hiking trails and scenic drives make it easy to take in fall foliage views.
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Manchester and experience the fall foliage of the area. Some of the best hikes for families include the 1.5 mile Emerald Lake trail, the moderate 2.5 mile Equinox Pond Trail, and the 3.6 mile round trip Prospect Rock Trail.
If you are up for a little bit of a challenge, consider the Lye Brook Falls Trail. The trail length is 4 miles out and back with a 925 ft. elevation gain. The trail takes you to the base of the 125 foot Lye Brook Falls.
Skyline Drive takes you to the summit of Mount Equinox, the tallest mountain in the Taconic Range. The drive takes you up 3,250 ft in just over 5 miles. The road is steep, but wide making it doable for most. There are plenty of pull out areas along the way to enjoy the views. From the summit you will get views of the Green Mountains, the Adirondacks, and the White Mountains on a clear day.
Touring Hildene, the Lincoln family home built by Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert, is a fun activity for history loving families. Here you can tour the home, wander the grounds, explore the gardens, and take in mountain views in the background.
The best time for fall foliage in Manchester is late September through mid-October.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont sits on the East shore of Lake Champlain and is one of the best East Coast fall foliage destinations. Compared to other Vermont destinations like Stowe and Manchester, Burlington has much more of a city feel.
Despite the city feel, Burlington offers plenty of hiking opportunities. Red Rocks Park is one of the best options. The park loop is a 2.7 trail that follows alongside Lake Champlain. The trail is mild with an elevation gain around 200 feet. Mount Philo State Park is another good option, at 1.9 miles. The hike offers views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. For a little bit more of a challenge, consider the Snake Mountain Trail, a 4.5 mile round trip trail.
Walking or riding a bike along the Burlington Bike Path is one of the best things to do outdoors in Burlington. The path stretches 7.5 miles along Lake Chaplain and is paved. If you want to get out on the lake, you can take a Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise.
The Church Street Marketplace is good for strolling, shopping, and grabbing a bite to eat at local restaurants. You can also visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory or the nearby Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
You can also enjoy traditional fall activities in the area, including apple picking, pumpkin patches, apple cider, and corn mazes. The best time for fall foliage in Burlington is late September to early October.
East Coast Fall Foliage: Kancamagus Highway, NH
The Kancamagus Highway is one of the best East Coast fall foliage drives. The 34 mile stretch of highway takes you through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, past waterfalls, covered bridges, and plenty of family friendly hikes. The highway runs from Lincoln to North Conway.
The Lincoln Woods Trailhead, which provides access to a cool suspension bridge and hiking trails, is one of the best stops and the first stop when coming from Lincoln. The Lily Pond stop was one of our favorites, although it is one of the less popular. It takes you to Lily Pond, a small pond with mountain views in the background. It is a common spot to find moose in the morning or evening.
Waterfall viewing is another good option when driving the Kancamagus Highway. Sabbaday Falls is reachable on a 0.6 mile out and back trail with a steady incline. The Champney Falls Trail is another great option, at 3.1 miles out and back. Lower Falls offers easy access to the Lower Falls, a popular swimming area in the summer.
Top overlooks to visit along the way include the Hancock Overlook, the Pemigewasset Overlook, the C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook, and the Sugar Hill Overlook. These views are stunning any time of year, but during the fall months these views are enhanced by changing fall foliage.
The best time for fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway is early October. Warning: The Kancamagus Highway is a very popular fall destination with millions visiting the area every fall. Be prepared for large crowds and backed up traffic.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, located along the Maine coast, is one of the best East Coast fall foliage destinations. The national park is located on Mount Desert Island and features rugged, rocky coastlines, dense forests, and serene lakes. The park offers many opportunities for observing fall foliage.
Driving Park Loop Drive is one of the best things to do in the park and the best way to see the area’s stunning fall foliage. The 27 mile loop drive takes you past many of the park’s highlights, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and to the peak of Cadillac Mountain.
Jordan Pond is another great spot to see the fall foliage. The pond sits with the North and South Bubble Mountains in the background and is surrounded by a flat, easy 3.5 mile loop trail that is perfect for families.
Biking and hiking are both great ways to explore the park’s roads, old carriage trails, and hiking trails. After exploring the park, be sure to check out Bar Harbor. Here you can find unique dining opportunities, small cafes, and local shops.
