Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season in New England. The trees flourish with bright colored leaves and we adorn our homes with festive fall decorations. As temperatures drop into the 60s, we are more excited than ever to get our bikes out on the road. The air feels crisper and summer road trip traffic has died down, making fall the perfect time to ride. We list 4 of the best places to enjoy fall foliage season on two wheels in New England.
Connecticut Route 169
Beginning in Norwich, scenic Route 169 takes riders on a tour of farms, historic churches and classic village green centers. Eastern Connecticut has a beautiful landscape of rolling hills and old backroads that provide fantastic views during fall foliage season.
For 32 miles, our fellow motorcyclists can ride through quaint towns like Lisbon, Centerbury and Woodstock along Route 169, ending in Southbridge, MA. Remember to put on your helmet before crossing into Massachusetts!
North Appalachian Mountains
The northwestern corner of Connecticut is much quieter than the hustle and bustle of Hartford and its surrounding towns. To get away from it all, visit the North Appalachian Mountains in New Milford. From Granby, ride from Route 20 to Route 44 towards Lakeville and Sharon. Cross the Cornwall Bridge and enjoy the vibrant colors of fall around you.
For this trip, we ask that you ride even more cautiously than usual, as many of the roads are twisty and steep. If you stop at some of the little shops and restaurants along the way, be sure to let us know your favorites.
North Adams, MA
The Travel Channel recommends this quaint town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts for fall foliage season. Motorcyclists can follow the Mohawk Trail through the Berkshire Mountains, stopping in historic Greenfield to see Poet’s Seat Tower. From Williamstown, you can get to North Adams with ease by heading east on Route 2. Be sure to continue through to Charlemont to see the 92-foot long Bissell Covered Bridge.
New Hampshire Route 112
Planning a weekend trip? Don’t count out New Hampshire’s Route 112 and 34-mile Kancamagus Highway. Motorcyclists can ride along the White Mountain National Forest, a nationally recognized scenic byway, from Lincoln to North Conway, New Hampshire. Leaf peepers can enjoy all the reds, oranges and yellows that autumn in New England has to offer, plus great restaurants, shopping and lodging.