In 2016, my first year living on the East Coast, I eagerly anticipated experiencing the famed fall season. With vibrant foliage painting the landscape, I imagined myself immersed in a picturesque world of crimson, amber, and gold. But as often happens, work commitments kept me tethered, leaving me disappointed as the season slipped away. One crisp October evening, however, I resolved to salvage the fall magic. Armed with determination and a late-season forecast, I set out to find a destination where autumn’s glory still lingered.
What I discovered wasn’t just the fading vibrance of fall—it was an enchanting journey blessed by the season’s first snowfall, a magical blend of autumn and winter that left an indelible mark on my heart.
A Road Trip Through the Heart of New England
Route: Stamford, CT → Hartford, VT → Mendon, VT → Skyline Drive, VT → Franconia Notch State Park, NH → Stamford, CT
Highlights: Vibrant fall colors, cozy New England towns, and a surprise snowfall
With a rough plan in place, I charted a course from Stamford, Connecticut, into the heart of New England. My journey would take me through quaint villages, scenic drives, and stunning natural landscapes, all soaked in the colors of late fall.
Stop 1: Hartford, Vermont – A Quaint Start
Stop 2: Quechee Gorge Bridge – Nature’s Masterpiece
Stop 3: Rogers Road, Bridgewater Corners – A Hidden Gem
Stop 4: Mendon, Vermont – A Taste of Authenticity
Stop 5: Skyline Drive – The Summit of Solitude
Stop 6: Franconia Notch State Park – Nature’s Grand Finale
Day 1: Stamford, CT to Hartford, VT – A Journey Into Autumn’s Heart
The journey began in Stamford, CT, a city that beautifully bridges the vibrancy of urban life with the quaint charm of New England. As I left behind the familiar hustle and bustle, the landscape transformed almost instantly. The highway unfolded into a corridor of brilliant oranges, golden yellows, and deep reds—a living tapestry that heralded the height of fall. Each twist and turn of the road brought a fresh wave of breathtaking scenery: rolling hills, serene rivers, and endless rows of trees dressed in their autumn best.
After several hours of scenic driving, I arrived in Hartford, VT, a picturesque town nestled along the Connecticut River. Despite its modest size, Hartford is a treasure trove of natural beauty and small-town charm. My first stop was the iconic Quechee Gorge, often hailed as Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon. Standing 165 feet above the gorge, I was awestruck by the dramatic views of the rocky chasm below, framed by a canopy of fiery autumn leaves. It was a scene straight out of a postcard.
I couldn’t resist taking a leisurely walk along the Quechee Gorge Trail, which offered even more stunning perspectives of the area. The crisp air, combined with the rustling of leaves underfoot, created an ambiance that was both peaceful and invigorating.
Next, I ventured to the renowned Simon Pearce glassblowing studio and restaurant. Watching the artisans craft intricate glassware was mesmerizing—a delicate dance of heat and precision. To top it off, the restaurant’s riverside location offered a perfect setting for a late lunch. Savoring locally inspired dishes while overlooking the waterfall below was a moment of pure bliss.
Hartford proved to be the perfect introduction to my fall road trip. With its scenic charm and inviting atmosphere, it set the tone for the adventure ahead—a journey filled with nature’s wonders and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Day 2: Discovering the Quiet Charm of Hartford, VT
Hartford, VT, may be small in size, but its charm lies in its simplicity and serene beauty. As I arrived, the first thing that caught my eye was how the town seemed to embrace the towering hill behind it, as if cradled in nature’s arms. It was the kind of picturesque scene you’d expect to find on a postcard, a perfect harmony of rustic New England charm and natural splendor.
My stay at the Quality Inn provided the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Waking up to the soft light of morning filtering through the hills was nothing short of magical. The golden rays seemed to cast a glow over the entire town, painting a scene that begged to be captured.
With my camera in hand, I ventured out to explore Hartford’s quiet streets and scenic corners. The stillness of the morning allowed me to truly connect with the surroundings, each moment feeling like a page from a storybook. Every click of the shutter seemed to capture something special—a quaint building, a winding path, or the majestic hill standing watch over the town.
Hartford, though small and unassuming, left a lasting impression on me. Its quiet elegance and unpretentious beauty made it feel like a hidden treasure, a place where time slows down and the simple joys of life come into focus. It was a peaceful and heartfelt interlude, a reminder that even the smallest stops on a journey can leave the deepest impressions.
Day 2: A Serendipitous Stop at Quechee Gorge Bridge, VT
As we made our way toward Mendon and Skyline Drive, we decided to take an unplanned detour—and what a delightful decision it was. The Quechee Gorge Bridge, often celebrated as Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon, turned out to be one of the highlights of the journey.
The moment we arrived, we were greeted by a scene that felt almost surreal. The bridge, with its elegant arch spanning the gorge, stood as a testament to human ingenuity, blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty. From its vantage point, we were treated to a breathtaking view of a meandering stream carving its way through the forested valley below.
The surrounding trees, adorned in their autumn finest, created a vivid mosaic of fiery reds, vibrant oranges, and golden yellows. The colors seemed to cascade down the slopes, meeting the cool blue of the water below in perfect harmony. It was a quintessential New England scene, the kind you dream of when envisioning fall in this region.
We lingered on the bridge, letting the serenity of the moment wash over us. The gentle murmur of the stream, the crispness of the fall air, and the symphony of colors around us combined to create a sensory experience that was nothing short of magical.
This unexpected stop at Quechee Gorge Bridge was a reminder of the joy in unplanned adventures. It was one of those rare moments when the natural and the man-made come together to create something truly unforgettable. As we continued our journey, the beauty of the gorge stayed with us, a vivid memory etched into the fabric of our trip.
