Capturing the magic of New England's fall foliage: 5 Tips for unforgettable leaf-peeping adventures
As the days grow shorter and the scent of homemade apple crisp begins to fill the air, New England dons its most enchanting attire. A delicate dance of crimson, gold, and rust — fall here is a spellbinding enchantress, weaving her magic through every city, town, and village in the region. It’s no surprise that each year, many travel to the area to go leaf-peeping and experience the charm of autumn in New England. But how do you get the most out of your fall foliage adventure? Before you embark on your journey, let’s delve into five tips to ensure your experience is unforgettable.
Go with the flow & be flexible.
When is peak fall foliage in New England? That’s one of the region's most popular questions regarding autumn, and the answer is, unfortunately, it depends. Despite expert attempts to pinpoint the exact days peak foliage will fall in New England, the truth is it’s unpredictable. Early predictions are especially inaccurate because they require speculation on the weather for the next month such as temperatures at night and rain totals. So I never recommend going only by these foliage outlooks to schedule a trip. If you do, there’s a greater chance you’ll miss peak than hit it. In my experience, you’re better off following localized live foliage reports and keeping your schedule open and flexible. Jeff from New England Fall Foliage has a collection of live webcams where you can check foliage status across New England on his website here, he also posts regular updates on social media. Other great resources are the Maine Foliage weekly reports and the White Mountains Fall Foliage Tracker. There are also numerous Facebook groups dedicated to tracking peak foliage.
Also, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. You may get to a location and find that the leaves haven’t changed yet or they’re all down. Just a week or even a day or two can make a huge difference when you’re trying to chase peak foliage. However, you may find little pockets of explosive color just down the road where you least expect. By adapting your plans, you can create the most out of the moment.
Furthermore, do not let rain deter you from taking your leaf-peeping road trip. My favorite times capturing fall colors in New England have all been those moody, misty, rainy days. Fog and mist can add mood while the rain darkens the tree trunks making the foliage appear that much more vibrant.
Look beyond the popular locations.
New England is full of leaf-peeping hot spots. While popular locations can be trendy for a reason, there is so much to be discovered outside of the same location you see all over Instagram or TikTok. Often, these locations become extremely crowded and end up suffering from overtourism. Large crowds can make these locations less enjoyableThe best fall foliage views in New England might just be a hidden gem.
Additionally, they rarely look like you expect they will be based on a photo. Keep in mind that these locations are often heavily photoshopped with colors shifted and more saturated or with entire elements edited in or out.
Take a moment to soak it in.
So often I see people hop out of a car at a location, snap a photo with their phone, and drive away all in about 30 seconds. Although it’s great to have a picture to remember a trip or you just see something beautiful and want to snap a picture, I encourage you to fully embrace the beauty of the season by savoring the sights and creating lasting memories. I promise it will enhance your overall leaf-peeping experience.
Leave time to get lost and explore.
While it’s a good idea to have a leaf-peeping itinerary, you never know what you will stumble across on your road trip. For this reason, I always recommend leaving time to get a little lost and explore. Sometimes that’s the best part of a trip. After all, the goal of going on a leaf-peeping adventure is to create cherished memories and not just check off a list of destinations.
Be respectful.
It’s important when you visit locations to be respectful and follow local rules and regulations. Places like the Kancamagus Highway and the White Mountain National Forest have specific drone rules that are often ignored. If it says not to put your drone up somewhere, don’t put it up. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of private property and either ask permission or don’t enter. Trespassing is not only disrespectful, it’s also illegal.
Also, do your best to have social awareness and be patient and courteous when you’re exploring places. You are not the only one visiting a location or trying to get a photo. For example, if you see someone standing there trying to take a photo, don’t jump into their frame. They were there first, just wait a second for your turn.
It may seem obvious, but if you carry something with you such as on a picnic or hike, be sure to carry it out with you as well or use designated bins. You can show respect for the places you visit by doing your part to keep them clean. Plus, litter distracts from the picturesque scenery that leaf-peepers seek to enjoy.
If you happen to run into any wildlife, be sure to respect it by giving it plenty of space. You can appreciate wildlife from a safe and respectful distance by using a telephoto lens or binoculars to get a closer look without disturbing animals. Additionally, if you encounter any nesting sites or dens do not disrupt them. Doing so can have long-term negative effects on local populations. Lastly, be sure to drive cautiously in known wildlife crossings, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are more active.
In the enchanting embrace of New England's fall foliage, every leaf-peeping road trip becomes an unforgettable journey. So whether you're a seasoned fall foliage enthusiast or embarking on your very first road trip, remember these insights, enjoy the journey, and let the vibrant tapestry of autumn in New England weave its magic around you. With each twist of the road and rustle of leaves, may your adventure be as colorful as the foliage itself. Happy leaf-peeping!
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