I grew up in New England. Fall is the best time to visit — but first-time tourists often make 4 avoidable mistakes.

Autumn meant mountains alight with fiery foliage, crisp air, and no mosquitoes. It was always the perfect time to squeeze in one last camping trip, visit my grandparents at their cabin in Vermont, and watch the changing leaves from scenic hikes and drives.

I no longer live in New England, but I still visit regularly — and every year, I watch other tourists make the same mistakes on their trips.

Several popular spots — including Bar Harbor, Maine; Woodstock, Vermont; and Salem, Massachusetts — get a lot of love on social media. Although they are beautiful towns, there are many others to explore off the beaten path.

Attending college in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, I'd watch the leaves change on virtually tourist-free dirt roads that snaked their way over rolling hillsides with views of colorful forests patch-worked with ponds, lakes, and pastures.

Wander around any rural part of New England, and you'll find some spectacular places with fewer crowds. A few of my top recommendations are Newport, Vermont; Rangeley, Maine; Sturbridge, Massachusetts; and Colebrook, New Hampshire.

Many first-time visitors underestimate how dangerous the mountains can be

A hike is a quintessential part of any New England foliage itinerary, but it won't be a fun experience if you're not prepared for it. I once shared a few laughs with a family who tried hiking in Crocs — and had to turn around a quarter of the way through their route.

Unfortunately, not every misadventure is that humorous. New England weather can be deceptive in autumn, especially in the higher elevations.

One evening on the Appalachian Trail in late August, my friends and I ran into a woman huddled in the dark on a log beside the trail. The day had started sunny and warm, but high wind and rain had moved in, and night had fallen quickly.

I still remember the feeling of dread when she asked if we'd seen her husband. Luckily, local search-and-rescue organizations got involved, and the man was eventually found safe and sound — but the experience was a good reminder that hiking can get dangerous if you're not prepared.

Leaving your itinerary with someone, sticking close to your travel companions, and packing hiking gear like headlamps, warm layers, appropriate footwear (such as hiking boots or trail-running shoes), water, and snacks can save your life in the mountains.

New England has a lot of fun scenic highways that are known for their epic views, but there are so many other great ways to see the foliage.