Ways to See Foliage
1. White River Flyer, VT
Take a jaunt through the southern Vermont woods aboard vintage railcars pulled by a diesel locomotive for spectacular views of the Connecticut river and some of the deep gorges of its tributaries. In fall, the maple trees blaze with flame-like colors.
102 Railroad Row, White River Junction • 802 463 3069 • Jul–mid-Oct • Adm • www.rails-vt.com
2. Mohawk Trail, MA
This historic Indian trade route over the Berkshire Hills follows the upper ranges of the Deerfield River – resplendent with acid-yellow alder and birch – until it climbs through fiery stands of maple, birch, and beech in the Charlemont State Forest. The drive ends by spiraling down the hillsides at the aptly named Hairpin Turn (for further details see Mohawk Trail).
3. K-1 Gondola, VT
After a scenic gondola ride to the highest lift-served terrain in Vermont, a short, easy hike brings you to the summit of Killington Peak for a panoramic view of five states and part of Canada.
4. Kancamagus Highway, NH
Few foliage drives in New England match the thrill of hurtling along the “Kanc” through a tunnel of kaleidoscopic colors. Stop along the way to savor the experience by hiking to a waterfall or sunning on mid-stream glacial boulders (for further details see Kancamagus Highway).
5. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, CT
Combine a trip through the woods in restored railcars pulled by coal-fired steam locomotives with a cruise on the Connecticut River aboard a three-deck Mississippi-style river-boat.Exit 3 off Rte. 9, Essex • 860 767 0103 • May–Oct, Dec • Adm • www.essexsteamtrain.com
6. Route 100, VT
Perhaps New England’s ultimate road for leaf-peeping, Route 100 passes natural wonders like Moss Glen Falls, follows the Mad River through several scenic villages, then rises high into the Green Mountains.
7. Lake Champlain Cruise, VT
Hop aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III for a narrated cruise around Lake Champlain. While adults admire the brightly painted forests that surround the lake, kids might keep an eye out for Champ, the legendary resident sea serpent.Burlington Boathouse, 1 College St., Burlington • 802 862 8300 • mid-May–mid-Oct • Adm • www.soea.com
8. Deerfield River Rafting, MA
The Deerfield River has some of the most exhilarating rapids and most scenic gorges in New England. Nothing compares to the rush of bankside colors during foliage season.Zoar Outdoor • 800 532 7483 • Jun–Sep • adm • www.zoaroutdoor.com
9. Mount Monadnock, NH
The 3,165-ft (965-m) summit of Mount Monadnock offers incredible views. It’s especially worth the scramble over boulders in colorful fall foliage season.Off Rte. 124, west of Jaffrey • 603 532 8862 • Sunrise–sunset daily • Adm • www.nhstateparks.org
10. Boston’s Emerald Necklace
Boston is blessed with an almost continuous chain of parks stretching from downtown sky-scrapers to leafy suburbia. In the fall, this 5-mile (8-km) cycle route is an explosion of red, purple, orange, and yellow as the foliage reaches its climax.
Top 10 Covered Bridges
2. Cornish-Windsor Bridge
1866 Town lattice, rebuilt in 1989. Spans Connecticut River between New Hampshire and Vermont.Rte. 12A, Plainfield, NH
4. Artist’s Covered Bridge
1872 Paddleford truss, also known as the Sunday River Bridge.Off Rtes. 2 and 26, Newry, ME
5. Stark Bridge
1862 Paddleford truss. Spans Upper Ammonoosuc River in village center.North Rd., Stark, NH
6. Albany Covered Bridge
1858 altered Paddleford truss. Crosses Swift River.Dugway Rd., off the Kancamagus Hwy., Albany, NH
7. Ashuelot Bridge
1864 Town lattice truss over Ashuelot River.South of Rte. 119, Bolton Rd, Upper Village, Winchester, NH
9. Paper Mill, Silk, and Henry Bridges
Three bridges dating 1840–2000 cross the Waloomsac River.South of Rte. 67A, Bennington, VT
