Comprising of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire, New England in America's northeast offers a kaleidoscope of activities and attractions during autumn. Trace still-standing lighthouses along the coast or venture further inland – via scenic byways or hiking trails – to see hues of brilliant copper, red and green ripple across the landscape as the season changes. From recent openings to making the most of these months (autumn is prime cider season, after all), here are the best things to do, see and eat in New England.

The Kancamagus Scenic Byway (or the ‘Kanc’ for those in the know) is renowned for its incredible views across the White Mountains. Autumn is the best time to take this National Scenic Byway for obvious reasons – its rainbow of fire-coloured maple trees is simply stunning. During the 34.5-mile (56km) drive from Boston’s Logan airport, don’t miss the Sabbaday Falls, Rocky Gorge, Lower Falls and Champney Falls. It’s worth detouring to Loon Mountain to view the foliage from New Hampshire’s longest gondola, the Skyride. Use the Fall Foliage Tracker to catch all the hotspots during your stay.

Want to get up close and personal with Maine's iconic wildlife as safely as possible? Head out on a Moose Safari with Northeast Whitewater to see the backwoods' giants by canoe. Maine Moose tours run between May to early October and sunrise and sunset tours are a particular highlight. 

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MS Mount Washington is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year; the historic ship and her sister vessels navigate over 300 islands and 44,000 acres of water. The pinnacle of the celebrations falls on 22 October with its Halloween Masquerade Ball, which is well worth sorting tickets for. During the three-hour cruise you’ll be treated to a buffet dinner, on-board entertainment and the joy from partaking in an annual tradition. The costume contest promises to be the wildest in the Lakes Region – so start preparing now…

Autumn is the best time to take the Maine Oyster Trail as the oysters are more plentiful from spring through to autumn, and store more fat and sugar during the season. Shuck, taste and learn from the experts to appreciate fresh Maine oysters. An interactive guide allows you to pick and choose your preferred oyster experience and explore the coastal communities as you go. 

These botanical gardens are open May-October, so the autumn months are your best (and last) chance to take in the foliage. The site has collaborated with acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo to create larger-than-life sculptures made of recycled wood. These friendly trolls, called ‘Guardians of the Seeds’, offer clues to unearth a secret… with that in mind, this mysterious experience also showcases the sustainability of the forest.

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Amtrak’s recent expansion saw three new stations open in summer 2022, so this autumn make the most of the scenic New York City to Vermont route on its wider Ethan Allen Express Service with a visit to Middlebury, Vergennes and Burlington. Stop off at Rutland for its year-round farmers’ market or Burlington (pictured) to stroll along the shores of Lake Champlain before boarding a stunning sunset cruise.

Travel a little slower (and longer) this autumn and take on the utterly charming Route 100. Another National Scenic Byway, this route goes from north to south and offers pure wilderness and forest views. It’s ideal for those seeking quintessential New England with small villages, covered bridges and the bubbling Connecticut River. It might sound simple but as supermarkets are rare in this corner of the state, shop in the local-run, old-style general stores where the floorboards creak beneath your feet. Use the Foliage Forecaster to hit the autumn highlights.

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Whether you’re travelling in a group, as a family or on a romantic getaway, another traditional New England experience is staying at a classic New England inn. Enjoy a quiet setting with all the trimmings; New England Inn & Lodge in North Conway even offers in-room hot tubs. If you don’t plan on stopping over, simply admiring the distinctive architecture is enough to get your yesteryear fix, as its scenic railway (pictured) attests.

A new 2022 addition, the Massachusetts Lighthouse Trail proves that the coast is just as captivating as the forest come autumn. The state is home to the first lighthouse site in the US – Boston Light on Little Brewster Island – and on this trail you can take a scenic road trip through the Bay State to see over 45 of them. Visit coastal communities and discover the maritime history of the area, from Cape Ann to Cape Cod.

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Step back into the boom years of the Gilded Age by touring the ‘Summer Cottages’ of the great family dynasties who once ran New York society. If you’re a fan of HBO’s The Gilded Age then you’ll love exploring the show’s settings at the likes of The Breakers, Marble House and Rosecliff. Plus, they’re quieter to visit at this time of year, making it all the more enjoyable (and feel as if you reside there yourself). Check the website for individual opening times and available tours.

