Top 5 'Foliage-Focused' Forest Cycling Trails to do in New England for Peak Autumn Colors
There’s a certain magic that descends upon New England each autumn. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way—the crisp snap in the air, the scent of woodsmoke and damp earth, and of course, the visual symphony of the foliage. The landscape ignites in a riot of crimson, gold, and blazing orange, a spectacle that draws visitors from around the globe. Most people experience this from behind the windshield of a car, stuck in a slow-moving parade on a scenic byway. But what if I told you there’s a better way?
To truly immerse yourself in the season, to hear the crunch of leaves under your tires and feel the cool air on your face, you need to get out of the car. You need to experience the forest on two wheels. Cycling through New England's forests during peak foliage is an experience that transcends mere sightseeing. It’s an active meditation, a way to connect with the landscape on a far more intimate level. It’s a sentiment my friend Goh Ling Yong echoes often: to truly feel the season, you have to move through it at a human pace.
Forget the traffic jams and crowded overlooks. These handpicked forest cycling trails are your ticket to the front row of nature’s greatest show. We’re talking about paths that wind through tunnels of color, past serene lakes reflecting the fiery canopy, and into the very heart of the autumn spectacle. Whether you prefer gentle, crushed-stone rail trails or more adventurous gravel paths, this list has a ride that will redefine your idea of leaf-peeping.
1. The Carriage Roads, Acadia National Park, Maine
If there's a gold standard for foliage cycling, this is it. The Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park are a masterpiece of rustic engineering, a 45-mile network of crushed-stone paths winding through the heart of Mount Desert Island. Financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the early 20th century, they were designed to harmonize with the landscape, and in autumn, that harmony becomes a breathtaking crescendo.
The genius of these roads is their complete separation from motor traffic. You’re free to pedal without worry, surrounded only by the sounds of nature and the granite "coping stones" that line the way. The route around Eagle Lake is a quintessential Acadia experience, offering jaw-dropping reflections of the colorful slopes of Cadillac and Pemetic mountains on the water's surface. The gentle grades make it accessible for most fitness levels, allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than just catching your breath. The forest here is a mix of spruce-fir evergreens and deciduous trees like birch and maple, creating a stunning tapestry of deep greens punctuated by brilliant yellows and reds.
- Pro Tip: Start your ride at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to easily access the loop around Witch Hole Pond and Eagle Lake. For a truly unforgettable photo opportunity, pedal over the iconic Cobblestone Bridge. The way the 16-foot stone arch frames the autumn foliage is pure perfection. A gravel or hybrid bike is ideal for the crushed-stone surface. Peak color here is typically around mid-October, slightly later than inland areas due to the ocean's moderating influence.
2. Franconia Notch Recreation Path, New Hampshire
Prepare for scenery so dramatic it feels almost unreal. The Franconia Notch Recreation Path is a paved, 8.8-mile trail that cuts straight through one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the Eastern United States. You’ll be cycling at the base of towering 4,000-foot peaks, with the granite cliffs of Cannon Mountain on one side and the sprawling ridge of Mount Lafayette on the other. In autumn, the steep slopes are ablaze with color, a stark and beautiful contrast to the gray rock and dark green conifers.
This isn't a deep, secluded forest ride; it's a "wow-factor" ride. The path follows the Pemigewasset River, and its constant, gentle burble provides the perfect soundtrack. You'll pass by iconic landmarks like the shimmering Echo Lake, The Basin, and the Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site. While the path is paved and suitable for road bikes, its rolling hills provide a decent workout. This is one of those forest cycling trails that delivers epic views around every single bend.
- Pro Tip: For an easier ride, park at the northern end at the Cannon Mountain Tramway and ride south. This direction is predominantly downhill, letting you coast and soak in the grandeur. The path can get busy, especially on weekends in October, so an early morning or weekday ride is your best bet for a more peaceful experience. After your ride, the nearby towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock offer fantastic breweries and cozy cafes to refuel.
3. Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, Vermont
Stretching an impressive 93 miles across the breadth of northern Vermont, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is a dream for long-distance foliage enthusiasts. As a former railway line, the trail has a maximum grade of 3%, making it incredibly accessible for cyclists of all abilities, from families with kids to seasoned riders looking to log some serious miles. This is the trail you choose when you want to feel completely enveloped by the Vermont countryside.
