Autumn Colors of New England

Limited to 14 Travelers with Two Expedition Leaders
A very important feature of our New England adventure is the limited group size, as nature travel is best experienced with fewer travelers for a more intimate and authentic experience. We divide into two vehicles of no more than seven guests each, with each accompanied by a Nat Hab Expedition Leader. This also allows us to split up for activities of varying physical ability requirements—for example, one group may do an easy nature walk while the other embarks on a more significant hike. 

Take this trip on a private basis, traveling exclusively with your immediate family, multi-generational family or group of friends. Click here for details and pricing.

Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s) and local staff, transportation in vehicles carrying no more than seven guests each, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, Internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), optional travel protection and medical evacuation insurance.

Moderate
This adventure does not require a particularly high degree of physical fitness. However, please be aware that hiking is one of the main activities, and guests will get the most out of this experience if they are able to hike at least 3 miles at a leisurely pace with frequent stops. While we will not be hiking at altitude, the summit of Mt. Washington, which we access via cog railway, is 6,288 feet. Guests with health issues at this altitude should advise Nat Hab of their condition so we can arrange alternate plans. The hiking portions of the trip are on mostly unpaved and uneven terrain, with some inclines. Trip participants should be able to navigate tree roots, rocks, occasional high steps and potential shallow stream crossings. The ability to hike a minimum of 5 miles, including on steeper terrain, will allow access to more overlooks, waterfalls and summit views. Since we travel with two Expedition Leaders, we are able to split the group by physical ability level for different activities. During our stay at Lake Willoughby, guests will have the opportunity (weather permitting) to canoe on the lake. This is an optional activity; guests may choose to hike in the area or relax by the shore instead.

Our dates have been chosen to align with the expected prime season for fall foliage viewing in the regions covered by our itinerary. However, weather conditions, seasonal variations, climate caprices, elevation and latitude all play a role in determining when the leaves will change and peak, and prediction is an inexact science. Our Expedition Leaders will do their best to visit places where foliage color is at its height, but please understand that certain destinations on your itinerary may have passed the peak, or the leaves may have not turned yet, depending on when we are there.

We will do our best to avoid crowds, and sections of our itinerary are expressly designed to achieve this, but there will be portions of the trip where this is not possible. Especially in Burlington, at Mount Washington, and at Crawford Notch, we may encounter lots of other travelers, especially if we happen to be there on a weekend. However, we deliberately include quieter and less-frequented parts of Vermont and New Hampshire to facilitate more peace and tranquility, and we often opt for early morning and late afternoon activities when the light is most dramatic and other travelers have yet to arrive or have already left.

The drives on our itinerary are all very scenic and typically last about 1.5 hours as we transit between locations. We make frequent stops at viewpoints and scenic spots for photos and to stretch our legs. Our Expedition Leaders will make the final decision on our daily routes based on their local knowledge of the area and where the leaves may be peaking at any given time. 

Arrival: Arrive in Burlington, VT by 4 pm to attend a welcome dinner and orientation beginning at 6 pm on Day 1.
Departure: You may depart Burlington, VT anytime after 1 pm on the final day.