Planning a Fall Foliage Trip: 13 BIG Mistakes to Avoid

There’s nothing quite like the breathtaking spectacle of fall in New England. As the leaves shift into vibrant hues of crimson, gold, and orange, scenic towns and winding roads become the backdrop for one of nature’s most beautiful transformations. But if you’re planning a fall foliage trip—especially your first time planning a trip to New England—there are several mistakes that can turn your dream road trip into a logistical headache.

This fall foliage travel guide highlights 13 of the biggest mistakes to avoid on a fall foliage trip. With these travel planning tips for fall foliage trips, you’ll know exactly what not to do on a fall foliage trip, and how to make the most of your colorful adventure. And if you need more advice, check out our 7-day New England Itinerary for Fall Foliage Trips!

A car drives through a winding road, and from overhead, the fall foliage turns colors: driving through and not exploring is one of those mistakes to avoid on a fall foliage trip.

Planning a Fall Foliage Trip: 13 BIG Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Book Accommodations

Fall is the high season in New England, and charming inns, lodges, and B&Bs fill up months in advance. One of the most common mistakes to avoid in New England during fall is assuming you can book last minute. And if you are able to book last minute, you’ll pay a pretty penny for it.

Do your best to book accommodations 3-6 months in advance. This applies even more if you choose to visit more popular towns such as Stowe and Woodstock! Be prepared. You don’t want to stay far away and drive a lot, nor do you want to pay more, or just not have any options. This is one of those fall foliage tips for travelers we take seriously!

A road runs through a ton of trees up in New England, the golden, red and orange hues shifting.

Mistake #2: Not Understanding “Peak Foliage” Timing

The fall foliage is stunning- but it is fleeting! And that means you only have a certain time to see it! Many people plan their trip too early or too late! They miss the peak colors! So, our advice is to do your research before you book and travel.

Peak foliage varies by region and elevation. Generally, northern areas like Vermont and norther Hew Hampshire peak late September to early October. Southern New England peaks in mid-October. Know when to visit! You don’t want to miss these stunning colors!

On a lake, the foliage of trees reflect on the glassy water, and you don't want to miss this, as this is one of the mistakes to avoid on a fall foliage trip.

Mistake #3: Only Visiting the Most Popular Spots

There are famous places for fall foliage. Visitors and tourists flock to the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. Hotels book out months in advance for Stowe, Vermont. And yes, these places are beautiful. But they are well known, and thus, they get crowded.

Places to avoid during fall foliage season: avoid overly congested spots at peak hours. Explore the lesser known towns like Waitsfield, Rangeley, or the Mohawk Trail for equally stunning and spectacular views You’ll get to avoid the gridlock!

A bridge at golden hour shows the fall of orange and yellow leaves: the water below is dark and glassy.

Mistake #4: Driving Without a Plan

Spontaneity is fun: we know it! We love it! But, one of the mistakes a new fall foliage traveler is to go without a plan. New England roads can be confusing, especially when cell service drops and you no longer have access to GPS!

What not to do on a fall foliage trip: don’t rely solely on GPS. Print maps! Go old school! Download offline directions in advance so you know where to go, where to stop, and what to do if you get lost. Plan routes that allow to stop and explore along the way.

A woman in an orange beanie and leaf sweater smiles in the middle of the road as the trees turn around her, and she knows what mistakes to avoid on a fall foliage trip.

Mistake #5: Underestimating Weekend Crowds

If you’re taking your first time fall foliage trip, you might not expect the sheer number of “leaf peepers” flooding into certain areas on weekends. But that is far from the truth! More than 80% of travelers make fall foliage in October alone.

Things to avoid on a fall road trip: avoid traveling Friday through Sunday if possible. Midweek trips offer fewer crowds, better photo ops, and more availability at hotels and restaurants. Allow yourself time to explore with less people! Visit on the weekdays!

A woman in an orange skirt, beanie, and leaf sweater smiles on a road with a white church in the background, and trees turning orange beyond her.

Mistake #6: Not Accounting for Weather Variability

We all know that weather changes. But New England fall weather can shift dramatically! It’s not uncommon to see warm sunny afternoons to frosty mornings. So, when considering this, know wha to pack for your trip.

Fall foliage travel tips: pack layers. Sweaters. Jeans. Rain gear. Comfortable walking shoes! The beauty of fall stems from the unpredictability, but you can be be prepared for it. Especially if you are planning your trip. If those plans include hikes and excursions, be ready for anything.

