Best Fall Foliage Towns for Vacation Rentals (2026)

1. Lincoln, NH

Lincoln sits at the western end of the Kancamagus Highway, which Visit NH describes as 34.5 miles of mountain scenery through the White Mountain National Forest between Lincoln and Conway. Franconia Notch State Park is just up I-93, where the parkway runs eight miles from the Flume Gorge to Echo Lake.

For owners: Lincoln works as a base for both the Kanc and Franconia Notch, so guests can do a different drive each day.

2. North Conway, NH

Just north of Conway, where the Kancamagus Highway begins, North Conway is one of the places Visit NH names for vibrant color in the first two weeks of October, along with Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch. Visit NH's White Mountains loop drive starts in Conway and includes Crawford Notch and Pinkham Notch.

For owners: Guests can pair the Kanc and the notch drives from one base.

3. Jackson, NH

Jackson's own tourism site calls it one of New England's most photographed destinations in the fall, and the site highlights the town's iconic covered bridge. It is a short drive from North Conway and from the notch roads.

For owners: In a small village like Jackson, a full kitchen and clear directions go a long way with guests.

4. Meredith, NH

Meredith sits on Meredith Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee. Mount Washington Cruises, which promotes fall cruises on its site, has a dock on the Meredith boardwalk. The Lakes Region tourism association also lists the Meredith Sculpture Walk, a year-round outdoor exhibition in the village.

5. Wolfeboro, NH

Mount Washington Cruises calls Wolfeboro one of the lake's busiest ports and says the town prides itself on being the oldest summer resort in the country. For fall visitors, the Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce lists Wolfeboro's Annual Fall Festival on September 26, 2026.

6. Holderness, NH

Holderness sits on Squam Lake, which the Lakes Region tourism association notes was the setting for "On Golden Pond." Squam is much smaller than Winnipesaukee, which suits guests who want a slow fall weekend by the water.

For owners: A lake house here can host fall guests as well as summer ones. Our Lakes Region guide covers the wider area.

7. Ludlow, VT

Ludlow is the town at the base of Okemo Mountain Resort. Vermont Tourism lists an Okemo fall foliage chairlift ride on the Sunburst Six on September 26, 2026, which it calls Vermont's biggest foliage lift. Guests can hike down or ride back after taking in the view.

For owners: A ski home can host fall weekend guests before the lifts open for skiing. New England Host Co manages a modern 3BR home three minutes from Okemo, and our Okemo Valley page covers the area.

8. Weston, VT

A short drive from Ludlow, Weston is home to the Vermont Country Store, the Weston Playhouse (which the Okemo Valley tourism site calls Vermont's oldest professional theater company) and the Weston Priory. Its historic main street, antique shops and galleries make it a classic stop on a fall drive.

9. Woodstock, VT

Woodstock's tourism site leans hard into fall: covered bridges, rolling hills, working farms, farm tours, horse-drawn carriages and seasonal events such as the Harvest Celebration and Apples and Crafts. It is within day-trip range of Ludlow and Weston, so guests staying in the Okemo Valley can add it to their week.

10. Sturbridge, MA

Sturbridge is home to Old Sturbridge Village, which describes itself as the largest outdoor living history museum in New England and promotes fall visits with costumed historians and heritage breed animals. It is within driving distance of Worcester, Boston and Hartford.

11. Princeton, MA

Princeton is home to Wachusett Mountain, which runs fall events on the mountain. Its site lists Oktoberfest on October 3 and 4, 2026. Being well south of the White Mountains, central Massachusetts suits guests planning a later October trip.