Day 2: The Hidden Gem of Rogers Rd, Bridgewater Corners, VT
Every great road trip is sprinkled with unexpected surprises, and for us, Rogers Rd in Bridgewater Corners, VT, was one of those magical finds. As we meandered through the quiet countryside, this unassuming road caught our attention with its breathtaking display of autumn’s artistry. What started as a simple drive quickly turned into one of the most memorable stops of the trip.
The moment we spotted Rogers Rd, we knew we couldn’t just drive by. The trees lining the road were ablaze with fiery oranges, deep reds, and shimmering yellows, their branches forming a natural canopy that seemed to invite us to pause and admire. The rural charm of the setting, coupled with the vibrant fall colors, made it feel as though we had stumbled upon a secret corner of New England, untouched and pristine.
We pulled over for an impromptu photo session, unable to resist the allure of the scenery. Each angle revealed a new perspective on the road’s beauty, from the gentle curves framed by golden leaves to the sunlight filtering through the treetops, casting dappled patterns on the ground. The stillness of the area added to its magic, making it feel like time had slowed down just for us to soak in the moment.
This unplanned stop became one of the day’s highlights, a reminder that the true beauty of travel often lies in the unexpected. Rogers Rd wasn’t on our itinerary, but it left a lasting impression—proof that some of the best experiences happen when you take the time to explore and embrace the surprises along the way.
Day 2: A Taste of Vermont at Maple Sugar & Vermont Spice, Mendon, VT
After the unexpected magic of Rogers Rd, our next stop was all about satisfying our appetites and recharging for the adventures ahead. As we made our way into Mendon, VT, we stumbled upon a charming countryside gem: Maple Sugar & Vermont Spice.
From the moment we stepped inside, the restaurant exuded a warm and inviting ambiance. The rustic decor, reminiscent of classic Vermont farmhouses, instantly made us feel at home. It wasn’t just a meal—it was an experience, a slice of Vermont’s heart and soul served on a plate.
Of course, we couldn’t resist the house specialties: pancakes and waffles, both generously drizzled with their signature maple syrup. But calling it just “maple syrup” doesn’t do it justice. This was liquid gold—rich, velvety, and bursting with a deep, natural sweetness that only Vermont can deliver. Each bite was a celebration of flavor, with the syrup perfectly complementing the fluffy pancakes and crispy waffles.
What made the experience even more memorable was the warmth of the staff, who shared stories about the region’s maple sugaring traditions. It added a personal touch, connecting us not only to the food but also to the heritage behind it.
If you ever find yourself in Mendon, stopping by Maple Sugar & Vermont Spice is an absolute must. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a delicious introduction to Vermont’s culinary legacy, where every bite tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship.
Day 2: Conquering Skyline Drive to Mount Equinox Summit, VT
Day 2’s adventures reached new heights—literally—as we embarked on the thrilling journey up Skyline Drive to the Mount Equinox Summit. Stretching nearly seven miles, this scenic drive is as challenging as it is rewarding. Each turn offered glimpses of the surrounding Vermont landscape, with fall’s fiery palette adding a breathtaking backdrop to the ascent.
The drive itself was an adventure. As the road climbed higher, the winds became stronger, making the journey both exhilarating and demanding. For anyone planning to tackle this route, a four-wheel drive is essential, especially near the summit, where the gusts are powerful and the road’s curves test your skill and focus.
But every moment of the climb was worth it. Just as we reached the summit, nature put on a show. The first snowflakes of the season began to fall, transforming the landscape into a magical blend of autumn and winter. Below us, the valley was still awash with vibrant fall colors, while the summit was gently blanketed in pristine white—a scene so surreal it felt like stepping into a dream.
Standing at the summit, with panoramic views stretching as far as the eye could see, was an unforgettable experience. The mix of seasons, the crisp mountain air, and the quiet beauty of the moment made all the challenges of the drive fade away.
Skyline Drive to Mount Equinox Summit isn’t just a journey; it’s an experience that connects you to the raw beauty of Vermont. For anyone seeking adventure and awe-inspiring vistas, this is a road you won’t want to miss.
Day 3: Exploring the Enchantment of Franconia Notch State Park, VT
Our final day began with an early start, fueled by a desire to uncover more of New England’s captivating beauty. By 9 AM, we were back on the road, eager to take in as much as possible before the journey’s end. The drive itself was a feast for the senses, with snow-dusted trees lining the roads and picturesque vistas around every bend. However, the weather presented a challenge—the snowfall that had begun the day before continued, making it difficult to stop and fully explore each breathtaking spot we passed.
Our perseverance eventually led us to the heart of Franconia Notch State Park, a destination that felt like stepping into a winter wonderland. The park, known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, had transformed into a magical blend of seasons. Autumn’s lingering hues peeked through the fresh snow, creating a mesmerizing contrast that seemed almost too beautiful to be real.
One of the highlights of our visit was discovering a tranquil waterfall nestled within the park. The gentle cascade of water, framed by snow-laden branches and a dusting of fall foliage, was a sight to behold. The quiet serenity of the scene, coupled with the soft sound of snow falling around us, created a moment of pure peace.
Although the snow limited how much ground we could cover, it only added to the charm of the experience. The park’s ski trails hinted at winter adventures yet to come, while its untouched corners showcased the fleeting beauty of fall meeting winter.
Franconia Notch State Park left an indelible impression—a testament to New England’s ability to surprise and delight, even in challenging weather. For anyone seeking to witness the harmonious dance of two seasons, this park is a destination that should not be missed.
Manoj's Photography 
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