One of the best things about living on the East Coast or visiting it during the fall is the stunning colors of autumn. As the leaves start turning, the greens of summer give way to sunny yellows, fiery oranges, and deep vermilions.
Where should you go to enjoy the most spectacular color palettes of fall? Following are 5 tours to consider adding to your East Coast autumn leaves bucket list.
5. New England Excursions Fall Foliage Tour to the White Mountains
If you want to experience the autumn beauty of the Appalachians, you’ll want to head up into the White Mountains on the Fall Foliage Tour offered by New England Excursions. Be aware that this is an 11 hour tour, so you need to have the entire day available to dedicate to it.
The tour will take you along the Kancamagus Highway. This winding scenic highway is iconic for its dazzling array of fall colors and its picturesque river. After travelling along this road, you’ll stop for lunch in North Conway, a charming mountain town. Then you’ll venture to the Mount Washington Hotel along route 302.
By the time the tour drops you back off in Boston, you’ll have spent a magical afternoon in a fall wonderland.
4. The Emerald Necklace Tour in Boston
There is an autumn tour worth taking directly in the city of Boston as well. Sign up for the Emerald Necklace Tour, and you can cycle for 3.5-4 hours to behold fall foliage in locations like the Boston Common and Public Garden, the Arnold Arboretum, the Southwest Corridor Park, and the Charles River Esplanade.
As the tour covers 15 miles of ground, it isn’t for everyone. You need to have the endurance necessary to enjoy hours of cycling. Small children may lose patience with the tour, but for adults in good shape, it is a wonderful way to explore Boston’s fall splendor.
3. Casco Bay Custom Charters Private Fall Foliage Charters
Visiting Maine this fall? Consider booking a private charter to see the colors of autumn through Casco Bay Custom Charters.
This tour will take you past destinations like the historic Portland Head Light and Fort Gorges. The colors of the season will reflect on the water along the shore, painting blue with orange and gold. You also might spot a few seals on your voyage. With a 2.5 hour length, it is just the right amount of time to fully indulge your senses before returning to shore.
2. Backroad Discovery Tours Vermont Fall Foliage Tour
To take in the grandeur of Vermont’s fall foliage, you will want to book the Vermont Fall Foliage Tour through Backroad Discovery tours.
Starting at the end of September and running through the end of October, this tour begins at 1 pm and runs through 4 pm. You’ll traverse mountains and valleys, marble quarries, an alpaca farm, and much more.
Interested in learning more about the history of the region? If you’ll be able to arrive earlier in the morning, consider also booking the Revolutionary/Civil War Tour, which runs from 9:30 in the morning until 11:45 in the morning. That gives you just a short break before you head out to see the autumn leaves.
1. Peter Pen’s Central Park Pedicab Fall Tours
During autumn, the entire park erupts with color. Your tour guide can bring you to spots like the Gapstow Bridge over the Pond, where you’ll be surrounded by Sawtooth Oak, Black Cherry, Tupelo and Gray Birch trees.
Your guide will be able to point you toward the most exquisite fall views, providing you with a personalized tour experience you’ll never forget.
You’ll also want to enjoy the autumn reflections in the Lake from the Bethesda Terrace. Other lovely spots include the Bow Bridge, The Ramble, the Reservoir, the North Woods, and the Conservatory Gardens.
Many of these areas offer amazing opportunities for photography. And since you’ll be off your feet, you will be able to explore more of the park than you would if you were walking. You’ll also fatigue less than you would if you were peddling on your own power. That means you’ll be enjoying the vivid hues of fall in the utmost comfort.
If you are in New York City during the season, reserve a Fall Central Park Pedicab Tour.