Planning a trip

[colorider]

Mrs. Colorider and I (along with her brother and his wife) are planning a trip to the New England area this Fall. No single destination in mind – just simply see as much as we can and hopefully enjoy some of the Fall Colors. We have it narrowed down to October – but unsure when we might enjoy the peak of the Fall Colors.

We expect to be as far east as the Maine coast line. We have a couple of places we hope to see along the way, including Niagara Falls, the Valley Forge and Gettysburg area and possibly a short-line RR around Essex CT.

Any ideas on timing and “must see” from any of the locals is GREATLY appreciated!!!

Thanks!!!

[andyschneider]

So, it's really tough to gauge just when the foliage will hit its peak. On average, in the white mountains of NH, Columbus Day weekend seems to be when the mobs of people show up on the Kangamagus Highway. It can be a week before or after if the weather is drier or wetter, colder or warmer. But if you aim for that timeframe, and then head either a bit further north or south, you'll find peak somewhere. The peak works from north to south, on average. In addition to the mountain area, the Lakes Region of NH is very nice during that period, with lots of nice B&B's and hotels that have great views of the lake (Merideth is the focal spot).

andy

[colorider]

Originally posted by andyschneider
So, it's really tough to gauge just when the foliage will hit its peak. On average, in the white mountains of NH, Columbus Day weekend seems to be when the mobs of people show up on the Kangamagus Highway. It can be a week before or after if the weather is drier or wetter, colder or warmer. But if you aim for that timeframe, and then head either a bit further north or south, you'll find peak somewhere. The peak works from north to south, on average. In addition to the mountain area, the Lakes Region of NH is very nice during that period, with lots of nice B&B's and hotels that have great views of the lake (Merideth is the focal spot).

andy

Hmmmm, so sometime around the first part of October "typically".....

I guess we need to plan our departure as early in the month as possible.

Thanks!

[CNYGuy]

Originally posted by colorider


We expect to be as far east as the Maine coast line. We have a couple of places we hope to see along the way, including Niagara Falls, the Valley Forge and Gettysburg area and possibly a short-line RR around Essex CT.

Gettysburg is always amazing...think about driving up the Hudson River valley by West Point, also pretty cool in the fall. Niagara Falls may be a little out of the way, but we enjoy it when we pass through Ontario on the way to family in NY...Have fun...

[jay]

Somewhat germaine to the discussion, as it relates to the weather on the east coast during October. I realized a few years ago that the 2ned week in October is a great time to take vacation here in Northern Virginia, and stay at home.

We usually get that last blast of Indian Summer, with day temps in the high 70s, low 80s, no humidity, and night temps in the 50s for good sleeping. A week later, and the rains come, and the change from fall to winter starts, with Haloween often being a cold, wet mess.

I already have my plans set to take that week off, and lounge around here enjoying that last blast of great weather.

[waynerd]

We did a trip to Bah Hahbah (Bar Harbor) a few years ago at the end of September, and the leaves were just starting to turn. It was a great time to visit...temps were mild, no mosquitos, no crowds.

We stopped by Killington on the way home for a day and it was nice. We took the lift up and hiked around for a few hours admiring the foliage.

Have fun!

[colorider]

Originally posted by jay
Somewhat germaine to the discussion, as it relates to the weather on the east coast during October. I realized a few years ago that the 2ned week in October is a great time to take vacation here in Northern Virginia, and stay at home.

We usually get that last blast of Indian Summer, with day temps in the high 70s, low 80s, no humidity, and night temps in the 50s for good sleeping. A week later, and the rains come, and the change from fall to winter starts, with Haloween often being a cold, wet mess.

I already have my plans set to take that week off, and lounge around here enjoying that last blast of great weather.

Hmmmm, sounds like a pretty small window of opportunity!!! Still looks like the mid-point of the trip may be about the second weekend in October.

Thanks!

[colorider]

Originally posted by waynerd
We did a trip to Bah Hahbah (Bar Harbor) a few years ago at the end of September, and the leaves were just starting to turn. It was a great time to visit...temps were mild, no mosquitos, no crowds.

We stopped by Killington on the way home for a day and it was nice. We took the lift up and hiked around for a few hours admiring the foliage.

Have fun!

I have made several MC trips out that way in mid-to-late September and the weather has typically been good. I will be making another MC trip to MD the third week of September this year as well.

[OB3]

We just got back from a 2600 mile excursion from SINY to Montreal/Quebec City/Halifax & Yarmouth Nova Scotia/Bar Harbor/Kennebunkport/Scituate this Saturday.

I would highly reccomend Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport if you are in Maine. Ogunquit Maine also was very nice. kennebenkport was bueatuful, i recco the trolley ride that leaves from town, alot of history there and the guide was very informative.

If you are up to it, Quebec City was awesome. I felt like i was in the French Countryside. Food and City were beautiful. Lots to do and see.




View of Bar Harbor

[OB3]

beautiful

[OB3]

Kennebunkport

[colorider]

Wow - great pictures!!!! Thanks!!!

[OB3]

safe driving !