The Best Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage in New England and Beyond
New England Mountain retreats, woodland escapes and lakeside living paint the perfect canvas for the season.
The crunch of leaves underfoot, a sniff of woodsmoke and the prospect of a cozy evening by the fire: as summer mellows into the golden glow of fall, the simple, if spectacular, pleasures of nature mingle with the familiar comforts of home. For homebuyers embracing the season, the northern hemisphere offers up several standout spots for taking in fall foliage.
Concord, Massachusetts | A Historic Autumn Destination
Few places capture the timeless beauty of a New England autumn quite like Concord, Massachusetts. Steeped in history and surrounded by rolling countryside, the town transforms into a brilliant tapestry of crimson, amber and gold as the season unfolds. Along the banks of the Concord River, centuries-old trees frame historic landmarks, while the tranquil waters of Walden Pond reflect the changing colors of the surrounding woodland. From scenic country roads and preserved conservation land to distinguished historic homes nestled among mature trees, Concord offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty, architectural heritage and quintessential New England charm.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts | Autumn in the Mountains of Western Massachusetts
In the rolling hills of western Massachusetts, the Berkshires offer one of New England's most spectacular displays of autumn color. As the season takes hold, forests of maple, oak and birch transform the landscape into sweeping shades of scarlet, copper and gold. Scenic drives wind through picturesque villages such as Lenox and Stockbridge, where historic estates, elegant country homes and charming inns provide an idyllic setting for crisp autumn afternoons. From the panoramic mountain views of Mount Greylock to the peaceful shores of the region's many lakes, the Berkshires offer an irresistible combination of natural splendor, cultural richness and refined country living.
Vermont | A New England Autumn Classic
In Vermont, the U.S. state’s famous maple trees produce kaleidoscopic displays of brilliant scarlet, orange and yellow fall foliage, their varied hues reflecting the diversity and richness of the landscape. The leaves of the white oak might turn a deep purple; the paper birch colors the woodland bright yellow; the American beech stipples the forest floor in copper and bronze.
Killington, Vermont | Williamson Group Sotheby’s International Realty
This 256-acre land parcel in Killington, Vermont, offers sweeping views of mountains washed in a brilliant sea of orange, gold and crimson that will captivate locals as surely as visitors.
“Autumn is my favourite season in Vermont, when an invigorating energy fills our charming towns and countryside,” says Karen Bresnahan, global real estate advisor with Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty. For Bresnahan, “crisp mornings and the comforting fragrance of baking apples, or leisurely afternoons exploring winding country roads, lend the season its spirit of serenity, discovery and wonder.”
A little further north, close to Elizabethtown in New York’s Adirondack mountains, fall unfolds in similarly epic style, with big skies bringing extra drama to vast areas of wilderness such as the 645-acre Jackson Brook estate. Here nature thrives in a precious, unspoilt setting, which can be enjoyed from the home’s three-season porch.
Elizabethtown, New York | Four Season’s Sotheby’s International Realty
