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Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on September 11, 2023
Autumn announces its arrival in New England as it transforms the region into a canvas of vibrant red, orange, and gold hues. Famous for its spectacular fall foliage, this northeastern corner of the United States offers a visual symphony of color, set against picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, serene lakes, and charming small towns.
Whether you're a dedicated "leaf peeper" or just a casual admirer of autumn's splendors, you'll find below the best fall foliage spots for timeshares in New England to take in this yearly breathtaking natural spectacle.
We begin with the Vermont Route 100 Byway, which stretches for over 200 miles from the Massachusetts border all the way north to Canada. Known as Vermont’s “Main Street,” this byway offers an uninterrupted panorama of autumnal brilliance.
Towns like Stowe and Killington provide ample opportunities for timeshare stays, whether it's to explore local shops or hike in the surrounding mountains for a bird’s-eye view of the colorful canopy. Make sure to sample some of Vermont's famous maple syrup or visit an apple orchard along the way!
Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont is a 400,000-acre paradise of unspoiled beauty. This National Forest is filled with hiking trails, such as the Long Trail and the Robert Frost National Recreation Trail, that provide spectacular views of the colorful canopy below. Visit the historic villages of Bennington and Brattleboro, both of which offer wonderful views of the surrounding foliage, along with numerous antique shops and art galleries.
Timeshares in Vermont: Trapp Family Lodges (Stowe), Smugglers Notch Resort (Smugglers Notch), Dover Watch at Mount Snow (West Dover), Cedarbrook Resort (Killington)
New Hampshire’s White Mountains are a beautiful destination throughout the year, but in fall, they’re especially breathtaking. The Kancamagus Highway, or "The Kanc," is a 34.5-mile drive that takes you through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Picture winding roads lined with maple, birch, and beech trees in all their autumnal glory. Several scenic overlooks and hiking trails offer ample opportunities to step out of your car and immerse yourself in the vivid landscape.
This is where visitors who want to experience New England’s fall foliage from a different perspective can do so—by water. Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire offers several boat tours that provide a unique view of the colorful shoreline against the backdrop of mountains like the Belknaps and the Ossipees. Towns like Meredith and Wolfeboro offer quaint lakeside dining experiences and shopping, rounding off a day of leaf-peeping with some relaxed leisure.
Easily accessible from Lincoln, Franconia Notch State Park is a concentrated area of natural beauty, offering everything from waterfalls and hiking trails to the historic Franconia Notch. The Flume Gorge, a natural gorge extending 800 feet, offers a walking path where you can be enveloped by the colors of fall.
Timeshares for Fall Foliage in New Hampshire: Steele Hill Resort (Sanbornton), Eastern Slope Inn (North Conway), InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook (Lincoln), Shell Vacations Club at Crotched Mountain Resort (Francestown), Summit Resort (Laconia)
The Berkshires in western Massachusetts offer a more laid-back, artistic ambiance amidst stunning natural beauty. The area has long been a refuge for artists, musicians, and writers, and the quaint towns like Lenox and Stockbridge are flush with galleries, museums, and historic sites. For the leaf peeper, The Mohawk Trail, which is part of Route 2, gives a scenic tour through Berkshire foliage, featuring vistas that have inspired artists like Norman Rockwell.
Timeshares in the Berkshires: Wyndham Bentley Brook (Hancock), Holiday Inn Club Vacations Oak N' Spruce Resort (South Lee), Vacation Village In The Berkshires (Hancock)
Typically known for its summer fun, Cape Cod is also beautiful in the autumn months. Here, the foliage season extends into late October and early November, making it an excellent spot for late-season leaf-peeping. Scenic drives along Old King's Highway (Route 6A) or bike rides on the Cape Cod Rail Trail offer fantastic views of autumn colors, salt marshes, and cranberry bogs.
