Take a jaunt through the southern Vermont woods aboard vintage railcars pulled by a diesel locomotive for spectacular views of the Connecticut river and some of the deep gorges of its tributaries. In fall, the maple trees blaze with flame-like colors.102 Railroad Row, White River Junction • 802 463 3069 • Jul–mid-Oct • Adm • www.rails-vt.com
This historic Indian trade route over the Berkshire Hills follows the upper ranges of the Deerfield River – resplendent with acid-yellow alder and birch – until it climbs through fiery stands of maple, birch, and beech in the Charlemont State Forest. The drive ends by spiraling down the hillsides at the aptly named Hairpin Turn (for further details see Mohawk Trail).
After a scenic gondola ride to the highest lift-served terrain in Vermont, a short, easy hike brings you to the summit of Killington Peak for a panoramic view of five states and part of Canada.
Few foliage drives in New England match the thrill of hurtling along the “Kanc” through a tunnel of kaleidoscopic colors. Stop along the way to savor the experience by hiking to a waterfall or sunning on mid-stream glacial boulders (for further details see Kancamagus Highway).
Combine a trip through the woods in restored railcars pulled by coal-fired steam locomotives with a cruise on the Connecticut River aboard a three-deck Mississippi-style river-boat.Exit 3 off Rte. 9, Essex • 860 767 0103 • May–Oct, Dec • Adm • www.essexsteamtrain.com
Perhaps New England’s ultimate road for leaf-peeping, Route 100 passes natural wonders like Moss Glen Falls, follows the Mad River through several scenic villages, then rises high into the Green Mountains.
Hop aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III for a narrated cruise around Lake Champlain. While adults admire the brightly painted forests that surround the lake, kids might keep an eye out for Champ, the legendary resident sea serpent.Burlington Boathouse, 1 College St., Burlington • 802 862 8300 • mid-May–mid-Oct • Adm • www.soea.com
The Deerfield River has some of the most exhilarating rapids and most scenic gorges in New England. Nothing compares to the rush of bankside colors during foliage season.Zoar Outdoor • 800 532 7483 • Jun–Sep • adm • www.zoaroutdoor.com
The 3,165-ft (965-m) summit of Mount Monadnock offers incredible views. It’s especially worth the scramble over boulders in colorful fall foliage season.Off Rte. 124, west of Jaffrey • 603 532 8862 • Sunrise–sunset daily • Adm • www.nhstateparks.org
Boston is blessed with an almost continuous chain of parks stretching from downtown sky-scrapers to leafy suburbia. In the fall, this 5-mile (8-km) cycle route is an explosion of red, purple, orange, and yellow as the foliage reaches its climax.