Set Forth’s Guide to Leaf Season in New England

A few of Set Forth’s favorite fall adventures and New England gems

Even though Set Forth Adventures plans trips all over the world, we know that you don’t always have to go far to have an incredible adventure.

New England is one of our favorite destinations for domestic adventures, and (like everyone!) we know that fall is the perfect time to visit. A fall trip in New England offers the chance to “leaf peep,” of course, but also so much more — read on for a few of our favorite hidden gems of fall in New England!

The Town of Bennington, Vermont
Tucked in Vermont’s southwest corner, right on the border with Massachusetts and New York, Bennington offers something for everyone. The town has a small-but-vibrant art scene, a number of great restaurants, and convenient access to biking and hiking. Our favorite stop? The Blue Benn Diner for a big post-hike meal!

Kingdom Trails Closing Weekend (East Burke, Vermont)
The Kingdom Trails Association maintains over 100 miles of mountain bike trails around East Burke, in the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. The trails are world-class, and have made East Burke an incredibly popular cycling destination. If you want to beat the crowds, and are ok with the risk of a chilly ride, a visit at the end of October, right before the trails close for winter, offers the possibility of quieter trails. And, who knows — sometimes October in New England can be temperate!

Holt’s Ledge Half-Day Hike (Hanover, New Hampshire)
Holt’s Ledge is a stunning viewpoint along the Appalachian Trail, just north of Hanover. It’s a short climb from the trailhead to the ledge, and the “miles to beauty” ratio is among the best in New England! Plus, as a half day hike, Holt’s Ledge offers hikers plenty of time to explore Hanover, or continue to other destinations on I-89.

Stone Corral Brewery (Richmond, Vermont)
There’s no shortage of craft beer options in New England (Vermont alone has over 100 breweries and brewpubs). In fact, it can sometimes feel like there are too many options! For a classic New England brewery experience (and some great beer as well!), we recommend the Stone Corral in Richmond.

In addition to being a great brewery, we love that Richmond is a bit off-the-beaten, but still a super convenient stop on your way to or from Burlington. One great option: a morning hike of Camel’s Hump followed by food and beers at Stone Corral as you head back to Burlington.

Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a weekend of mountain biking, a week of hiking, or just a day trip to see the fall foliage and check out a few breweries, fall is the perfect time to explore New England. Set Forth Adventures has a deep knowledge of hidden gems and off-the-beaten path stops across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont — reach out today to start planning your own New England Fall getaway!

About the Author — Nate Greason

Nate is the Founder and Operator of Set Forth Adventures. In addition to working to grow Set Forth, he spends his time exploring the San Juan Mountains near his home in Durango, Colorado. Nate attended college in New England, lived there for many years, and still gets back there frequently to visit his family — in the fall, if possible! Writing this post was a welcomed opportunity to reminisce on past fall adventures in NH, VT, and MA.

Nate Greason, the founder of Set Forth Adventures