The finest spots in America for foliage and enjoyable are in New England

New England Travel

They are in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.

By Kristi Palma

September 17, 2026 | 9:36 AM

2 minutes to learn

New England is filled with locations which are excellent for leaf peeping and different fall enjoyable, and 4 locations specifically are nationwide standouts, based on USA Today readers.

The publication launched an inventory of the 10 best destinations for fall colors in the U.S. on Wednesday, a part of its 2026 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards, and the Berkshires and White Mountains made the listing. What’s extra, a regional competition and metropolis had been additionally acknowledged as among the many finest in America throughout the fall season.

The White Mountains, which ranked No. 8 on the listing of finest locations for fall colours, attracts lots of of 1000’s of tourists every fall, wrote USA Today.

“The views are unparalleled from the Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola, as well as the Kancamagus Highway, a National Scenic Byway,” wrote the publication.

The Berkshires, which ranked No. 10 on the listing, hosts a fall foliage parade that’s been operating since 1956, wrote USA Today. This 12 months’s seventieth annual parade will happen on Oct. 4

“The tiny hamlets and towns that dot the region are filled with accommodations and farm-to-table eateries to round out a leaf-peeping trip,” wrote the publication.

The No. 1 spot for seeing fall colours is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Burlington, Vermont was named one in every of the 10 best spots to visit this fall for its beautiful surroundings, unbelievable climate, and lots of seasonal actions and occasions.

The Vermont metropolis, which ranked No. 8 on the listing, is “autumn central for the riot of colors that New England is known for,” wrote USA Today.

“The season starts in September with the South End Art Hop showcasing more than 500 performing artists in over 100 venues. There’s also the annual Oktoberfest celebration along the Burlington waterfront. While in town, make sure to go for a cruise on Lake Champlain and drive out to see the changing maples on Smugglers’ Notch,” wrote the publication.

The No. 1 place to go to within the fall is Mackinac Island in Michigan.

Finally, the Freeport Fall Festival in Freeport, Maine ranked No. 3 among the many 10 best fall festivals in America. The competition takes place this 12 months Oct. 2-4.

“Spanning three full days across downtown Freeport, this premier festival showcases 200-plus juried artists, makers, artisanal food producers, and local food trucks. Enjoy live music from local favorites, free kids’ activities, and complimentary shuttle service all weekend long,” wrote USA Today.

The No. 1 fall competition is the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival in Evansville, Indiana.

Kristi Palma

Travel author

 

Kristi Palma is the journey author for Boston.com, specializing in the six New England states. She covers airways, resorts, and issues to do throughout Boston and New England. She is the writer of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly journey e-newsletter.