Timeshares on Cape Cod: The Cove at Yarmouth (West Yarmouth), Ocean Club at Smugglers Beach (South Yarmouth), Bluegreen Resort's The Soundings Seaside Resort (Dennis Port), Beachside Village (Falmouth)
Acadia National Park in Maine is not only for summertime visits. Come fall, the park's diverse range of trees—from birches and poplars to sumacs and maples—turn into a tapestry of warm hues. Take the 27-mile Park Loop Road to capture the highlights, or, for the more adventurous, hike up Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the U.S. eastern seaboard, to witness the colors at sunrise. Don't forget to stop by Bar Harbor, where you can enjoy some delicious lobster while soaking in views of the foliage.
If you're more into rugged landscapes, Baxter State Park offers not only an excellent display of autumn colors but also the challenge of some serious hiking. Mount Katahdin, the park's crown jewel and the highest peak in Maine, is an excellent vantage point for ambitious hikers. However, the park also has several less strenuous trails offering equally beautiful panoramas of the vivid autumnal landscape.
Popular Maine Timeshares: Sunday River Grand Summit Hotel (Newry), Jordan Grand Hotel at Sunday River (Newry), Bethel Inn Resort and Country Club (Bethel), Rangeley Lake Resort (Rangeley)
While not as mountainous as other areas on this list, Coastal Maine offers a unique blend of seaside views and foliage. Drive along Route One for dramatic visuals where the oranges and reds of fall clash and meld with the blues of the Atlantic. Towns like Ogunquit, Camden and Rockland offer maritime activities alongside leaf peeping. Whether it's enjoying a foliage-filled harbor cruise or savoring a seafood feast at a local restaurant, this area is perfect for those who want a coastal twist to their autumnal adventures.
Timeshares in Coastal Maine: Harbor Ridge (Southwest Harbor), InnSeason Resorts Falls at Ogunquit (Ogunquit), Samoset Resort (Rockport)
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but its coastal towns like Newport offer stunning views where the autumnal tones of maples and oaks meet the blue expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Drive along Ocean Drive for a unique combination of fall colors and maritime beauty. The mansions of Newport, usually a summer attraction, take on a unique charm framed by fall foliage.
Timeshares in Newport, Rhode Island: Newport Bay Club & Hotel, Wyndham Inn on The Harbor, Wyndham Newport at Long Wharf Resort, Ocean Cliff I & II
Although technically not part of New England, the Adirondacks in Upstate New York deserve an honorable mention for the sheer brilliance of their fall colors. With countless hiking trails and the Adirondack Mountains providing a backdrop, this area offers endless opportunities for admiring fall foliage. Lake Placid and Saranac Lake are popular hubs that offer boat tours and water activities, further enriching your fall experience.
Timeshares in New York: Lodges at Cresthaven (Lake George), Villa Roma Resort Lodges (Callicoon)
Various towns and regions throughout New England hold fall festivals celebrating the season, often featuring local produce, crafts, live music, and more. Stowe’s annual Fall Foliage Festival in Vermont and the Warner Fall Foliage Festival in New Hampshire are two must-attend events if your trip coincides with their schedules.
Capturing the fall colors in photos is a popular activity, and each location offers unique challenges and opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon light often produce the best results. Overcast days can also be ideal for capturing the nuances of color without harsh shadows. Don't forget to use a polarizing filter to make the colors pop and to capture reflections in water bodies.
New England's diversity in landscapes—from its rocky coastlines and flat river valleys to its rugged mountains—provides a multitude of vantage points for enjoying its world-famous fall foliage.
From historic towns and tranquil lakes to rugged mountains and serene coastlines, New England timeshares offer tremendous opportunities to experience its renowned fall foliage. Whether you're seeking adventure or leisure, whether you're a photographer, a hiker, or a casual traveler, the region offers something for everyone during this magical season. Prepare for a journey that will leave you awestruck by the splendors of autumn in New England.
You might have a timeshare in New England in mind that you don’t see on our list or have questions about these or other areas in the region. You can always give our licensed agents a call on 877-624-6889 or message us through our Contact Us page and we’ll get you the information you need.
Steve manages the public relations and content creation efforts of the company. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for Perspective Magazine, he provided oversight and contributed articles for the five regional vacation ownership trade magazines under the Perspective Magazine banner.
A contributor for industry publications such as Resort Trades and Developments Magazine, Steve Luba has 36 years of experience in various roles in radio and television, sales and marketing, public relations, media and government liaison initiatives.
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