New England's Fall Colors are stunning. Photo Courtesy of Ricardo Gomez Angel

It's officially fall and the leaves are at peak color in many parts of the country.  In Part 2 of our Fall Leaf Color Guide we'll be covering New England and Mid-West. If you missed our Part 1 of our Fall Leaf Color Guide, HERE.

New England 

New England is the Northeastern region comprising the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. It's known for its Colonial past, Atlantic coastline, and magnificent autumn foliage. In fact, fall in New England is like something straight out of a picture book with intense, rich explosion of color at every turn. 

New England leaf peeping is probably at its finest in Vermont, where wilderness covers 75 percent of the land. Surrounded by more maple trees than anywhere else in the region, you'll find the brightest of yellows, oranges, and reds on nearly every highway and country road. 

Woodstock, Vermont

Fall foliage in Woodstock is nothing short of epic and you can expect great colors from the end of September until the third week of October, give or take a few days. If you haven’t experienced a Vermont fall, it’s time to make amends and a weekend in Woodstock is a great place to start!

The surrounding farms, mountains, and valleys are a leaf-peeper’s paradise. In addition to being spellbound by the blazing colors that surround you, you can sample local cheese, stroll across a covered bridge, and go for a hike all in the same day. After all, that’s what autumn in Vermont is all about!

Stowe, Vermont

A classic New England village at the base of Vermont’s highest peak, Stowe, Vermont is the perfect place for a fall getaway. From early September through late October, experience Stowe’s legendary foliage while enjoying your favorite outdoor activity. Take in landscape views blazing with vibrant autumn color as Stowe's legendary colors—from yellows and greens, to reds and oranges – surround and dazzle you. Check out the top 5 reasons to visit Stowe in the fall for more information. The coveted Route 100 is the perfect fall road trip or choose from one of many scenic hikes in and around Stowe if you like to get up close and personal with the fall foliage. 

Rhode Island

Even though Rhode Island might be more famous for its waterfront landscapes, do not underestimate its fall colors. From historic architecture to stunning landscapes and some of the best fall foliage every year,  these are 5 great places to soak up autumnal color: 

• Roger Williams Park
• Newport Cliff Walk 
• Slater Mill
• Great Swamp Wildlife Reservation
• Goddard Memorial State Park. 

Litchfield, Connecticut

When it comes to fall foliage in Connecticut, there's no place more beautiful than the historic town of Litchfield, which often offers the very first views of changing leaves every autumn. From here, head west for a pit stop in Kent which has some of the best hiking trails and breathtaking fall foliage. 

East Haddam, located along the Connecticut River, is another great town for leaf-peeping during the fall season. Don't forget to explore Devil's Hopyard State Park, where you'll find beautiful covered bridges amidst the canopy of fall color. 

Leaf peeping season begins in late September and extends through early November, with peak color is estimated between mid-to-late October. 

Joshua's Crossing Covered Bridge in Michigan is one of a kind. Photo Courtesy of Dennis Buchner

Midwest 

While the Midwest might not be your first thought when it comes to viewing autumnal colors, it offers some breathtaking options for leaf peepers. And, with far less tourists than New England and a longer season that dips well into early November, fall fanatics are in for a down home Midwest treat!

Michigan, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Ohio, and even Arkansas dish up noteworthy fall foliage, with a side of Midwest charm, that are sure to impress. Expect to find crisp days and radiant colors along with quaint villages and lush forests as you wind through the middle of the country. 

Fall Colors and Lake Michigan's shoreline is a great combination. Photo Courtesy of Aaron Burden

When planning your Midwest road trip, consider adding these scenic locations to your route:

• Marquette, Michigan
• Custer State Park, South Dakota.
• Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
• Door County, Wisconsin
• Mackinac Island, Michigan
• Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
• Eureka Springs, Arkansas
• Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan 

Wherever your leaf peeping takes you this year, pack your patience, as many roads and small towns may be busy, along with your Eykuver so you can enjoy all the fall colors while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.