Welcoming Fall : Your 5 Day Road Trip Through The Great Northeast
Chasing Fall Colors: A Harvest Hosts Road Trip from Manasquan to Acadia
Autumn in the Northeast is nothing short of magical, winding roads covered in fiery leaves, crisp air filled with the scent of cider, cozy festivals in small towns, and plenty of local flavors to enjoy along the way. This 5-day itinerary takes you from Manasquan, NJ to Acadia National Park in Maine, weaving through the Hudson Valley, the Berkshires, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Along the way, you’ll park at actual Harvest Hosts locations, soak up art and music, and take in the region’s most iconic fall experiences.
Day 1:
Manasquan, NJ → Hudson Valley, NY
Drive Time: ~3.5 hours (170 miles)
Foliage: The leaves start shifting from soft yellows to vibrant oranges as you head north into the Hudson Valley.
Stops & Activities
Scenic Drive along the Hudson River: Roll past riverfront villages like Nyack and Tarrytown, framed in autumn colors.
Storm King Art Center (Cornwall, NY): A massive outdoor sculpture park where rolling hills dotted with modern art installations glow with fall foliage.
Angry Orchard Innovation Cider House (Walden, NY): Tour the orchards, taste limited-edition ciders, and warm up with cider donuts.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (Croton-on-Hudson, NY): At night, step into Halloween magic — more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins illuminated in artistic displays, from glowing bridges to pumpkin carousels.
Food to Try
Pumpkin bisque at a Hudson Valley farm-to-table restaurant.
Apple cider donuts from a roadside stand.
Seasonal beer at Wayward Lane Brewing if you have time for a detour toward Schoharie County.
Harvest Host Stay
Scenic Farm in Middletown, NY — Park your van among horses, goats, and donkeys while enjoying hayrides and peaceful fall fields.
Day 2:
Hudson Valley, NY → Berkshires, MA
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours (120 miles)
Foliage: Bold reds and golden yellows spill across rolling hills, especially along the Taconic Parkway and the Mohawk Trail.
Stops & Activities
Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway: A legendary New England leaf-peeping route with river views, mountain passes, and roadside craft shops.
Mass MoCA (North Adams, MA): Wander through one of the largest contemporary art museums in the U.S. — a perfect blend of culture and fall charm.
Village of Stockbridge: A postcard-worthy New England town with white church steeples framed by red maple trees.
Evening Stargazing: The Berkshires’ low light pollution makes it an ideal spot for spotting the Milky Way.
Food to Try
Warm apple cider and pumpkin bread from roadside bakeries.
Farm-to-table comfort food: maple-glazed squash, roast chicken, and Berkshire cheeses.
Harvest Host Stay
Slope to Sky Adventure Haven (NY/MA border) — Hike, zip-line, or simply relax under the stars while surrounded by peak foliage.
Day 3:
Berkshires, MA → Green Mountains, VT
Drive Time: ~3 hours (135 miles)
Foliage: Vermont is peak season now — crimson sugar maples and golden birch dominate winding mountain roads.
Stops & Activities
Bennington, VT: Explore historic covered bridges framed by fiery foliage.
Manchester, VT: Pop into boutique shops, cafés, and perhaps the famous Northshire Bookstore.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill (Waterbury, VT): Sip fresh cider, try their cider donuts, and stock up on Vermont maple products.
The Alchemist (Stowe, VT): Sample Heady Topper or Focal Banger, two of Vermont’s most iconic IPAs.
Evening: Bluegrass or folk music at a local tavern in Stowe or Burlington.
Food to Try
Vermont cheddar with apple slices.
Maple candy and maple cream.
Craft beer paired with a warm pretzel at a local brewery.
Harvest Host Stay
Vermont farms and sugarhouses (Harvest Hosts offers several in the central region) — wake up to fog rolling across fields framed by maples.
Day 4:
Green Mountains, VT → White Mountains, NH
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours (110 miles)
Foliage: Bright reds and copper tones blaze across the ridgelines of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Stops & Activities
Kancamagus Highway: A bucket-list fall drive with overlooks, hiking trails, and cascading waterfalls.
Loon Mountain Gondola: Take a ride for panoramic views of mountain peaks painted in fall colors.
Woodstock Inn Brewery (North Woodstock, NH): A cozy spot for a hearty meal and a seasonal beer flight.
Evening Stargazing: The Whites are a Dark Sky region — bring a blanket and enjoy the show.
Food to Try
New England clam chowder or pumpkin ravioli in Lincoln, NH.
Maple walnut ice cream (yes, even in fall).
Harvest Host Stay
Roger’s Campground & Motel (Lancaster, NH) — Historic hay farm turned campground with full RV amenities, fields of color, and a warm atmosphere.
Day 5:
White Mountains, NH → Acadia National Park, ME
Drive Time: ~4.5 hours (215 miles)
Foliage: By late fall, Maine’s coastline is framed in russet reds and bright yellows, contrasting beautifully against the Atlantic Ocean.
Stops & Activities
Bangor, ME: Grab a brewery stop at Sea Dog Brewing or Geaghan Brothers.
Bar Harbor: Stroll shops filled with local crafts, seasonal treats, and live music performances.
Cadillac Mountain (Acadia): Hike or drive up for sunrise — one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sun, glowing over fiery foliage and the sea.
Evening Stargazing: Acadia hosts some of the darkest skies on the East Coast — ideal for spotting the Milky Way above rocky shores.
Food to Try
Fresh lobster rolls and chowder.
Maine blueberry pie with whipped cream.
Hard cider from a local orchard.
Harvest Host Stay
Coastal farms and breweries near Bar Harbor listed on Harvest Hosts — the perfect final stop before entering Acadia.
Can’t-Miss Festivals & Entertainment Along the Route
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (Croton-on-Hudson, NY) – Late September through November
Hudson Valley Garlic Festival (NY) – Early October
Berkshires Harvest Festival (MA) – Columbus Day Weekend
Harvestfest / Brewfest (VT) – Mid-October
NH Pumpkin Festival (Laconia, NH) – Mid to late October
Acadia Night Sky Festival (ME) – September
Essential Fall Flavors on This Route
Apple cider donuts & mulled cider (NY, VT, NH)
Pumpkin bisque & maple-glazed root vegetables (MA, VT)
Craft beers from Hudson Valley to Maine
Vermont cheese & maple syrup treats
Fresh lobster rolls & blueberry pie in Maine
