The Best Airbnbs in New England for Spotting Fall Foliage
Leaf peeping from a treehouse or cedar hot tub? Sign us up.
Maybe it’s the fact that summer has felt particularly brutal this year, but we’re really craving some fall weather right now. Not only that, but we’re craving everything that comes along with fall: crisp air that makes you want to breathe deep, shorter days that beg for roaring fires and spiked hot cider, and a peaceful quiet that overcomes nature as the landscape transforms from dense to dormant during a majestic journey that brings with it varying shades of golds, oranges, and reds—better known as fall foliage.
New England is famous for being the best spot to appreciate this bizarrely beautiful transformation of life to death, especially if you hit particular locales during their peak color-changing period. Looking for a getaway that calls for long walks accompanied by the sounds of leaves crunching under your feet while surrounded by some amazing leaf-changing action? These Airbnbs will provide an autumn peep show unlike any other, plus other rad amenities (so. many. hot tubs.) to enjoy when the hiking boots come off.
8 guests/$441 per night
If you’re looking for seclusion in the mountains, this spacious three-bedroom retreat has you covered. It features sprawling, vaulted interiors plus a wraparound deck that provides stunning views of the stars at night and the White Mountains during the day (which flourish with color in September and October). Although the stone fireplace and reading loft will make it hard to leave its confines at all, if you do feel like exploring, there are several hiking and biking trails right outside the door.
What guests say: “We enjoyed staying at Dave’s cabin. Nice location, very private, and has a beautiful view. Comfortable beds, spa-like showers, and an impressive library. The wood stove works incredibly well to heat the home and create ambiance. Our kids loved the little climbing wall in the basement and DVD library. Best part is the front porch at sunset! I would stay here again.”
4 guests/$333 per night
If you’re desperately seeking fall foliage, you can’t get much closer to the action than by sleeping in an actual treehouse. Located just under an hour’s drive north of Portland, Maine, this unique structure features walls of windows, rope bridges, and elevated porches (one with a hot tub!)—all ideal for taking in views of crisp autumn leaves. You could easily spend all afternoon napping in the king-size bedroom, but be sure to tear yourself away for some kayaking and canoeing on the nearby river (the hosts provide all equipment). After all, exerting yourself for a few hours will make that cedar hot tub all the more inviting at the end of the day.
What guests say: “This was a beautiful and joyful experience. It felt like a childhood dream come true! I’d highly recommend taking a yoga class on the property and going to the beach at Reid State Park—other than just being up in the trees, those were our favorite parts. We loved the privacy and quiet and were able to truly rest and restore. The hosts have created a very special space.”
8 guests/$423 per night
As if plucked from the pages of Architectural Digest, this stylish retreat is centrally located in the Berkshires between the towns of Stockbridge, Lenox, and Lee, serving as an ideal home base for a chill weekend away in the thick of leaf-peeping madness. With enough room to sleep eight, it still feels cozy thanks to quaint touches like faux fur rugs, reading nooks with overstuffed chairs, and a wood-burning fireplace. When you feel like exploring, you’ve got plenty of options thanks to some nearby restaurants and hiking trails, plus museums like the Clark Art Institute and MASSMoca that are less than an hour’s drive north.
What guests say: “The house was exactly what we needed for a relaxing girls weekend. The house felt like home right when we walked in. The house had everything we needed, and then some. The location was perfect—and Christopher was a great host. We were able to visit many of the restaurants and attractions he recommended. Don’t hesitate to book this home!”
6 guests/$544 per night
Stowe is one of the most charming towns in Vermont, as evidenced by this cute A-frame cabin plopped right in the middle of the forest. You should definitely spend some time exploring the town (the house is less than a mile from downtown Stowe), but be sure to carve out a few hours to stay put and enjoy the cabin. The bedroom has a glass wall so you can soak up the autumnal views the second you wake up, while the spa-like bathroom and living room with a wood-burning stove round out the whole relaxing experience.
What guests say: “Ryan’s place is better than the pics. The view from the master bedroom is surreal. I had to pinch myself every day to remind myself that it was real. The home is extremely well maintained and it is set up to be lived in by the owners. They have taken extra care to make the home warm and comforting. Anyone looking to venture into Stowe or just hang in a house to relax, this is the perfect place.”
