Experience the best of New England’s fall colors on this intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventure designed just for women. From the charming harbors of coastal Maine to the postcard-perfect villages of Vermont, we’ll immerse ourselves in vibrant foliage, local flavors, scenic hikes, and meaningful connection.

This 5-day getaway blends relaxed exploration with cozy charm—featuring historic towns, quiet trails, cider tastings, and boutique stays. If you love crisp air, golden leaves, and the kind of trip that feels like a warm sweater for the soul, this one’s for you.

This Fall Foliage Escape is rated Easy to Moderate in activity level, making it ideal for women who enjoy gentle movement, scenic walks, and light hiking. We’ll explore charming New England towns on foot at a relaxed pace and enjoy a couple of moderately challenging but rewarding hikes that offer beautiful views without requiring technical skill or high endurance. The trip is designed to be active enough to feel invigorating, while still allowing plenty of time for rest, relaxation, and connection. Whether you're strolling through vibrant fall-colored villages, hiking to sweeping viewpoints, or sipping cider on a cozy porch, this adventure strikes the perfect balance between exploration and ease.

October in New England—especially in coastal Maine and central Vermont—is one of the most beautiful times of the year, with crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the cozy feel of autumn setting in.

You can expect daytime highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s°F (15–18°C) and nighttime lows in the 30s to 40s°F (1–7°C). In other words, you’ll want to pack layers! Mornings may be chilly and foggy, but the sun often warms things up by mid-day. This time of year also brings brilliant fall colors, especially in mid-October, when the trees are typically at or just past peak in Vermont and still colorful along the Maine coast.

While October weather is generally dry, occasional rain showers or overcast days are possible—so a waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are a must. Overall, it's the perfect sweater-weather season: crisp, refreshing, and ideal for hiking, walking, and enjoying hot cider by a fire.

All the excursions listed in the itinerary are included. Bring cash/credit cards for purchasing souvenirs, additional snacks/meals, alcoholic drinks, extra activities, and other items. 

All gratuities are included in your adventure, with the exception of tips for your Chicas Abroad Tour Leader. While tipping your Tour Leader is entirely optional, it’s a meaningful way to show appreciation for the care, energy, and behind-the-scenes magic they bring to your trip.

If you’ve had an exceptional experience, a typical gratuity for a trip of this length ranges from $200–$250. In cases where more than one Tour Leader is present, you’re welcome to give your tip to one of them—they’ll ensure it’s shared among the team.

A custom packing list will be emailed out a few months prior to departure.

Arrive in Portland, Maine by 1:00 PM and meet your fellow travelers as we head up the scenic coast to the harbor town of Belfast. Check in to our seaside hotel, where we can smell the salty air — and maybe even a porch swing to soak it in. We’ll kick off our journey with a cozy welcome dinner overlooking the bay, sharing stories and laughter while the sun sets over Penobscot Bay. Feel the pace slow, your shoulders drop, and the adventure begin.

Included Meals: Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Belfast

Note: The Chicas Abroad team can help you book a hotel if you would like to arrive in Portland the day before the adventure.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Camden Hills State Park for a longer scenic hike combining the Mount Megunticook Tablelands Trail with a summit stop at Mt. Battie. This 5-mile route offers serene forest trails, rocky ledges, and jaw-dropping views of Camden Harbor and the Atlantic.

After our hike, enjoy a well-earned lunch in the postcard-perfect town of Camden, then spend the afternoon exploring its boutique shops, lighthouse views, or relaxing by the sea. Tonight, we’ll return to Belfast for a casual group dinner with time to share stories and soak in small-town Maine vibes.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation: Hotel in Belfast

Activity: Hiking 5 miles with approximately 1000' elevation gain

This morning we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll through Belfast, with stops at local shops, historic homes, and the waterfront harbor walk. Afterward, we’ll load up for our journey west to Vermont.

On our way into Stowe, we’ll stop for an optional afternoon hike on the Stowe Pinnacle Trail — a moderately challenging 3.7-mile out-and-back with one of the best panoramic foliage views in the region.

We’ll arrive at our mountain accommodations in time to check in, refresh, and enjoy a cozy dinner with mountain views.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation: Mountain resort in Stowe, VT

Activity: Optional 3.7 mile hike with around 1,600' elevation

Today we head to Woodstock, one of Vermont’s most charming and walkable towns. We’ll begin with a walking tour through covered bridges, quaint shops, and colonial architecture.

After lunch, we’ll hit the Faulkner Trail to Mount Tom, this time completing the North Peak Loop (about 4 miles total), which offers extended ridge views and peaceful forest paths.

After returning to Stowe, the evening is yours to relax by the fire, take a hot tub soak, or join the group for a farewell dinner and cider toast to close the adventure.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation: Mountain resort in Stowe, VT

Activity: Hiking 4 miles with about 850' elevation

Enjoy one last breakfast together before our group transfer to Boston Logan Airport (about 3 hours). Plan your flights for after 2:00 PM to ensure smooth travels.

You'll head home filled with crisp mountain air, vibrant leaf memories, and the kind of connections only Chicas Abroad can create.

Included Meals: Breakfast