Leaf‑Lovers Head to New Hampshire and Vermont This Fall, Even as Gas Prices Soar

When the first gold‑kissed leaves start to flutter down the White Mountains and the Green Mountains, tourism boards in New Hampshire and Vermont are already counting the reservations. Even though the price at the pump has crept up to a new high this year, the region’s iconic fall colors are still pulling crowds from the city and the suburbs.

“We’re not seeing a drop in interest,” said a spokesperson for New Hampshire’s Department of Tourism. “If anything, people are more eager to get out of the office and into the woods, even if they have to budget a little tighter for gas.” The sentiment echoed across the border, where Vermont’s tourism office reported a similar uptick in weekend‑getaway bookings.

That optimism isn’t born out of thin air. Data from state travel bureaus shows a 7‑percent rise in hotel and cabin reservations compared with the same period last year. Many travelers are simply shifting their habits – car‑pooling, planning shorter loops, or choosing lodging a bit farther from the most popular lookout points to save a few dollars on mileage.

For families, the decision often comes down to the “once‑a‑year” experience of watching the map‑like canopy transform. “My kids have never missed the foliage,” one Boston‑area mother told us. “We’re willing to pay a little more for gas because the memory is worth it.”

Local businesses are also pitching creative solutions. Some bed‑and‑breakfasts now bundle fuel‑gift cards with stays, while a handful of tour operators offer electric‑vehicle shuttles that run from major parking lots to the most scenic spots. Those options give visitors a way to enjoy the drive without feeling the sting of every gallon.

Transportation experts, however, warn that if gasoline prices keep climbing, there could be a threshold where casual leaf‑peepers stay home. “We’re not there yet, but the margin is getting thinner,” said a regional analyst. “The key will be making the trip feel affordable beyond just the fuel cost.”

In the meantime, the autumn forecast remains bright. Meteorologists predict a crisp, dry spell that should keep the leaves at their most vivid from early October through Thanksgiving. For many, that’s more than enough incentive to pack a bag, fill up the tank, and chase the colors before they fade.