4 guests/$364 per night
Airbnbs with one cool quirk are exciting on their own, but an Airbnb with three cool quirks? That’s more excitement than any leaf-centric vacay has seen in a while. This home in the Berkshires is a treehouse (!) that is 8-sided (!!) and made of glass (!!!). That means you get 360-degree views of foliage, which you can also take in while grilling on the spacious deck. When the sun goes down, gather around the fire pit or wood-burning fireplace with a cocktail in hand.
What guests say: “Unique, private, and relaxing location. Close to lots of great hiking trails and the small town of Great Barrington for some local shopping and dining. The treehouse was a great place to relax and enjoy a book by the fire pit on the deck or play some games around the indoor fireplace. Cozy beds and a modern style complete this fun house!”
12 guests/$751 per night
Not only is this cabin right in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains (meaning plenty of hiking and biking trails covered in those leaves you’re craving so badly), but it’s also directly adjacent to a river that you can listen to from the screened-in porch. The cozy living room comes with a wood-burning stove and original exposed beams from the 1800s, while the kitchen has oversized windows that look directly out over the river and surrounding forest. The main attractions are just outside the house: a boulder-lined patio with a picnic table and fire pit, and a barrel sauna (open year-round) to warm up in after a day spent hiking or, in the winter, skiing.
What guests say: “The cabin is phenomenal! It was so cute and much bigger than the pictures suggest. All 10 that stayed in my group said they slept great each night because the beds are so comfortable. The access to the river is so much fun! Highly recommend staying here!”
8 guests/$699 per night
This 1793 farmhouse has been renovated to include 21st-century amenities, but it is not without unique 18th-century details like wood floors and exposed beams. The house sits on 16 acres of well-maintained land that shines in the autumn, especially when you can take leisurely walks to the pond or just sit on a stone bench and take it all in. (There is a swimming pool, but it’s only open during the summer.) Be prepared to fight for the attic bedroom (aka the coolest room in the house), complete with all-wood walls and a cozy reading nook.
What guests say: “This house is living history, and the grounds are [gorgeous]. We stayed during fall, and the trees were absolutely stunning on the property. We fished in the lake, enjoyed the fireplace, and loved the history. Still close enough to town to go out for dinner or groceries.”
16 guests/$1,305 per night
This converted barn dates back to the mid-1800s, but rest assured, it’s been updated with modern amenities (though charming rustic details are still visible throughout). The house sleeps 16, and many of the bedrooms have views of the mountains. For even more scenery after you get out of bed, there are enormous windows, a screened-in back porch (with a clear ceiling for maximum sunshine and star-gazing enjoyment), and a patio with an 8-person hot tub. The house sits on 16 acres of land where you’ll discover 19th-century stone walls, two ponds, a creek, and a couple of hammocks for resting your eyes after all that leaf-peeping.
What guests say: “Wonderful place to stay and get away from the city. We have two families with two kids coming here as a retreat. We enjoyed cooking in the kitchen, having poker nights, chilling in the jacuzzi, and spotting shooting stars at night!! Recommend this place.”
7 guests/$564 per night
This Catskills cabin was originally a camp lodge for Girl Scout church services and stage performances. Today, it’s been completely renovated into a spacious three-bedroom home with a fully-stocked chef’s kitchen, massive stone fireplace, covered porch for morning coffee and afternoon beers, and massive windows with views of the Catskill Mountains. It’s also close to tons of hiking trails and charming small towns with breweries and restaurants. Oh, and if you have a hankering to reenact those Girl Scout performances? There’s a baby grand piano just waiting to be played.
What guests say: “The perfect mini escape from the city. The home is impeccably decorated, very clean, and well-stocked with everything you need. The location is great for some of the best hiking in the Catskills. We will definitely be back!”
4 guests/$450 per night
If you want cabin vibes without the creaking floors and dusty corners, this sleek dwelling near Rhinebeck is for you. While there, you’ll have access to the 3.5 acres of land; but if you don’t feel like wandering to find your fall colors, you’ll also be able to take in the wooded view from the 360-degree views (glass is an amazing thing!) and the swimming pool that is heated year-round. Other cool amenities include an orb fireplace, outdoor shower, solarium cottage in the woods, hammock (natch), deep soaking tub, and heated cement floors throughout.
