New England Autumn Drive Itinerary
Hop in a campervan and embark on an unforgettable New England fall escapade! Start your journey by grabbing your ride at the New York Depot and heading north.
Olympic Trail Scenic Byway, New York
Travel east across the mountains of Adirondack Park in Northern New York along the Olympic Trail Scenic Byway. Along the way, you'll find quaint towns, vast lakes, and hiking trails perfect for your fall adventure[2]. We highly recommend a brisk hike and picnic at an Oswegatchie Wild River trailhead. As you traverse upstate NY, don't miss the jaw-dropping vistas from the Veterans' Memorial Highway at Whiteface Mountain, where you can take a gondola, elevator, or nature trail to the summit[2]. Camp at the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA for a cozy, wooded retreat[2].
Side Trip: Thousand Island National Park
If time allows, explore the Thousand Island National Park on Lake Ontario in Canada. Park your campervan in a tent site at the 1000 Island/ Ivy Lea KOA, and indulge in the beauty this spectacular destination has to offer[3].
Find other routes and scenic byways in New York for even more autumnal adventure.
Lake Champlain Ferry to Burlington, Vermont
Next, put your campervan on a small ferry at Port Kent, New York, and sail across the picturesque Lake Champlain to Burlington, Vermont for a peak foliage experience. Discover this vibrant college town, and hop around a few breweries before continuing south on the Green Mountain scenic byway, Vermont Route 100 South[2].
Haven't had enough of covered bridges? Grab a list and seek out these historic, wooden landmarks throughout Vermont[2].
We once asked a local where to camp for the night, and they directed us to the Chittenden Brook Campground in Green Mountain National Forest – a rustic, wooded paradise teeming with wildlife[2].
Travel Tips
Campgrounds and ferry schedules are seasonal, so make sure to check in advance before you go[1].
Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
After your time in Vermont, spend three nights van camping in a reserved tent campsite at Franconia Notch State Park. Utilize this base camp to explore the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. The temperature can drop and rain may fall in late October, so prepare accordingly and enjoy the numerous hiking trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail[2].
Ascend the spectacular Flume Gorge, and be awestruck by this narrow, breathtaking ravine[2]. Fuel up on scratch-made pancakes and locally-sourced maple syrup at Polly's Pancake Parlor – a legendary breakfast spot[2].
Kancamagus Scenic Byway, New Hampshire
Next up is a drive along "The Kanc," New Hampshire Route 112, renowned for its world-class fall foliage. Stops worth checking out include Swift River, Lower Falls, and White Mountain National Park[2].
One cold, rainy evening, venture to a marshy area at dusk in search of a moose, but, unfortunately, our wild moose chase was unsuccessful. Indulge in some hot soup at a local Subway restaurant on your way back to camp[2].
Wildlife Park and Coastal Maine
Head southeast and stop at the Maine Wildlife Park in Augusta to safely view moose, beaver, fox, and black bear up close[1]. Cruise south into Maine until you reach the Atlantic Ocean, where you'll find charming beach towns, calm harbors, and fishing boats[2].
Camp at the Old Orchard Beach KOA, and explore other highlights like the lobster roll at Bentley's Saloon and antiquing in Arundel[2].
Rhode Island
Due to a looming storm, our trip itinerary was cut short, but we took time to visit the Beaver Tail Lighthouse in Jamestown Rhode Island – a peaceful, picturesque spot[1].
Cape Cod and Boston, Massachusetts
We planned to take a whale watching tour from the New England Aquarium in Boston, but the rough seas from the brewing Atlantic storm forced the tours to be canceled[1].
Adjust Your Travel Plans
Despite the unexpected twists, our fall campervan road trip through upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and the Maine coast was nothing short of amazing. The fall leaves were spectacular, wildlife was abundant, and the coast was refreshing and fun.
Timing Your Fall Foliage Trip
Keep in mind that there's no precise indicator for planning a trip to see the fall leaves at their peak. The further North you are, the sooner you need to go – mid-to-late September and early October[1]. The further South you are, you can wait until mid-to-late October, even into early November. Make sure to check the online projections for the current year before planning your trip[1].
Don't wait – book your fall campervan adventure soon!
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- Embark on a picturesque road trip in a campervan, traversing the Olympic Trail Scenic Byway in upstate New York and exploring the stunning scenery of the Adirondack Park.
- Spend a night at the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA campground, located in the heart of the Adirondacks, and prepare for an exciting hike or picnic at the Oswegatchie Wild River trailhead.
- After exploring the Adirondacks, continue your journey to Burlington, Vermont, by ferry, and take in the vibrant fall foliage while hopping between breweries in this lively college town.
