Fall Foliage - last week in October

I was hoping to come to New England to see the Fall Foliage in October - but the only week that we can make is the last week in October and I see from most of the websites that the foliage will be past peak by that time. My question is - is it worth going then still or does %26#39;past peak%26#39; literally mean that there are no more leaves on the trees!

Also, if it is worth still going where are the best places to visit around that time? (I have read further south the better?)

Also, can anyone tell me whether it is feasible to drive from Connecticut / Rhode Island to New York and how long that might take.

Fall Foliage - last week in October

Hello Bumble,

Welcome to the forums!

That%26#39;s a hard question to answer. The amount and duration of the autumn colors is weather dependent, and can vary greatly from year to year. ';Generally'; by the end of October most of New England from Connecticut and central New York state northward will be past peak. That can mean anything from a few lingering splotches of color, to large areas of bare trees. The color changes begin at the higher latitudes and progress southward, so you%26#39;re correct about the further south the better. Additionally, with the coastal areas being more temperate than the interior sections, some trees there can retain their leaves and colors somewhat later into the season.

With or without the colors, New England can be a great place to visit in the fall. The nights are cool,the air crisp and clear, and the daytime temps can get up into the 70s. The small inland towns and villages will have apple and pumpkin festivals, craft fairs, and lots to see and do. There are art, and antique galleries, and all kinds of shopping. The coastal towns will still be as lively as ever, except that starting in Maine and moving southward, things do begin closing for the season around mid-October.

The drive from the Connecticut/Rhode Island border straight down I-95 to Manhattan will take you about 3 hours, depending on the day and time of your drive.

In October, weekdays between 0900 and 1500 should pose no problems at all, barring accidents, construction, etc.

Enjoy your visit!