From northern mountains to southern shores, New England serves up vibrant autumn color all season long GREAT NORTH WOODS, NH EARLY PEAK (LATE SEP. TO EARLY OCT.) Set in the far northern reaches of New Hampshire, this is a region of twisting two-lane roads, with the promise of moose around every bend. The towns are small and inviting, from Lancaster, then north to Colebrook, and beyond to Pittsburg. Here, hikers set off along the 170 miles of the Cohos Trail, and ATV enthusiasts explore over 1,000 miles of backcountry trails. n scenic route: Drive slowly with open windows north from Colebrook to Pittsburg on Route 145, a National Scenic Byway, and soak in views of water, mountains, forest, and possibly moose. n photo op: At Beaver Brook Falls in Colebrook, water tumbles 80 feet over rocks, while ever-greens and hardwoods lush with color frame every shot. n refueling stop: The Rainbow Grille & Tavern at Tall Timber Lodge in Pittsburg shows that sporting camps that thrive after 70-plus years know how to please hungry anglers and foliage day-trippers.
Coos County, NH
22 WEEKENDS WITH YANKEE INSIDERS’ GUIDE
Peacham, VT
NORTHEAST KINGDOM, VT EARLY PEAK (LATE SEP. TO EARLY OCT.) Though filled with clapboard villages and rugged mountain beauty, the tricounty northeastern corner of Vermont is no mere drive-though postcard. It rewards those visitors who stop and bide a while—whether it’s to spend a day mountain biking on East Burke’s famed Kingdom Trails, or an evening camping at Brighton State Park’s Spectacle Pond, a sheltered gem that fully lives up to its name in autumn. n scenic route: Cruise by bike or car from Brighton to Westmore via Route 105 and Hinton Hill Road, where Lake Willoughby, Vermont’s deepest lake, appears as a blue ribbon from the high open fields. n photo op: Snap a selfie with the stately double row of maples on Darling Hill Road in Lyndonville. n refueling stop: Pay a visit to Greensboro’s world-famous beer mecca, Hill Farmstead Brewery, then grab a pizza at the Parker Pie Co. in West Glover.
Camden, ME
UPPER MIDCOAST, ME MIDDLE PEAK (LATE SEP. TO MID-OCT.) The call of the coast is impossible to resist in autumn—especially along the stretch of Route 1 that hugs Penobscot Bay, linking the destination towns of Rockland, Rockport, and Camden with Belfast and Searsport to the north, now emptied of summer throngs. Kick back at a seafood shack and claim some of the best lobster of the year, and watch the season’s last day-sails and windjammer cruises swanning around against a backdrop of fiery leaves. n scenic route: Climb Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park and—with Penobscot Bay spread out below—you will have achieved the literal pinnacle of Midcoast leaf peeping. n photo op: Hike out onto Rockland’s nearlymile-long breakwater for an uninterrupted view of the harbor and coastline, including the crown of Owls Head Light. n refueling stop: The Red Barn Baking Co. in Camden excels at oven-fresh breads, pastries, cookies, and, of course, whoopie pies—perfect for enjoying on a bench by the harbor.
UPPER PIONEER VALLEY, MA MIDDLE PEAK (LATE SEP. TO MID-OCT.) Set amid the undulating swath of woods and farmland along the Connecticut River, this isn’t the place for languid walks and sleepy B&Bs. Thanks to the five famed local colleges—Mount Holyoke, Smith, Hampshire, Amherst, and UMass Amherst—the region’s stunning foliage and panorama-laden hikes come with a side of indie music, film screenings, book readings, and, to keep it all humming, artisanal coffee.
P H OTO S : J I M S A LG E ( N H ) ; M A R K F L E M I N G ( V T, M E , C T ) ; D E N I S TA N G N E Y J R . / I S TO C K ( R I )
PEAK PERFECTION