The best time to visit Acadia National Park for fall foliage is late September to mid-October.
Salem, MA
While Salem does not feature the expansive mountain views as some of the other destinations on the list, the area is the perfect fall destination for families. Throughout the village, you will find brick lined streets surrounded by changing leaves in the historic downtown area of Salem.
The Salem Haunted Happenings festival takes place every fall with haunted houses, costumes, psychic fairs, live entertainment, trick or treating, and special events. Taking a Hocus Pocus tour is a great option for fans of the movie. The walking tour takes you to the sites around Salem that were used for filming of the movie.
During your visit you can also experience the area’s traditional attractions, including the Salem Witch Museum, the House of the Seven Gables, the Salem Common, waterfront strolls along Derby Wharf, and downtown shopping.
The best time to visit Salem for fall foliage is mid to late October.
Adirondack Mountains, NY
The Adirondack Mountains of New York are one of the best East Coast fall foliage destinations. The Adirondack Mountains cover 6 million acres of forests, mountains, and quaint towns.
Hiking is one of the best things to do in the Adirondacks and gives you some of the most stunning fall foliage views. Some of the best hikes in the Adirondacks include Bald Mountain near Old Forge, Mount Arab in Tupper Lake, Cobble Lookout in Wilmington, and if you are looking for a challenge Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid.
A scenic drive is another great way to experience the area’s fall foliage. Scenic drives include the Whiteface Veteran’s Memorial Highway in Lake Placid, the High Peaks Scenic Byway, and the Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway (Route 30).
You can also enjoy waterfall viewing with the changing leaves making the scenes even more stunning. Consider visiting the Ausable Chasm, Ok Slip Falls, Roaring Brook Falls, and the High Falls Gorge.
A scenic gondola will take you to mountain peaks to take in the fall colors without the work. The Cloudsplitter Gondola to Little Whiteface Mountain, the Gore Mountain gondola, or the McCauley Mountain ski lift are all great options.
The Adirondack Railroad, a scenic train ride, is another great option for a relaxing ride through the area’s forests and fall foliage. The Adirondack Scenic Railbike Adventures is another way to experience the wilderness and beauty of the area, running through mid-October.
The best time to visit the Adirondack Mountains for fall foliage is late September through early October.
Catskill Mountains, NY
The Catskill Mountains are located in Southeastern New York and in the fall months turn into a colorful collage of reds, oranges, golds, and yellows. The Catskill Mountains extend over 700,000 acres and across multiple counties.
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the Catskill Mountains and take in views of the East Coast fall foliage. The Ashokan Rail Trail is a flat, 11.5 mile paved trail that is going for hiking or biking. The trail runs along the north side of the Asokan Reservoir. On the South side of the Ashokan Reservoir you can hike the Ashokan Quarry Trail, a 2 mile trail with an elevation gain of about 190 feet.
Waterfall viewing is another great activity in the Catskills for families. The 260 foot Kaaterskill Falls is one of the best options. You can take the 0.5 mile round trip to the viewing platform, or take the 1.8 mile round trip trail down to the base of the falls.
Scenic drives through the Catskills are one of the best ways to experience fall foliage in the area. The Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway is a 52 mile drive along Route 28 from Phoenicia to Andes. The drive along Route 23A is another excellent option, spanning from the village of Catskill to Prattsville.
A scenic chairlift is another way to take in the views of the mountains and fall foliage. Scenic chairlifts are available at the Hunter Mountain Resort and the Belleayre Mountain Scenic Gondola. The Hunter Mountain skyride gives you views of the Catskills, Berkshires of Massachusetts, and Green Mountains of Vermont. The ride to Belleayre Mountain gives you views expanding up to 60 miles on a clear day.
The best time for fall foliage in the Catskills is late September to mid-October.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best scenic drives in the US, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The entire parkway extends 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains and is one of the best East Coast fall foliage drives.
Along the drive you will find over 250 overlooks, including Ravens Roost (milepost 10.7), Thunder Ridge (Milepost 74), Pine Tree Overlook (Milepost 95.2), the Saddle (milepost 168), Grandview Overlook (milepost 281.4), and the Yonahlossee Overlook (milepost 303.9).
Many family friendly hikes are accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway, including the 1.4 mile round trip Fallingwater Cascades Trail, the 2.2 mile Price Lake Loop Trail, and the short, but steep Rough Ridge Trail.
