New England Colors 2019

We had planned a trip last fall to the New England states. Sadly, a family emergency made us cancel that trip. So once again, I am planning a trip there this Fall for the colors. We live in South Dakota and will work our way through Wisconsin and up into Canada and then down into the New England States. I have a few questions, if anyone has any suggestions, we would be grateful:

1. Timing. I know Fall Colors are dependent on weather/rainfall so it is probably a guestimate at best as when to be there. After some research it appears the first few weeks in October should be safe to see color. Does that sound like a good time to travel through New England?

2. Reservations. Although I am a planner, I also LOVE to travel and just stop when we see a great spot to camp. I am assuming this is not the trip to do that. Are campsites pretty scarce during Fall colors? Would it be wise to make a daily itinerary and reserve ahead of time?

3. Places. For those of you who have been or live in the area. What are some MUST Do's. Great state parks? Restaraunts? Fall Fairs? Campgrounds?

4. Route/Itinerary. Planning on coming down through Canada so perhaps starting in Vermont, then Maine, NH, MA and West back across the states to South Dakota. Any ideas on any other route that would make sense?

5. Miscellaneous. Anything else we should know about or consider when planning this trip.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions, we are so looking forward to this trip!

 

Yes that’s a good time for foliage. Leaf peeper season centers around Columbus Day weekend. Sometimes a bit earlier and sometimes a bit later. Lately it seems a bit earlier. Global warming? It gets pretty busy here at that time so I would recommend a reservation when in the more popular locations like the White Mts of NH. Especially on Columbus Day. Popular end of summer last camping time. It’s not a huge area like out west so get a campsite for several days and take some day trips around the area. The Kancamagus Highway is a must. Kancamagus Highway in NH: Welcome to the Kancamagus Scenic Byway!. Diana’s Baths, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46186-d2281447-Reviews-Diana_s_Baths-North_Conway_Conway_New_Hampshire.html , for a short hike. Lunch or a cocktail on the porch of the historic Mt Washington Hotel. A ride to the top of Mt Washington, weather permitting on the Cog Railroad or the auto road is a thrill but $$$. Once you have dropped the camper any of the roads through the notches, aka passes, is a good trip. We have a lot to see and it’s pretty condensed so you can’t really go wrong. New Hampshire's White Mountains. The coast of Maine is only a couple hour drive and you can check out the famous LL Bean main store. Open 24 hours a day, 364 days a year.