Great New England Foliage Adventures Featuring Jousting, Waterfalls, and Hot Air Ballons

Some folks think the best time of the year revolves around the winter holidays. On behalf of all New Englanders—and with the utmost respect—our fall foliage season is a contender. It’s no surprise we have mixed emotions about the throngs of visitors. Mostly, we adore leaf peepers; we just ask for a little common sense—like don’t park your car on a narrow, curvy road (with no shoulder). Otherwise, if you say hello in the coffee shop, we just might share some of our favorite New England fall foliage hidden gems with you. For now, here are a few favorites to kickstart your leaf-peeping adventure planning. 

Carver, MA

Don’t just peep the leaves. Instead, immerse yourself in 80 wooded acres of leafy brilliance during King Richard’s Faire. This New England Renaissance festival runs weekends from August 31 through the end of October, and it’s a whimsical spin on the region’s beloved foliage traditions. The event calendar includes jousting tournaments, royal parades, raucous rides, and axe-throwing opportunities. Prepare yourself for off-the-charts main character energy and plenty of renaissance-style bars to whet your whistle, like Witches’ Brew, Cart Champagne, and Dragon’s Nest.

Cape Cod, MA

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club offers fabulous foliage across its 27-acre waterfront property. The hotel’s ongoing collaboration with the rugged English luxury brand Barbour provides guests access to the Borrowing Closet featuring outerwear and boots. Guests can level up to the Barbour Field Guide package to dabble in clamming on Round Cove, guided nature walks, tours of the historic lighthouse, and other outdoorsy adventures. The rooms are stunning. The food is fabulous. Plus, you can chill on an Adirondack chair and watch the red-orange leaves twirl down from the trees and land in the water—enough said.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire—pretty much every mile of this majestic place—offers endless New England foliage drives and experiences. Obviously, the view from atop Mt. Washington is enough to make you weak in the knees—drive the Auto Road, hike it (be mindful of the extreme weather), or take the famous Cog Railway. Later, savor the views a bit longer by staying at the Omni Mount Washington Resort at the mountain’s base.  Also in the heart of the White Mountains, Lumen Nature Retreat offers rugged elegance with nature at the center of it all. The swoon-worthy luxe glamping and cabins are modern and entirely wow. Indulge in a barrel sauna sesh or the nearby Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train.

That said, those looking to float above the fall foliage can take to the skies via a hot air balloon ride with North Salem’s A&A Balloon Rides. If heights aren’t your thing, check out Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad to experience Lake Winnipesaukee at the height of foliage season, or create your own road trip itinerary on the Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway.

Kennebunkport, ME

When craving a bit of autumnal enchantment, set your navigation for Hidden Pond. Drive down the woodsy road and arrive at an oasis of luxury hideaways. If you’ve never meditated a day in your life, you’re in for a treat because the care with which the resort has been designed immediately makes you feel like you’re a breath or two away from enlightenment. Then add dazzling autumn leaves? Woah. There’s plenty to do in the area, but Hidden Pond is best enjoyed as an uninterrupted getaway. Read in the shade of the trees. Dine in the sumptuous restaurant, Earth. You can also explore activities like watercolor painting, gardening, or a tea foraging walk.  

Providence, Rhode Island

Route 102, in Rhode Island, awaits those looking for a classic and oh-so-fabulous New England fall foliage drive. It’s especially dazzling starting in Blackstone Valley and going through Wickford in South County. Blackstone Valley—a short 20-minute drive from Newport or Providence—proves a surprisingly uncrowded foliage drive. Stop by any number of fantastic spots like the vibey waterfront restaurant Tavern by the Sea, boutique shopping hub Wickford Village, or Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery. Anchor yourself at the dog-friendly gem, The Beatrice in Providence, and be sure to get to the much-loved rooftop for the spectacular seasonal views. 

Waitsfield VT

There’s a new biking and skiing base camp in Mad River Valley, and hot damn, if MadBush Falls isn’t just what we all need this season. Don’t sweat it if you’re new to biking—rent equipment or take a guided ride. No matter how you get on the trails, you’re in for an autumn wonderland. The property has also partnered with Savu Saunas, and the sleek sauna sits directly next to a waterfall—sauna, cold plunge, repeat. Plus, they built a small deck, so you can relax and just take it all in. Rent rooms or tents and refuel with Vermont-inspired dishes and cheeky cocktails like the briny vodka goodness of the Saline Dion and the wild blueberry beauty Chalice in Wonderland.

Canaan, CT

Skip the highways and byways and try some offroad leaf peeping with Backyard Adventure UTV Tours in Canaan. Take in the seasonal beauty of the Northwest Hills of Connecticut from behind the wheel of a UTV; these tours are a far cry from a leisurely scenic drive. You and up to three additional passengers follow your tour guide through hundreds of acres of privately owned trails. Guests must be 21, but Can-Am UTVs are easy to drive with a typical gas and brake setup. Round out the day with apple picking at nearby Autumn Harvest Orchard.

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Melanie Carden is a Boston-based travel and lifestyle writer.