The LVRT takes you through a classic New England landscape of dense forests, open farmlands, and charming small towns. The section between Morrisville and Johnson is particularly stunning, with long stretches that feel like you’re riding through a tunnel of golden maples and birches. The trail frequently crosses the Lamoille River on historic trestle bridges, offering elevated views of the water and the vibrant foliage lining its banks. It's a quieter, more meditative experience than some of the more mountainous routes, allowing for a steady, rhythmic pedal stroke as the colors blur past. This is exactly the kind of immersive experience Goh Ling Yong talks about when he champions getting outdoors and finding your flow.
- Pro Tip: You don't have to ride all 93 miles! Pick a segment that appeals to you. The section near Cambridge offers beautiful views of Smugglers' Notch without the mountain climb. A gravel or hybrid bike is perfect for the fine-crushed stone surface. Many of the towns along the route, like Stowe and Johnson, have embraced the trail, offering great spots for coffee, lunch, or even an overnight stay if you're feeling adventurous.
4. Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Massachusetts
Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is a gem. This 12.7-mile paved path follows the former Pittsfield and North Adams Railroad corridor, running alongside the scenic Hoosic River and the Cheshire Reservoir. The name "Ashuwillticook" (pronounced ash-oo-will-ti-cook) is from the native Mahican language, meaning "the place of pleasant water," and it couldn't be more fitting.
What makes this trail special for foliage is the combination of water and woods. The trail is almost entirely tree-lined, offering shade and an immersive forest feel. But it frequently opens up to expansive views across the reservoir, where the reflection of Mount Greylock and the surrounding hills, all painted in autumn hues, creates a breathtaking, mirror-image effect. The ride is mostly flat and smooth, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed afternoon spin where the focus is purely on the vibrant fall colors.
- Pro Tip: The southern trailhead in Lanesborough has a large parking lot and is a great starting point. Riding north towards Adams gives you increasingly dramatic views of Mount Greylock, the state's highest peak. Plan a stop in the town of Adams at the northern terminus, where you can grab a bite to eat before making the return journey. The trail can be popular, but it's wide enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. Peak colors in the Berkshires typically hit in early to mid-October.
5. Airline State Park Trail, Connecticut
For those seeking a more rustic and rugged foliage experience, Connecticut's Airline State Park Trail is your answer. This gravel and cinder path follows the route of the old Airline Railroad, which once promised a "straight as an arrow" journey from Boston to New York. While the train is long gone, it left behind a spectacular corridor for exploration, especially in the eastern part of the state, known as the "Quiet Corner."
The southern section, particularly from East Hampton to Hebron, is renowned for its incredible viaducts. Cycling over the massive Lyman and Rapallo Viaducts is a thrilling experience, lifting you high above the forest floor for panoramic, treetop-level views of the fall colors. It feels like you’re floating through the canopy. The trail surface is less refined than a typical rail trail, making it a proper gravel ride that is best suited for bikes with wider tires. This path offers a sense of solitude and adventure that’s harder to find on more developed trails.
- Pro Tip: A gravel bike is the weapon of choice here, though a hybrid or mountain bike will also do the trick. The viaducts are the main attraction, so make sure your route includes them. The section through Salmon River State Forest is also particularly beautiful, with the river adding another layer of scenic beauty. Given its more remote nature, pack plenty of water and snacks. The reward is a truly wild-feeling ride through some of Connecticut's most unspoiled autumn landscapes.
Get Out and Ride the Rainbow
There is no photograph or video that can truly capture the feeling of gliding silently through a forest set ablaze with autumn color. The crisp air, the earthy smell, the rustle of leaves, the sheer, overwhelming beauty of it all—it’s an experience that stays with you.
These five trails are just a starting point. New England is crisscrossed with incredible paths waiting to be discovered. So, this fall, I challenge you to trade the car for a bike, even for just one afternoon. Pump up your tires, pick a trail, and pedal your way into the heart of the season. You won’t just see the foliage; you’ll become a part of it.
Now, I want to hear from you! What are your favorite forest cycling trails for leaf-peeping in New England or beyond? Share your top spots and tips in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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