What guests say: “Fantastic stay! We loved the way nature surrounds the home and the beautiful windows showcase the trees and the sky. Loved the heated pool, the outdoor fire pit, and the hammocks. Will book again!”
6 guests/$351 per night
Looking out over a sprawling fourth-generation organic farm, this newly renovated 800-square-foot, two-bedroom schoolhouse gets insane views of the Green Mountains from literally every direction. Take in the vista from the deck with your morning coffee, or sit by the fire pit and watch the sun go down. If you feel like upping the relaxation ante, there’s also an adjacent deck equipped with both an on-site sauna and hot tub, either of which makes for a spectacular stargazing spot at night.
What guests say: “We were sad to leave—the location and view are stunning and the schoolhouse itself is really beautifully and comfortably decorated. We also got some very lovely welcome gifts, which was sweet. Getting to stay here was such a treat and a totally different vibe for us. I hope we can come back someday!”
4 guests/$296 per night
Although you don’t need any excuse to visit Portland in the fall (it’s particularly great just after peak tourist season), this modern post-and-beam cottage is itself worth the trip. Situated about 20 minutes from the tiny coastal city, you’re close enough to the top-notch restaurants, breweries, and other fun sites in the Old Port to be convenient, but secluded enough to enjoy the tranquility of being tucked away amongst the colorful changing trees. The rustic home—which has been described by some guests as the “perfect oasis”—also boasts a couple of stand-out touches like a lofted bedroom and wood stove.
What guests say: “Can we just stay here forever? That thought ran through my mind countless times while staying at the cottage. I have enjoyed many vacations and yet this little 2-day getaway in the cottage tops them all. We will be back soon enough and would one million percent recommend to anyone looking for a place to stay in the area!”
4 guests/$341 per night
Described as “small but efficient,” it’d be tough to feel cooped up in this quiet cabin considering its sweeping Catskill views and a deck that essentially functions as a second living room. (Just imagine sipping your morning coffee or winding down with some wine out there.) It’s a cozy spot that pairs country charm with modern amenities (think: indoor/outdoor Sonos speakers and a Nest thermostat-controlled fireplace), and it also has everything you need to cook up a storm. And if you’re in the mood to spend some quality time outdoors, it’s only a short drive to popular hiking spots like Vernooy Kill Falls.
What guests say: “This is a wonderful little hideaway, perfect for a ‘time out,’ away from everything. It’s exactly as described, very stylish, in the middle of beautiful nature with gorgeous views and with complete silence (apart from the bird song).”
4 guests/$446 per night
You can learn about this totally unique getaway on Netflix’s “World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals,” or you can live in it for a few nights. If you choose the latter, you’ll be treated to a stay in a 1778 grist mill that only a few people will ever be lucky enough to experience. The four-story house features two decks that overlook Mill River’s 150-foot carved waterfall, while the entrance to the property is a covered bridge (does it get more New England than that?). In other words, you won’t have any trouble finding spots to snap photos of fall foliage.
What guests say: “This space is truly a must-visit. Wrapped in nature and historical charm, and hosted by incredible people that want to make your stay as special as possible. The Mill is comfortable, relaxing, and full of artistic and historical expression. The sound of the river swallows you into sleep and wakes you in the morning.”
16 guests/$697 per night
Newry, Maine, has a population of fewer than 350 people, so this is an ideal location if you truly want to get away from it all and not get a single noise complaint. This home is located directly on the Sunday River (great for trout fishing) and offers views of the tree-covered Sunday Slopes. Sit around the fire pit in the gorgeous gazebo one night, then sit around the fire pit by the river the next night. There’s also a massive hot tub, a sauna for detoxifying after late nights, and a pool table.
What guests say: “Overall an amazing place! Had a large group and Stephanie accommodated with an early check-in for our chef. The sauna and hot tub are a hit! And the river is literally steps away from the house. The local area is filled with breweries and makes for an awesome weekend with friends.”