We're excited to embark on this 8-day journey through some of the most picturesque destinations in the Northeast. We'll be chasing the fall foliage through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, staying at unique hotels along the way. We'd love to meet up with any friends who happen to be in these areas during our trip!
Starting from our home in Califon, we'll make our way through charming towns, scenic mountain landscapes, and coastal communities during peak foliage season. Below you'll find our detailed itinerary with accommodation information, dining recommendations, and activities for each day.
Our journey begins at home in Califon, NJ. We'll be finalizing our packing, checking weather forecasts, and preparing camera equipment for capturing the beautiful fall colors ahead.
Enjoying our last night at home before the road trip begins!
Driving Distance: 211 km (131 miles) | Driving Time: 2 hours 12 minutes
Our first destination is the artistic community of Woodstock, NY, known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, and gorgeous Catskill Mountain surroundings.
A boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Woodstock, featuring modern amenities with rustic charm and a beautiful stream running through the property.
Visit Hotel WebsiteFarm-to-table restaurant featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Recommended dishes: Wood-fired vegetables, locally-raised meat dishes, craft cocktails.
42 Mill Hill Rd, Woodstock, NY
Driving Distance: 308 km (191 miles) | Driving Time: 3 hours 7 minutes
We'll drive north to the Olympic village of Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains, taking a scenic route through the spectacular High Peaks region.
A luxurious Adirondack-style lodge set directly on Lake Placid with handcrafted furnishings, stone fireplaces, and spectacular lake views.
Visit Hotel WebsiteRooftop dining with spectacular views. Recommended: Local trout, seasonal specialties, extensive whiskey selection.
2407 Main St, Lake Placid, NY
Driving Distance: 150 km (93 miles) | Driving Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
We'll cross into Vermont to visit the picturesque town of Stowe, famous for its ski slopes and spectacular fall foliage. The drive takes us through the beautiful Green Mountains.
A European-inspired mountain resort owned by the von Trapp family of "The Sound of Music" fame, with stunning mountain views and Austrian-inspired architecture.
Visit Hotel WebsiteUpscale dining with locally-sourced Vermont ingredients. Recommended: Seasonal tasting menu, craft cocktails, and artisanal cheese plates.
91 S Main St, Stowe, VT
Driving Distance: 138 km (86 miles) | Driving Time: 1 hour 48 minutes
We'll journey east to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, taking the scenic route through Smugglers Notch and stopping at Zenbarn for a late lunch or early dinner.
This grand historic hotel dates back to 1902 and offers luxury accommodations with stunning views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.
Visit Hotel WebsiteFarm-to-table restaurant with a casual vibe. Recommended: Vermont craft beers, grass-fed burgers, creative vegetarian options.
179 Guptil Rd, Waterbury Center, VT
Driving Distance: 159 km (99 miles) | Driving Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
We'll head to the coast of Maine to experience the charming seaside town of Kennebunkport, with its beautiful harbor and New England coastal charm.
A historic inn located in the heart of town, offering New England charm and within walking distance to shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Visit Hotel WebsiteAward-winning lobster rolls and seafood. Must try: Lobster roll with butter or mayo (or both!).
Driving Distance: 254 km (158 miles) | Driving Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
We'll head back inland to visit Woodstock, Vermont, often called one of America's prettiest small towns, especially beautiful in fall.
A charming inn located in the heart of Woodstock offering comfortable accommodations in a historic setting.
Visit Hotel WebsiteUpscale dining with seasonal menu. Recommended: Vermont cheese plate, locally-raised meat dishes.
Driving Distance: 380 km (236 miles) | Driving Time: 4 hours
For our final day, we'll head south to the Hudson Valley town of Peekskill, NY, enjoying the scenic Taconic Parkway along the way.
A boutique hotel set in a former convent with panoramic Hudson River views, featuring luxurious accommodations and fine dining.
Visit Hotel WebsiteHistoric dining room featuring American classics. Recommended: Seasonal game dishes, hearty comfort food.
Bear Mountain, Tomkins Cove, NY
Follow our journey through New Jersey, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine with this interactive map. Click on any marker to see details about each stop.
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Based on historical data and climate patterns, here's what to expect for fall colors during our trip:
This timing places us perfectly to catch the progression of fall colors from north to south!
Fall weather in New England can be highly variable. Pack layers, as temperatures can range from warm days (60s-70s°F) to cold nights (30s-40s°F), especially in mountain areas.
Always bring a waterproof jacket, as rain showers are common in autumn.
Morning light provides the richest fall colors - plan to be at scenic overlooks early.
Overcast days can actually enhance color saturation in photos, so don't be discouraged by cloudy weather.
Bring polarizing filters to reduce glare and enhance foliage colors.
Consider these officially designated scenic routes for the best views:
Don't miss these regional foods:
Mountain roads like Smugglers Notch can occasionally close due to early snow or ice - check conditions before travel.
Some scenic roads get very busy during peak foliage weekends. Start early to avoid crowds.
Our top recommendations for fall photography:
In case of inclement weather, here are some indoor activities for each destination:
Check the current forecast for each destination on our journey. Weather data is provided by OpenWeatherMap and is updated regularly.
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