9 Best Places to See Fall Foliage by Boat
Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
Every year its estimated that about ten million “leaf peepers” travel to New England, the Great Lakes Region, even Florida, and other Fall Foliage destinations. Fall foliage is one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomenas, and it only one of the most unique as it only occurs in the northern hemisphere. Whether you’re road tripping the Cascade Loop, RVing to a National Park, or looking for a blue mind exercise, get on the water for a truly unique perspective to one of the most magical seasons of the year.
- Peak foliage varies by region, but typically occurs by mid-October1.
- Fall foliage cruises are a popular fall activity.
- Captains are local experts that know the best places to boat. Consider booking with a licensed Captain for the best Fall Foliage cruise.
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1. Hudson River Valley, New York
One way to do fall in New York is on tourist boats up the Hudson River, another way is splitting the cost boat rental and captain with friends for a fall foliage cruise. This way you have the entire boat to yourselves and go with a local expert that can show you hidden gems. Depending on the boat type, a Fall Foliage cruise that’s going up the Hudson Valley region takes about an hour and a half to nearly two and a half hours but you’ll barely notice the time pass by as you glide past red-top hills.
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2. The seacoast of New Hampshire and Maine
Get picked up at a dock in Portsmouth, start with a cruise along the coast of Odiorne Point Park for Fall foliage of New Hampshire, then head north to get views of Fall foliage of southern and coastal Maine. If you’re feeling daring, ask your captain to take you to Boon Island Lighthouse, a lonely lighthouse on a barren island known as the site of several haunting stories.
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3. Upper Peninsula Michigan
Get on Little Transverse Bay anytime from late-September and mid-October for peak foliage of Michigan’s upper peninsula. Enjoy views of gold, orange, and crimson trees, cruise around Harbor Point to see the cutest red-brick lighthouse, and views of Harbor Springs, a picturesque waterfront resort town. If you’re looking to get on Lake Huron, book a fishing boat rental with fishing gear, anchor at Saginaw Bay where the run for walleye is on.
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4. Willamette River Valley, Oregon
Meet your captain at the dock in Portland and get on the Willamette River during peak foliage season which falls around mid-October. Cruise pass Sellwood Riverfront Park, under Sellwood Bridge, anchor around the River View Natural Area for views of deep Douglas fir against yellow and orange foliage.
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5. Rhode Island
More than half of Rhode Island is covered in forest making it an obvious destination for fall foliage sightseeing. While there’s so much to do in Newport, consider booking a boat for a fall foliage cruise in the capital, Providence. The city’s rich industrial history coupled with this area’s diverse geography makes for a unique fall foliage cruise with views of historic buildings and nature. Get on the water in mid-October for peak fall colors.
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6. Washington, D.C.
Maryland and Virginia boast spectacular fall colors. There’s nothing like seeing the color amid our national monuments, though. Taking in the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Memorial, and the Washington Monument from the water with the autumn array is extra special. The Potomac River takes you past each of them, plus more. Consider further cruising to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate, on the riverbanks in Virginia.
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7. Whidbey Island
Known as the place with one of the most scenic driving routes in the country, exploring Whidbey Island by boat during Fall is a one-of-a-kind experience. The forrest of this island reaches peak color during late-September to mid-October. Dock at Possession Beach Park, a great fall beach with brilliant yellow, orange, and read foliage.
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8. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is a must fall foliage destination, particularly the Door Bluff Headlands known for its vertical limestone bluffs rising from Green Bay. Nearby Garrett Bay Park has spectacular colors, too, along with the added benefit of a sunken ship, the Fleetwing, from the 1800s.
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9. Lake Tahoe
Foliage on Lake Tahoe peaks from mid-September to early-November. Anchor at Carnelian West Beach and cozy up on the deck of the boat and reflect while admiring gold sugar pine trees, or enjoy the views of peak foliage on the way to Vikingsholm, one of finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere.
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Footnotes
- Insights are based on independent research using explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map.
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