The leaves start to turn orange, deep red and gold first in the mountains and other colder spots.

For an ever-changing perspective on the fall foliage, try viewing the colors from a higher elevation by hiking, driving or taking a ski lift up one of New England's mountains.

The foliage starts to turn orange, deep red and gold first in the mountains and other colder spots. The color emerges as the days shorten and leaves lose their green chlorophyll pigments. Stress, like cold temperature or drought, also triggers some tree species to generate a red pigment.


Mount Battie, Camden Hills State Park, Camden, Maine

The 5,700-acre Camden Hills State Park near the Maine coast offers diverse hiking trails as well as an auto road to the top of the 800-foot Mount Battie, with wide views of Penobscot Bay that inspired a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

If you go: Cost is $6 for adults, $2 for seniors 65 and older. The road is open daily from 7 a.m.-sunset through Oct 31.


Mount Greylock, Lanesboro

Mount Greylock is the highest spot in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as 90 miles away from the summit. There is a wide range of hiking trails at Mount Greylock State Reservation for various skill levels. Those who don't want to hike can drive up to the top for the sweeping views.

If you go: Parking at the summit costs $5 for Massachusetts residents; $10 for others. The road to the summit is open daily through Nov. 1.

New Hampshire

Mount Washington Auto Road, Gorham

The drive up the highest peak in the Northeast passes through four climate zones and sometimes-changing weather on patches of narrow roads. From the top of the 6,280-foot summit, visitors get a panoramic view of mountains and valley. They also have access to a gift shop and cafeteria. Crisp, clear days can get busy, so visitors are advised to arrive early. Some vehicles are prohibited.

If you go: The cost is $31 for car and driver; $9 for adult passenger; and $7 for children age 5-12. The road is open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. through Oct. 21, weather permitting.

Mount Washington Cog Railway, Bretton Woods

If you'd rather not drive, the Mount Washington Cog Railway chugs leaf-peepers to the summit by train. The narrated trip takes about an hour each way. Passengers get an hour to explore the summit, including several short hiking trails, the Mount Washington Observatory, gift shops, restrooms and a snack bar. Reservations are recommended.

If you go: The train ride costs $78 for the steam engine and $72 for the biodiesel train for adults; $41 for either train for children; $72 for the steam engine train and $68 for biodiesel for seniors. A one-way hiker ticket is $51.