There’s no doubt the whole Northeast region makes for a beautiful fall adventure, as you’ll see the colors everywhere you turn. Whether a quick weekend getaway or relaxing weeklong break, New England captures the essence of autumn like no other place. And thanks to TripAdvisor Rentals, you’ll find a spacious, affordable home base to stay during your visit—maybe even surrounded by those gorgeous fall colors you want to experience.

If you’re seeking a vacation with more small-town charm than big-city lights, and you don’t want to spend days researching this beautiful region, our list might help. The famous New England foliage takes center stage in these 16 spots.

LUDLOW, VERMONT

The Okemo Mountain Resort makes Ludlow popular with winter skiers, but it’s equally beautiful for a vacation in the autumn months. The pools at Buttermilk Falls are good for swimming if the weather’s warm enough, but if not, they make the perfect spot to perch with a flask of coffee, look at the New England foliage, and watch the water cascade over the rocks.

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OLD LYME, CONNECTICUT

“This beautiful home was perfect. Plenty of space, felt like my own home, has everything you need, and I mean everything… It is a walk away from the beach which is perfect.” — TripAdvisor Rental Reviewer

Old Lyme has charming colonial architecture and fine American impressionist art on show at the Florence Griswold Museum. You can take a kayak down the Connecticut River or jump aboard the Essex Steam Train for a fall foliage excursion. Head to Studio 80 to see a working art studio, then step out into the Sculpture Grounds to enjoy the autumn parkland dotted with artworks.

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BAR HARBOR, MAINE

Experience island life in the charming town of Bar Harbor. It’s picturesquely sited on Maine’s Frenchman Bay, and offers historical town walks and windswept strolls along the shoreline. Lunch on ocean-fresh lobster then head into Acadia National Park for classic New England foliage views—and maybe a paddle-boarding tour.

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NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS

There’s plenty to do on a fall trip to this seaport city. Pack a picnic and wander through the meadows of Maudslay State Park, leaf peeping along the meandering paths and catching glimpses of the Merrimack River. On the barrier island of Plum Island, you can take a marsh tour in a kayak, spot birds, and maybe experience a sunset on the beach.

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BRETTON WOODS, NEW HAMPSHIRE

The big sell of Bretton Woods is the spectacular scenery of the White Mountain National Forest, with the Mount Washington Cog Railway a main attraction. You can also take a canopy tour in the treetops of Rosebrook Canyon, or play a relaxing round of golf at the Omni Mount Washington Resort. The views are so glorious in autumn, we bet you’ll be back to ski in the winter.

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ROCKWOOD, MAINE

“Great home, great location! We hiked Mt. Kineo and swam at Pebble Beach every day. We will definitely be back!” — TripAdvisor Rental Reviewer

People come to Rockwood in the fall for the hunting and excellent river and lake fishing. See Moosehead Lake, the Maine mountains, and the leaves in a riot of color. You could even take a ride in a sea plane with Currier’s Flying Service to see the show from above.

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STOWE, VERMONT

Who likes their leaf peeping with a side of adrenaline? If you’re in Stowe, sign up for a Ziptour Adventure and see the New England fall foliage from above, whizzing high over all the reds, browns, and golds. If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, try the hiking trails and take in that mountain scenery in a more sedate fashion.

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PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND

Pawtucket’s Slater Memorial Park has 435 acres to stroll around, a bike path, a lake with paddle boats, and a carousel, making it a charming space in the fall. You can learn about the city’s industrial history at Slater Mill, and on the waterfront, you can sit and dangle a fishing line or sail off down to Narragansett Bay.

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MILLINOCKET, MAINE

Millinocket provides plenty of outdoor adventures. Fall hikers should head straight to nearby Baxter State Park, a preserved wilderness with views of Mount Katahdin, plus tranquil lakes and ponds. Here you can crunch over the leaves, forage for mushrooms, and maybe spot a moose or two.

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SHEFFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

The oldest town in the Berkshires has a laid-back and sophisticated vibe, with its farmers’ markets and fantastic antique shopping. Go hiking, fishing, or canoeing in nearby Beartown State Forest or get majestic mountain and great New England foliage views atop the Bartholomew’s Cobble bedrock.

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CAMDEN, MAINE

Venture around the pretty New England town of Camden, with its handsome 19th-century homes, and follow the trails up into Camden Hills State Park. You’ll be rewarded with magnificent views from Mount Battie onto Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay below. You can also drive the Mount Battie Auto Road to see the New England foliage in its full glory.

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ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS

“The apartment met all my requirements, clean, comfortable, quiet with a beautiful view out back. I was hard pressed to find anything negative to say about this property because it has every conceivable appliance, tool, or kitchen utensil that you would find in your own home.” — TripAdvisor Reviewer

In town, sample the local chowder and spend an afternoon browsing the antiques stores. For an outdoor adventure, sign up for a guided sea kayak tour with Essex River Basin Adventures and spy on the local birdlife. The Stavros Reservation provides charming views of the river estuary, and Appleton Farms in nearby Ipswich puts on a colorful display of New England foliage, offering some truly beautiful autumn walks.

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WEST CORNWALL, CONNECTICUT

West Cornwall is known for its Covered Bridge, a wooden covered structure that stretches for 172 feet over the Housatonic River and appears on many a New England postcard. This is a great time of year to see the bridge surrounded by mature trees in their changing colors. Book a rustic cottage hidden in the woods nearby and enjoy your stay, totally undisturbed.

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FRANCONIA, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Set out from the scenic town to nearby Franconia Notch State Park, where breathtaking autumn vistas await you. You can sit on the beach at tranquil Echo Lake and get lost in your own thoughts, or hike your way around the woods.

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DAMARISCOTTA, MAINE

In the fall this place really pushes the boat out—the pumpkin boat, to be exact. The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest features decorated pumpkins, a pie-eating competition, and the Pumpkinboat Regatta, where folk take to the water for races and “Pumpkin Polo.” Downtown Damariscotta has a good array of shops and restaurants, where you’d be well advised to try the tasty local seafood.

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WILLIAMSTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS

“Wonderful family farmhouse in the Berkshires. The views from the living room and main bedrooms are stunning. Lovely fall foliage during our visit.” — TripAdvisor Rental Reviewer

Arts and culture figure prominently in this Berkshire County town, and it also has many natural assets, such as Hopkins Memorial Forest, with its inviting trails. To the east is Natural Bridge State Park, with its natural white marble arch and man-made dam. To the south, you’ll find towering Mount Greylock, the tallest peak in Massachusetts, serving up jaw-dropping views and great hiking territory.

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Want to vote for your favorite New England fall foliage getaway? Check out this full post on our TripAdvisor Rentals blog to make your pick. Plus get travel inspiration like affordable family vacations, luxurious ski cabins, celebrity stays, and more! Just touch here.