Leaf Peeping in New England: The Perfect RV Experience
TL;DR: Don't let fall end your road adventures! Explore New England’s stunning fall foliage on scenic drives in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Tips on packing, local foods, and cozy stays included.
What do you do at the end of summer? Some RVers pack up the bug spray, the sunblock, and the beach towels. Maybe you’re like us and you eat the rest of the s’more-making supplies.
Whatever you do, don’t let the arrival of fall put your affair with the road on hold until next year. After a summer spent keeping the kids entertained, and friends and family fed, it’s time to enjoy a little you time.
Fall in New England has everything you need to escape from the daily grind. And it’s the perfect time to enjoy one of the activities New England is known for—leaf peeping.
We’re sharing a few of our favorite scenic drives where you can view the fall spectrum of colors and tips on creating the perfect autumn getaway.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Fall Road Trip
In some parts of the country, the short window between summer and winter often means fewer RVs on the road and more campground availability. New England is a coveted autumn destination, so you’ll want to reserve your stays well in advance
What About Packing?
Pack thoughtfully. With all the summer gear stored away, you have ample room to bring plush everything. That includes bedding and towels. A good night’s sleep nestled in comfy blankets is priceless when you’re traveling.
Don’t forget the cozy flannels and fall jackets. We love base layers made from Merino wool or fleece. These fabrics wick away moisture, keeping you warm and dry. Make sure to pack a few pairs of hiking socks. For extra protection, include liner socks—they’ll keep your feet dry and reduce friction, which prevents blisters.
Savor Local Foods
Many of our favorite New England Harvest Hosts offer home-grown produce, eggs, meats, and cheeses, so no need to overpack groceries. Visit local delis and markets for gourmet road snacks—Vermont cheddar and apple slices, pumpkin spice popcorn, and warm apple cider come to mind. Don’t forget New England specialties like maple syrup products and apple cider donuts.
Keep meals simple with hearty soups, grilled seafood, and roasted veggies. Pack your Instant Pot or slow cooker and create gourmet meals with minimal effort. Fall is the perfect time for outdoor cooking. Pair a cast iron skillet or griddle with our autumn weekend camping recipes to create gourmet campfire meals.
Harvests Hosts offers unique experiences at farms, breweries, and wineries where you can sample local flavors. Our Members often find everything they need to prepare meals at their Host’s farm markets and gift shops.
Bring the Fire
While some Hosts have fire pits for Members to use during their stay, bring a portable fire pit. We like the Solo Stove Ranger. It’s small but mighty and can go from your backyard to your RV with zero effort. Roast marshmallows, and sip warm spiced (or spiked) cider while you marvel at the starry night sky. Consider bringing a portable electric heater. Fall mornings can be chilly
Top New England Leaf-Peeping Drives
Start at the top of New England where Maine’s display of autumn colors will leave you speechless. The drive along Coastal Route 1 is an experience! Not only can you peep the leaves, you’ll enjoy rugged ocean views, and drive through some of the most charming towns in the U.S.A.
Make sure to visit Rockland, the artsy coastal town famous for its culture and cuisine. If you visit Acadia National Park, don’t miss the drive on Park Loop Road. Stop for lunch at Jordan Pond House for popovers and tea.
Where to Stay
You cannot visit Maine without experiencing the seafood. And there’s no better place to find fresh seafood than Harvest Hosts Mainely Seafood Company in Freeport. Stay the night, order from the takeout menu (best lobster rolls in the area), and shop the day’s fresh catch, including fish, clams, oysters, and of course, lobster.
Experience New England’s most stunning sunscapes and autumn colors at another favorite Harvest Hosts location— Orchard Ridge Farm in Gorham. You won’t need to cook a single meal during your stay. Your Hosts offer a full menu of homecooked goodness at their onsite restaurant. Sample local produce, meats, cheeses, craft beer, wine, and more from the farm store.
You can get your kicks on Route 66, but you’ll indulge in a feast for your eyes when you take a fall road trip on Vermont’s Route 100. This scenic by-way takes you right through the Green Mountains where a tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds drape the trees. Don’t miss one of Vermont’s hidden gems, Moss Glen Falls.
Where to Stay
Nothing says “pampered” like a charcuterie board, a home-baked birthday cake, or a S’Mores kit delivered right to your door. Stay at Creekside Randolph, VT, and let your Hosts pamper you. Peep at the leaves during the golden hours—sunrise and sunset. If you’re a Ben and Jerry fan, this Harvest Hosts location is only 37 miles away. Take a factory tour and get your ice cream fix!.
If your idea of soaking up the fall colors includes fishing and boating, Apple Island Resort, nestled on Vermont’s Lake Champlain, might be the getaway you’ve been dreaming about. Beyond the resort’s oversized full hook-up sites, and complimentary Wifi, campers love the dazzling autumn colors of the trees surrounding the lake.
Between Vermont and Maine, lies the state of New Hampshire. Fondly called “The Kanc,” the Kancamagus Highway, is a 34.5-mile stretch of Route 112 that winds through White Mountain National Forest. Your reward for the drive is breathtaking views of the rich autumn hues.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for solitude, Lee’s Fieldstone Farm, in Alton, is all about quiet and tranquility. Take advantage of the season to enjoy the fresh fall flowers for sale. Sample products made from the farm’s apple and peach trees. They also grow blueberries and grapes! Visit the gift store and buy one of the hand-crafted birdhouses——ask your Hosts about making a birdhouse that looks like your home.
For a unique pampering experience, visit Lumen Nature Retreat, located in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Stay in one of the tastefully appointed cabins, or reserve one of the cozy A-frame or luxury safari tents. Indulge in a private sauna. If you’d like to try glamping in the fall, this is the place to do it.
Each of these trips offers a unique perspective on New England's stunning fall foliage. Our Hosts also offer unique experiences. To plan your perfect autumn leaf-peeping adventure join Harvests Hosts today!
