An Autumn Road Trip to Remember: 5 RV-Friendly Areas in the Northeast to See Fall Foliage

PW Industries
October 10, 2024

By: Scott Krycia

As the leaves begin to change color, autumn in the Northeastern United States offers a spectacular display of nature’s beauty. What better way to witness these seasonal transformations than with a road trip in your trusty RV? Embark on a journey through some of the most picturesque areas in the region, where you can witness the fall foliage in all its glory. Here are five RV-friendly areas in the Northeast, along with three locations in each area, a quaint town nearby, RV campgrounds, and noteworthy attractions.

1. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Locations to Visit

  •  Mount Greylock: Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, the highest peak in Massachusetts provides a stunning display of fall foliage.
  • Mohawk Trail: This historic scenic byway offers a drive through the Berkshires,showcasing an array of vibrant autumn hues.
  • Stockbridge: A charming New England town, known for its classic red barns and historic homes, enveloped in a blanket of fall colors

Quaint Town

Lenox, Massachusetts: Explore this delightful town with its shops, art galleries, and colonial architecture, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Like to go birding? Check out the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

RV Campground

Prospect Lake Park: This family-friendly campground offers spacious RV sites, lakefront views, and convenient access to the Berkshires’ attractions.

Attractions

  • The Norman Rockwell Museum: Celebrating the art of the beloved American painter, this museum in Stockbridge showcases a collection of his iconic works.
  • Ashuwillticook Rail Trail: Enjoy a scenic bike ride or leisurely walk along this 12.7-mile trail, offering breathtaking views of the fall foliage.

2. The White Mountains, New Hampshire

Locations to Visit

  • Kancamagus Highway: This scenic drive through the WhiteMountains provides a front-row seat to some of the most vibrant fall foliage in New England.
  • Franconia Notch State Park: Home to the iconic Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain, this park offers captivating vistas of autumn colors.
  • Conway: Nestled in the MountWashington Valley, this town is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, perfect for a fall getaway.

Quaint Town

North Conway, New Hampshire: Explore this quintessential New England village with its vintage train rides, scenic vistas, and charming Main Street lined with local shops. You can also take a drive and check out the various covered bridges in the area.

RV Campground

Saco River Camping Area: Set along the picturesque Saco River, this campground offers spacious RV sites amidst the beauty of the White Mountains

Attractions

  • The Flume Gorge: Follow wooden walkways through towering granite walls and witness the natural beauty of this 800-foot-long gorge.
  • Mount Washington Cog Railway: Embark on a train ride to the summit of MountWashington, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking fall views.

3. The Adirondacks, New York

Locations to Visit

  • Lake Placid: Surrounded by the majestic AdirondackMountains, Lake Placid offers stunning fall foliage views and a serene alpine atmosphere.
  • High Peaks Scenic Byway: This route winds through the heart of the Adirondacks, offering an array of stunning vistas and colorful landscapes.
  • Saranac Lake: Known for its tranquil lakes and charming downtown area, Saranac Lake provides a peaceful retreat amidst the fall foliage

Quaint Town

Tupper Lake, New York: Experience the peaceful ambiance of this small Adirondack town, known for its outdoor recreation and pristine natural beauty. You can even have a donut and do your laundry at the Washboard Donut Shop.

RV Campground

Lake Placid / Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday: This campground offers spacious RV sites,spectacular mountain views, and convenient access to outdoor attractions.

Attractions

  • Wild Center: Explore this natural history museum in Tupper Lake, featuring interactive exhibits and treetop walkways amidst the fall foliage.
  • Whiteface Mountain: Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Whiteface Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the Adirondacks in autumn.

4. The Green Mountains, Vermont

Locations to Visit

  • Stowe: Known for its iconic covered bridges and rolling hills, Stowe offers a quintessential New England fall foliage experience.
  • Smugglers’ Notch State Park: A scenic drive through this mountain pass provides breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks blanketed in fall colors.
  • Bennington: Explore this historic town known for its colonial architecture, art galleries, and vibrant fall foliage.

Quaint Town

Manchester, Vermont: Wander through the charming streets of Manchester, lined with historic buildings, local boutiques, and cozy cafes, perfect for a relaxing day trip. Be sure to play some of the over 60 games at Pastime Pinball.

RV Campground

Stowe / Smugglers’ Notch KOA Resort: This upscale campground offers modern amenities,spacious RV sites, and easy access to outdoor activities amidst the Green Mountains.

Attractions

  • Bennington Battle Monument: Visit this historic landmark, commemorating the Battle of Bennington during the Revolutionary War, with panoramic views of the region.
  • Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home: Explore this former estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln, set amidst beautiful gardens and fall foliage.

5. The Finger Lakes, New York

Locations to Visit

  • Watkins Glen State Park: Hike through gorges and waterfalls surrounded by vibrant fall foliage, making for an enchanting autumn experience.
  • Letchworth State Park: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth offers stunning vistas of the Genesee River gorge framed by colorful trees.
  • Corning: Discover the charming town of Corning, famous for its glassmaking heritage, historic downtown, and scenic fall vistas

Quaint Town

Skaneateles, New York: Explore this lakeside village along Skaneateles Lake, known for its charming boutiques, art galleries, and of course fall foliage. There are also various lake cruise to choose from.

RV Campground

Watkins Glen / Corning KOA Holiday: This family-friendly campground offers spacious RVsites, resort-style amenities, and easy access to the Finger Lakes attractions.

Attractions

  • Corning Museum of Glass:Immerse yourself in the art and history of glassmaking at this world-renowned museum, featuring live demonstrations and hands-on exhibits.
  • Seneca Lake Wine Trail:Embark on a scenic drive along this wine trail, visiting vineyards and tasting rooms surrounded by fall colors and stunning lake views.

Taking a road trip through these five RV-friendly areas in the Northeast promises a feast for the eyes with nature’s vibrant fall foliage. Each destination offers a blend of picturesque landscapes, charming towns, RV campgrounds, and unique attractions, making for an unforgettable autumn adventure. Get ready to hit the open road and witness the beauty of fall in the Northeast in all its colorful splendor!