slides: The Best Places for Leaf Peeping Around New England
Saturday, September 24, 2016
GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team
There is no better way to relax on a weekend afternoon than by traveling along winding roads and seeing the best nature has to offer.
See the Best Places for Leaf Peeping in the Slideshow Below.
As we enter prime leaf peeping season, the landscapes of New England are painted in various shades of autumn color.
Experience the variety of color against the bright blue sky while enjoying the fall air.
During this time of year, New England welcomes many tourists to view the breathtaking fall foliage that the Northeast has to offer.
On the way home, make a pit stop at your favorite orchard farm for a bag of apples and a fresh glass of apple cider.
See the Slideshow Below for the best places for leaf peeping.
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Massachusetts
If you are a leaf peeper and you have not made it to the Berkshires yet then you are missing out.
Get over there during the first week in October for some of the best foliage that you will see in the entire season.
This area is for the most serious of leaf peepers.
PHOTO: Ogden Gigli/Flickr
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Lincoln, RI
This 627-acre park just outside of Providence includes all of picturesque Olney Pond and plenty of leaf-covered paths to wander through.
H.P. Lovecraft cited Lincoln Park as one of his favorite haunts.
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Green Mountain National Forest
Stowe, Vermont
Did you know that Vermont has the highest percentage of maple trees in all of New England?
That fact, among others makes Vermont one of the best places to leaf peep in the region and the Green Mountain National Forest is a great place for Leaf peepers.
PHOTO: US Dept. of Agriculture/Flickr
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Route 77 Tiverton/Little Compton
The stretch along Sakonnet Peninsula is covered by sugar maples and red maples.
While your making the drive, be sure to check out the pumpkin fields and farms along the way.
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North Conway, New Hampshire
The best time to visit the White Mountains is right at the beginning of October, as that is when the fall foliage is at its peak.
The hotel provides great rooms with amazing mountain and cliff views.
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Conanicut Island
Jamestown, RI
The terrain of Conanicut Island in Jamestown includes farmland, marshes, and wildlife preserves and great leaf peeping sites.
But for the best leaf peeping sights, head down North Road and around East Main Road for views of Potter Cove.
Take in the small-town feel of Narragansett Avenue and journey out to Mackerel Cove, Fort Getty and the southernmost tip of the island--Beavertail State Park and the lighthouse.
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Sutton, MA
Built in 1757, Waters Farm is 127 acres of fall fun.
The 37th annual Waters Farm Day Fall Festival is set to take place from October 1 to October 2.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PHOTO: Neiljs/Flickr
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Scituate Reservoir
Scituate, RI
Stop by the Scituate Reservoir and see the shoreline lined with trees with leaves of all colors.
The leaves reflecting on the water are a cool thing to see and makes for a great leaf peeping experience.
PHOTO: Rafael Medina/Flickr
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Paxton, MA
The 730-acre park has been the site of gristmills and sawmills and many other things since 1747.
Explore the trails in the central section of the park to witness the beautiful colors.
Then find a nice spot to settle down, have a picnic and enjoy the day and the leaves.
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Exeter, MA
Hikers, walkers, and bikers are invited to visit Arcadia.
Rhode Island’s largest protected area features forest, swamps, shrub wetlands, marshes, and open bodies of water.
A nearly 7-mile trail weaves through some of the most striking ecoology in Southern New England.
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Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
Princeton, MA
This area encompasses 3,000 acres.
Take a ride up the automobile road, which is open for spring and fall, that ascends the 2,006 foot summit.
Below the summit is an old growth forest with trees of 50 to 370 years old, all of which provide amazing foliage.
Once you are at the top of the mountain, you can see Mount Monadnock to the north, Mount Greylock to the west, southern Vermont to the northwest and Boston to the east.
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Westerly, RI
Step into the scenic Wilcox Park in Westerly, Rhode Island.
These fifteen acres are dotted by Japanese maples, Red Horsechestnuts, and Witch hazels.
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Connecticut River Valley
Essex,Ct.
Take a ride on the Essex Steam Train, complete with an authentic steam locomotive, as it takes you past some of the best leaves in the area.
If the train is not for you, then water it is. Hop on the Riverquest for Connecticut River Expeditions.
PHOTO: Juliane Schultz/Flickr
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Lake Champlain
Burlington, Vermont
Explore the lake and the foliage that surrounds it by foot on the walking tour and then take a bike ride down the 7.5 mile lakeside bike path while viewing the various colors of the leaves.
It is a bike ride you will not soon forget.
PHOTO: Denisbin/Flickr
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Manchester, NH
Mt. Equinox is the highest mountain accessible by car in the Taconic Range.
The 5.3 mile drive features incredible foliage at every turn, and once at the top, the views are breathtaking.