Along the way you can also access many small towns and cities, including Blowing Rock, Asheville, Staunton, and Roanoke. Other stops along the drive worth visiting include the Linn Cove Viaduct, Mabry Mill, and Craggy Gardens.
Otter Lake at milepost 63 is also worth a stop. It is the lowest point on the Blue Ridge Highway at only 649 feet above sea level. The stop takes you to Otter Lake, a small, man-made lake that spills over a concrete dam.
Peak foliage along the highway is from late September through early November. Peak foliage depends on elevation, with higher elevations changing first and lower elevations/valleys changing in late October to early November.
The Poconos Mountains, PA
The Poconos Mountains are one of the best East Coast fall foliage destinations for outdoor loving families. The Poconos Mountains compose more than 2,400 square miles of forests, parks, and small towns. Hiking, wildlife viewing, water activities, and scenic drives are some of the best things to do in the area.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of the best spots to explore in the Poconos Mountains. It is filled with waterfalls, hikes, and scenic drives. Visiting the waterfalls in this area was one of our favorite activities when we visited the area. Top waterfalls to visit include Dingman’s Falls, Raymondskill Falls, and Silver Thread Falls.
Bushkill Falls, known as “Niagara of Pennsylvania” is a must do when visiting the Poconos. The Bushkill Falls area covers 300 acres and features 8 waterfalls. The Green Trail is a short walk to the main waterfall, while the Red Trail is 2 miles long and takes you past all 8 waterfalls.
Hickory Run State Park and Boulder Field is another great spot in the Poconos. The park features 40 miles of hiking trails and the unique Boulder Field, believed to have been created by a glacier.
A scenic chairlift ride is a great way to see the mountains alive with fall foliage. Blue Mountain Resort is one of the best options for a scenic chair lift ride. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is another family friendly way to experience the fall foliage of the area. The scenic railway leaves from historic Jim Thorpe and takes you through the Lehigh Gorge.
The Poconos Mountains also offer ample opportunities for traditional fall activities, including apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and hay rides. The best time to visit the Poconos Mountains for fall foliage is late September to mid-October.
East Coast Fall Foliage: Shenandoah National Park, VA
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains, is an approximately 200,000 acre national park. The park’s main road, Skyline Drive, provides access to overlooks and hiking trails through the park’s mountainous terrain. When fall foliage begins to flourish, the views become even more stunning!
Driving the 105 mile Skyline Drive is the best thing to do in the park. You can stop at any of the 75 overlooks along the drive and take in views of the mountains in the distance and the mixture of oranges, golds, yellows, and reds as the leaves begin to change.
From Skyline Drive you can also access many family friendly hikes to get up close with nature in the park, including the easy Bearfence Mountain hike or the more challenging Upper Hawksbill Trail to the highest peak in the park.
Visiting one of the park’s many waterfalls is another one of the best things to do in the park in the fall. Top waterfalls to visit include Dark Hollow Falls, Lands Run Falls, and Rose River Falls. The waterfalls require at least a short hike, taking you through forested areas that are especially beautiful during the fall months.
The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park for fall foliage is mid-October to late October.
Finger Lakes, NY
The Finger Lakes region, located in Upstate New York, is well known for its vineyards, waterfalls, lakes, and gorges. In the fall months, those views are enhanced with shades of yellow, red, orange, and gold.
Hiking is one of the best things to do in the Finger Lakes, and a great way to experience the area’s fall foliage. Watkins Glen State Park is one of the best spots. The most popular trail is the Gorge Trail, a 1.5 mile trail that takes you through the gorge and past several waterfalls. Taughhanock Falls State Park is another great option, with an easy 1.5 mile round trip hike to the base of the 200 ft waterfall. The rim trails take you through forested areas lined with colorful fall foliage.
Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Parks also feature waterfalls and miles of hiking trails. Scenic drives in the area include the Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake wine trails. The area is home to more than 100 wineries, so wine tasting is always a great activity when visiting the area.
The area also features an abundance of family friendly fall activities, including apple picking, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes. The best time to visit the Finger Lakes for fall foliage is late September to mid-October.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most scenic destinations on the East Coast and is the most visited national park in the United States. The park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, and in the fall months plenty of opportunities to view the East Coast fall foliage.