A road loops around the fall foliage as the leaves change colors, and not booking in advance is one of those mistakes to avoid on a fall foliage trip that can stop you from seeing this!

Mistake #8: Skipping Small Towns

One of the biggest mistakes to avoid on a fall foliage trip is to skip the hidden, small, charming towns. Don’t get us wrong, we love well-known tourist spots to stay in, and to explore, but sometimes those tourist spots are too popular.

Fall vacation guide tip: visit off-the-beathen-path-villages like Grafton, Bethel and Kent! These towns are stunning still, less crowded, cheaper to stay at, and offer an authentic charm. Talk about Hallmark Movie vibes!

A woman in an orange beanie and sweater stands on the cliffside over yellowing and orange trees!

Mistake #9: Not Making Reservations Beyond Accommodations

As mentioned, not making reservations in advance is a big no-no. But this goes beyond just lodging and booking cars. And other factors, such as times and dates, play into it too! Fall weekends bring those leaf explorers, and this means more people in those popular areas.

While this impacts lodging, it also brings in long waits at restaurants in popular areas. Things not to do during fall travel including assuming you’ll walk in anywhere. Make reservations where possible, or plan to eat earlier or later than peak hours to accommodate.

A red covered bridge crosses the Pemigwasset river, and a girl sits on the edge with the trees turning around her: she laughs as she knows the mistakes to avoid on a fall foliage trip.

Mistake #10: Neglecting Local Festivals and Events

Pumpkin festivals, apple picking, craft fairs! Oh my!! There are a ton of all celebrations going on in fall in New England. These seasonal events are so special because they are seasonal: they only appear with the foliage!

As a fall foliage travel guide tip: don’t miss these events. They add unique local flavor to your trip! So cross reference calendars in advance to include these fun adventures in your itinerary. You won’t regret it!

An overhead drone shot shows the running river below a red covered bridge, and the changing leaves around them.

Mistake #11: Focusing on Only Driving, Not Exploring & Not Checking Foliage Reports

Seeing the trees is one thing, but truly witnessing them is another. Some travelers zip through scenic drives without stopping. We recommend to hike, picnic or visit attractions! Of all mistakes to avoid in New England, don’t treat your trip like a race. Visit farm stands or drink hot cider, and explore a trail!

Plus, don’t rush to see the foliage if it isn’t there! Peak foliage is not an exact science, but there are reliable sources to help track changes and locations. Some travel planning tips for fall foliage trips include using foliage trackers from state tourists or websites to monitor conditions, update plans and more.

A waterfall cascades down dark rocks as the trees around it turn different shades of orange and red: skipping things like this is one of the main mistakes to avoid on a fall foliage trip.

Mistake #12: Ignoring State Parks and Public Lands

Most visitors stick to highways and drive by quickly. Thus, the miss out on the rich colors in state parks, forests and reserves. We’ve already said don’t reserve yourself to your car and popular towns and locations. We’ve said to explore the charming towns…

But don’t forget big picture attractions too. Check out the Franconia Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest, or Bash Bish Falls State Park. And do it on foot to truly immerse yourself and enjoy it!

In a gouge of terrain, a woman in a yellow meaning stands and looks at the leaves and rocks while exploring.

Mistake #13: Not Being Flexible

This is worldly advice for anyone and everyone traveling! But with fall foliage trips it almost seems more important since things can always change. Consider weather delays, traffic, changing in the foliage conditions themselves.

These can all affect your plans! Don’t rigidly stick to an itinerary! Extra time and alternate routes can make the most unexpected discoveries. And those are the best memories! Slow down and enjoy it all: these are the moments.

An overhead shot of a white church contrasts the color to the yellow, red, orange and green leaves around it: these views are things you want to see and so make sure you know what mistakes to avoid on a fall foliage trip.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Fall Foliage Trip Unforgettable

New England in the fall is a visual feast—and an emotional reset. But a magical experience requires thoughtful planning. Avoiding these 13 mistakes to avoid on a fall foliage trip will help ensure your journey is smooth, scenic, and soul-satisfying.

Whether it’s your first time planning a trip to New England or a returning adventure, remember these essential fall foliage travel tips. With the right prep, your fall vacation guide won’t just be a checklist of places—you’ll come home with lasting memories of small-town charm, scenic byways, and the incredible colors of autumn. Enjoy an apple cider for me when you visit!