Est. Population: 4,844

This small town on Maine’s Penobscot Bay offers a kaleidoscope of colors come autumn, with a spectrum of green to scarlet birches, chestnuts and elms. Enjoy the changing of the seasons via boat or from atop Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park.

Est. Population: 5,296

For the best bird’s-eye view of the changing landscape, drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Otherwise, explore the rest of Mount Desert Island (the largest island off the coast of Maine where Bar Harbor sits) as well as Acadia National Park for some of Maine’s most stunning multi-color leaves.

Est. Population: 2,676

Blue Hill is a little seaside village whose shining fall foliage is best explored by hiking. Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park offers especially breathtaking vistas.

Est. Population: 21,426

A treat for American history and nature lovers alike, Portsmouth offers the 10-acre Strawbery Banke Museum that allows visitors to explore the history and beauty of the waterfront’s 1600s-era homes. Visitors are also welcome to take an inland river cruise to get a view of the leaves as well.

Est. Population: 2,551 

The White Mountains are a haven for those who love to adventure outside. After driving along the Kancamagus Highway to catch the views of the verdant and reddish surrounding forests, those leaf-peepers wanting to get in the literal thick of it can hike or camp in the White Mountain National Forest.

Est. Population: 946

In Carroll, the breathtaking mountain scenery is likely best viewed by doing something other than driving or biking. Explore the famous Bretton Woods area by train on the cog railway, or partake in a three-hour zipline canopy tour over the White Mountains.

Est. Population: 4,407

Each fall season, leaf-peepers flock to this ski resort town, which is almost more beautiful without snow. Mountains beam with the redness of sugar maples and gold hues from poplar, elm, and hickory trees. You can catch this technicolor landscape as you take a scenic drive through Stowe Hollow (and stop for a tour at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, of course).

Est. Population: 2,140

Another ski resort town, Ludlow offers awe-inspiring colors in the fall, which are best viewed from the top of the 3,344-foot Okemo Mountain. The views also include Vermont’s Green Mountains to the west.

Est. Population: 1,161

Just north of Boston, Petersham is a marvel of natural beauty, featuring crimson hardwood trees and a view of the surrounding calm waters of the Quabbin Reservoir. Must-see stops include Harvard Forest, Swift River Reservation, and North Common Meadow.

Est. Population: 41,340

The easily frightened may be hesitant to visit the town with a haunted past, but be assured that the Salem offers more than “Haunted Happenings” throughout October. Russet and golden leaves make Salem Common and Salem Willows the perfect places to take walks, highlighting the beauty that is often an overlooked aspect of the historic town.

Est. Population: 49,176

Rhode Island may be small, but its autumnal scenery is larger than life. A lovely natural backdrop for its classic colonial architecture, this nautical town’s fall foliage is a must-see for leaf peepers. The East Bay Bike Path offers awe-inspiring views for the more active adventurers, while the nearby Blithewold Gardens and Colt State Park can put you right in the thick of the changing nature.

Est. Population: 15,818

For those who are familiar with Tiverton, it’s a town whose name is most often synonymous with summer. But fall is one of the best times to explore this area, especially when traffic is light and the images of orange and scarlet leaves are reflected in the Sakonnet River. Take a walk through the nature trails in Wetamoo Woods, the Pardon Gray Preserve and Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge for a serene experience.

Est. Population: 2,917

Fall in Kent is such a special time to locals that every year the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association (CAMA) holds the Kent Fall Festival, where vendors show off their goods and the town can officially welcome the patchwork quilt of reds and oranges that put Kent on the map. Wander across the famous covered bridge or hike along the trails in Kent Falls State Park to properly take it all in.

Est. Population: 3,517

Getting the most out of Connecticut’s technicolor fall foliage is made easier by following the 100-mile loop through the Litchfield Hills or the 46-mile loop from New Milford to Mount Tom State Park. Maples, birches and dogwoods look like they were hand painted, and historic covered bridges add that quaint New England feel that the area is known for.

Est. Population: 2,539

As you make your way through New York’s Olympic Trail Scenic Byway, be sure to stop and admire beautiful Lake Placid, a picturesque oasis flanked by red maples, aspen, birch, oak trees and many more. And if you’re timing’s just right, you can enjoy the breaktaking scenery while you sip at the annual Lake Placid Brewfest, which has crowned itself “the premier brewfest in the Adirondack Mountains.”

Est. Population: 5,727

Self-proclaimed as “The Adirondacks’ coolest place,” the village of Saranac Lake is filled with friendly people, quirky shops and is awash with color in autumn. The deep blue of the lake reflects the warm, bright colors of the leaves, which you can also spot driving on Route 86 or hiking up St. Regis Mountain (one of the Saranac Lake “6ers” – six mountains surrounding the lake).