Going for a scenic drive is one of the best things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Not only will it treat you to the stunning fall foliage throughout the park, it will give you the opportunity to spot wildlife. The Newfound Gap Road is one option for great views and Cade’s Cove is an excellent option for wildlife viewing.
Another one of the best things to do in the park is to visit a waterfall, with fall foliage as the backdrop. Some of the best waterfall options are Laurel Falls, Ramsey Cascades, and Abrams Falls.
You won’t want to visit the park without going for a hike. There is a wide range of hiking options to choose from, including family friendly hikes like the Cove Mountain Trail to Cataract Falls, the hike to Grotto Falls, or the Indian Creek Falls trail. The Clingman’s Dome trail is a must and is a great place to catch the sunset.
The best time to visit the Smoky Mountains for fall foliage is early October for the higher elevations and early November for the lower valleys.
Berkshires
The Berkshires are a mountain range in Western Massachusetts known for their mountain peaks, charming small towns, wineries, hiking trails, and stunning East Coast fall foliage.
Going for a scenic drive is one of the best things to do in the Berkshires. The Mohawk Trail Byway (Route 2) is one of the best options, featuring the famous hairpin turn. The Mount Greylock Scenic Byway is another option that takes you to the top of the highest peak in Massachusetts. The drive is a 16 mile paved drive that takes you to the summit, offering views as far as 90 miles on a clear day.
Natural Bridge State Park is a must do outdoor activity when visiting the Berkshires. The park is home to the only natural white marble arch in North America. The natural arch was formed from glacier melt over 13,000 years ago. The trail to reach the arch is easy at less than half a mile round trip with little elevation gain.
Other hiking options in the Berkshires include the hike to Bash Bish Falls, the Bendict Pond Loop Trail, the trails in the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Glen Meadow Loop.
There is also plenty of opportunities to experience traditional fall activities in the Berkshires, including apple picking, pumpkin farms, and corn mazes. The best time for East Coast fall foliage in the Berkshires is early to mid-October.
East Coast Fall Foliage: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is not one of the most well known national parks, but it offers beautiful views year round. The park stretches from Cleveland to Akron along the Cuyahoga River. It is small at 50 square miles, but offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, and in the fall leaf peeping.
Brandywine Falls is a must when visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Brandywine Falls is a 60 ft. waterfall that has an easily accessible upper viewing platform reachable from the parking area. You can add the Brandywine Gorge Trail to your visit, a 1.5 mile loop trail that takes you into the gorge.
Hiking is another one of the best things to do in the park, with 140 miles of hiking trails. The Virginia Ledges Trail is one of the best, at 2.2 miles, taking you past limestone boulders, caves, and mossy cliffs. You can also hike or bike along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
Another one of the best things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is to ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The fall train ride takes you through Cuyahoga Valley when the fall foliage is at its peak. Classic and Express tours are offered. The Classic Ride goes for about 24 miles round trip and takes about 3 and a half hours. The Express Ride is a shorter ride lasting about 2 hours.
The best time to see fall foliage in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is mid to late October.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see fall foliage on the East Coast?
The best time to see fall foliage on the East Coast depends on where you are. Northern destinations usually reach peak in the late September/early October, while Destinations further South reach peak from mid-October to early November.
What is the best scenic drive for fall foliage?
There are tons of options for scenic drives, but some of the best include the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, and Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
How long does peak foliage last?
Peak foliage in any particular destination usually lasts 1-2 weeks. This is when the colors are at their best, but you can often see the beginning changes a couple weeks prior to peak.
When should I book for a fall foliage vacation?
It is best to book 6 to 12 months ahead of time. Fall foliage times are very popular and accommodations fill up quickly. Plan ahead to make sure you don’t have trouble finding good accommodations.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
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More East Coast Guides For Families:
- 19 Things to Do in the White Mountains with Kids: Family Adventures in New Hampshire
- Kancamagus Highway Attractions: The Best Stops For Families!
- The Best Hikes in the White Mountains: 13 Family Friendly Options
- 22 of the Best Things to Do in Lake George with Kids (New York)
- 15 Outdoor Attractions in Lake Placid For Families
- Acadia National Park Itinerary With Kids: 1, 3, and 5 Day Itinerary Plans
- Smoky Mountain Family Vacation Travel Guide
