Autumn in New England
October in New England is magical, as the landscape bursts into color during the transition from summer to fall. The lush green of the trees gives way to vibrant reds, oranges, and golds, painting the mountainsides like they're ablaze. With a week ahead of us for truck travel, we started our journey from northern Vermont toward the New England Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR), which was only part of our route. We began in southern New Hampshire on a brilliant sunny day, where the fall foliage was at its peak. The smell of crushed leaves filled the air as we watched them swirl off the road or drift down like delicate snowflakes from the trees, with sunlight dancing through the branches suspended between fall and winter.
Rather than recounting the trip day by day, I’ll highlight some of the moments and places we shared. There were a few sweet camps we stayed as well as a charming motel in a coastal spot in Maine that neither of us had been. Our final stop a coastal retreat in Searsport, Maine. The town was chosen being further from the usual tourist-heavy destinations and a place we had yet to explore. Belfast is a quaint coastal town with beautiful restaurants, small businesses and family owned stores and shops that beckon your return. We enjoyed a small trivia night with the locals and had coffee with a friend at Downshift Coffee. The coffee was great, the pastries were better, and the vibe was perfect—sunlight pouring in through the large windows while we sipped our café au lait looking out at the red Adirondack chairs on the front patio.
Belfast felt like home—a dreamy, casual town where time seemed to slow down.
While truck camping is almost always fun, there are times when a warm bed and a roof over your head are a welcome change, especially for our dog. We opted for a stay at The Yardarm Motel in Searsport. The motel has a rich history, and its new owners have clearly invested in and are committed to making the experience the best possible.
Checking in was the easiest we’ve ever experienced, and the light breakfast offered the perfect start to our morning. It was an ideal base for exploring the area, and we found ourselves wishing we’d planned for an extra day. A fire ring in the front would have been a good place to end the day.
Most of our trip was focused on finding hidden gems off the beaten path, especially in New Hampshire. One highlight was Quill Hill in Maine with 360 degree panoramic views leaving us speechless. Walking the trails to take in each angle was an awe-inspiring experience. Making our way to the coast, where we spent a peaceful night at Quietside Campground. This last-minute find was exactly what we needed—quiet, cozy, and perfectly located for our next day’s adventure. The campground was midweek quiet, with raised wooden tent platforms, picnic tables, and some of the cutest cabins. It’s definitely a recommended spot for fellow travelers.