Martha's Vineyard is a scenic and historic place to visit at any time of year, but especially in autumn. In 2022, three new sites were added to the African American Heritage Trail system in Martha’s Vineyard, recognising the contributions made by people of African descent to the history of the site. Take time to read the bronze plaques which provide more information about the families who were removed between 1910-1920 (as part of a racial segregation policy), plus their contributions to the island’s history, before exploring the other museums here.

If the rain hits while you're in Rhode Island, head to The Sailing Museum. Located in the historic Newport Armory (pictured), the museum opened in May 2022 and provides a home for the history of American sailing. Divided into six thematic areas, its interactive experiences celebrate the sport’s heritage and legends. Here you’ll also find the National Sailing Hall of Fame and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame.

September to November is officially ‘cider season’ in New Hampshire, a time when apple orchards are harvested and cideries are pressing and fermenting. Seven Birches Winery has branched into the hard craft cider market and offers a new brand called Rhythm Craft Ciders. Head to its newly opened Rhythm Ciders Studio in downtown Lincoln where you can enjoy a tasting experience.

This lakeside adventure resort (also the site of TV reality show Camp Getaway) is located on 300 acres in the Berkshire Mountains. Offering all-inclusive weekday family camps and adult weekend camps, rates include accommodation, food and drink, nightly entertainment and outdoor activities. Go ziplining, wakeboarding or play volleyball. The adults-only Fall Finale (7-9 October 2022) sees you take part in pub hikes, themed dinners and Bloody Mary Bingo.

Beer-lovers love Connecticut for its craft brewery scene, although it’s hard to whittle down the list with so many solid options. Fox Farm Brewery (pictured) is highly recommended for its Hearthbound porter and IPA-style Double Burst. Set on a 30-acre farm in a restored 1960s dairy barn, its pastoral setting makes it all the more gorgeous in autumn.

If you have a head for heights, take to the skies some 50-100 miles (80-161km) above ground with one of Connecticut’s oldest balloon ride companies, Berkshire Balloons. Departing just after sunrise, you’ll get to marvel at the autumn foliage below, as well as have the chance to see upstate New York and Long Island to the north and west, with New Hampshire and Massachusetts to the north. Back on ground level you can commemorate your sky-high experience with a traditional (and complimentary) Champagne toast.

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Famed for its historic University of Connecticut campus (pictured), another side to Storrs is its Adventure Park. The Treetop Trails offer acres of rope courses and ziplines which twist through scenic surroundings. Low-rope and high-rope courses make it suitable for all ages (big kids included) and have another Connecticut branch (no pun intended) in Fairfield County. If you want to dial it up even more, why not give axe-throwing a go here too?

Get behind the steering wheel and follow your guide through some 1,000 acres of privately owned trails in the Litchfield Hills. Your state-of-the-art UTV four-wheel drive features two side-by-side bucket seats and operates just like a regular car. You can bring up to three additional passengers with you on this action-packed adventure where you might spot deer, wild turkeys, hawks and even a black bear during the one-two hour tours. You can go at any time of year but autumn allows you to immerse yourself in the colourful foliage.

Book a stay at Parker Hill Farm’s newly opened boutique campground for a unique glamping experience – with some furry alpacas for company. Spend a weekend in a spacious, luxury tent amid pastoral landscapes where you can watch the sunset and twinkling stars in back-to-basics surroundings.

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Apple-picking is another quintessential autumn activity with more than enough farms to choose from. Choose from Doles Orchard (pictured), Apple Acres Farm or Cayford Orchards and pick from a wide variety of apples from Cortlands to Honeycrisp. Bake a homemade apple pie with your collection for ultimate autumn feels. 

Stowe, situated at the foot of Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak, pictured), is an ideal spot for adventurers. Bluebird Hotels’ latest Tälta Mountain Lodge serves as a great base for exploring Stowe and the rest of Vermont with a roster of seasonal activities from hiking to mountain biking. For those cooler days make the most of the lodge's indoor pool and sauna. Rooms are set up perfectly for explorers with most including modular gear walls and private decks.

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