Top things to do for Fall foliage in New Hampshire
Have you seen mountains covered with hue of red, orange & yellow trees? If not, I would suggest to plan your next fall season driving across the North East region of the USA. We bet, it will be the best memories you will make admiring the spectacular Fall foliage in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
Fall Foliage in New Hampshire is beyond beautiful. Everywhere we looked we were at awe. There is nothing like Autumn in New Hampshire. After our 10 day fall road trips across New Hampshire, Vermont, & Maine, we couldn’t agree more.
In this travel blog, I will share the best New Hampshire fall places to visit , top things to do and travel tips. So keep reading to know more!
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Best Time to visit
It’s really tricky to pinpoint when peak fall foliage will happen, as it can vary depending on the region. The best way to stay updated with the Fall Tracker and keep an eye on the changing colors of the fall foliage in New Hampshire.
First week of October is considered as the best time to visit New Hampshire for Fall Foliage, though you can visit anytime in October to enjoy fall colors. Based on our observations from the past few years, fall starts peaking in the north and progresses south over the course of a month.
This means that you can enjoy peak fall foliage in Hampshire the entire month of October, but the timing may vary by location.
Best way to visit
Road Trip would be a great idea to enjoy Autumn in New Hampshire. You can rent a car based on the airport you are landing or city you coming from. Landing on Boston MA or Burlington, VT or Albany, NY airports would be a good choice.
I highly recommend using RentalCars.com to compare prices among various car rental companies. They also have an excellent cancellation policy in case you want to change your Fall Foliage in New Hampshire trip.
Looking for a Car Rental?
Where to stay
Lincoln and Conway are the best places to stay and drive to enjoy fall foliage in New Hampshire. If you prefer camping, you can find and book a campground in several NH state parks based on your itinerary.
We booked two Lakeside properties in Huttopia in Albany, NH and Cabin stay in Whitefield, NH. You can also checkout this unique glampling stay for your next trip.
Looking for a budget hotel?
Where to eat
There are lot of food options in Lincoln, Conway and Meredith.
We particularly loved Polly’s Pancake parlor for breakfast. They serve one of the best pancakes in the area. Our favorite was Ginger bread with walnuts, Oatmeal with coconut, and original with chocolate chips. Visit early in the day to avoid crowd and queue.
Planning your Fall foliage in New Hampshire trip
When planning a trip for autumn in New Hampshire, you face the dilemma of whether to plan in advance or leave it for the last minute.
You can either carefully plan every detail and hope to catch the peak colors, or you can embrace spontaneity and visit locations where the colors are at their best based on the Fall Foliage tracker. This decision depends on your travel style.
I suggest creating a draft plan based on last year’s tracker, adjusting it based on the current year’s tracker, and then booking your accommodation or campgrounds accordingly.
For hotels, I highly recommend using booking.com or expedia.com (our go to) to compare prices across multiple different hotel and locations. Plus, they have an incredible refundable policy which comes handy if you want to change your plan.
Another flexible option is to book a Camper-van. It offers the added advantage of allowing you to camp in locations and enjoy the freedom of chasing fall colors.
Top things to do : Fall foliage in New Hampshire
From scenic drives to picturesque hikes, New Hampshire offers countless opportunities to experience the beautiful leaf changing season. Here are the top things to do for fall foliage in New Hampshire to ensure you enjoy autumn in New Hampshire in all its glory.
1. Drive the Kancamagus Highway
A 34.5 mile scenic byway along NH 112 from Conway to Lincoln (or vice-versa) in northern New Hampshire, Kancamagus Highway is one of the best fall drives in the country. It is indeed a spectacular place to see stunning fall foliage in New Hampshire.
This route provides stunning views with numerous overlooks and hiking trails to explore along the way. The drive along the orange & red mountains near the Kancamagus pass is just an unforgettable experience and believe us no pictures can justify how beautiful the place looks like!
Best stops along the Kancamagus Highway : Albany Covered Bridge, Sabbaday Falls, Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Sugar Hill Scenic Vista, Pemigewasset Overlook, and Hancock Overlook.
It was raining on and off when we started and spent about 5-6 hours driving, stopping at overlooks, snacking, admiring views, hiking short trails and clicking countless pictures.
Tips – If you are visiting on a weekend, expect lot of traffic so plan accordingly. There is no service area along the highway so fuel up (in Conway or Lincoln) and come prepared with food. It can rain anytime so bring rain gears. Download an offline map in the phone as there is no or limited network.
2. Enjoy the view from Mount Washington summit
You can visit Mount Washington summit in 3 ways – (1) Cog Railway (i.e. by Train), (2) Auto toll road (i.e. by driving yourself) & (3) – Hiking (not easy one though).
We opted to drive on the Mt Washington auto toll road. The drive offers stunning panoramic views of the White Mountains, which are particularly magnificent during the fall foliage season. We were lucky to have a clear sunny day with no clouds, however it was very cold at the summit.
It is a narrow road so drive only if you are comfortable. While coming down it is advisable to use lower gear because of the slope. Also, take breaks in between to cool down the brakes.
There are restrictions on the weight of the vehicle i.e the interior weight of the vehicle should be less than 900 lbs. You can check the website to learn more. We have a Kia Sportage and had no issues while going up or coming down. It was very cold and windy up on the mountains, so bring layers.
3. Explore Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park is a must-visit destination in the heart of the White Mountains. The park’s stunning landscape, combined with the brilliant fall colors, makes it a top spot for leaf peeping. Here are things to do in Franconia Notch State Park :
Artist Bluff
Artist Bluff is a very popular hike in New Hampshire for fall foliage. It is a 1.5 mile round trip with insane views from the top. Since, it’s very popular, would suggest to hike early in the morning. You can also combine this hike with Bald Mountain.
Flume Gorge
Flume Gorge in Franconia State park is an easy nature walking trail. It is about one way 2 mile loop trail. You will find colorful trees, cascading waterfalls, wooden cover bridges and more. Advance reservation is required for Flume Gorge .
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
Another popular thing to do in Franconia Notch State Park is taking the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to the Cannon Mountain summit and enjoy the colorful views from the top. Unfortunately, when we visited, the tramway was closed for the year.
4. Visit Crawford Notch State Park
Crawford Notch State Park is a another must-visit state park for anyone looking to enjoy fall foliage in New Hampshire. The park features some of the most stunning scenery in the White Mountains, with dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and a rich tapestry of autumn colors. Here are the top things to do here –
Mt Willard
One of the most popular hike in Crawford Notch state park is Mt Willard Trail. It is a 3.1 mile out and back moderate hike. The views from the top are absolutely insane. Please be careful on the edge as it gets windy at the summit.
Silver Cascade Waterfall
Silver Cascade is a stunning roadside waterfall in Crawford Notch State Park along RT 302. Stop and admire the view and click some pictures before heading to your next stop.
Frankenstein Cliff & Arethusa Falls
Frankenstein Cliff is moderately challenging 3.5-mile round trip hike. Along the hike, there is an awesome little detour to some railway tracks where you can snap a classic train shot with the stunning fall colors in the background. Just remember to stay safe while capturing photos! Check the train time to see if you want to take a shot with the train.
Add an extra 1 mile to your hike and visit Arethusa Falls. Keep in mind that the trail isn’t very well marked and can be slippery, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes. Also, to reach the railway track view, just take a walk along the road next to the parking lot and follow the track.
5. Drive to Dixville Notch State Park
Drive further north to Dixville Notch and hike the popular Table Rock Trail. It is 1.5 mile out and back. The view from the top of the summit is absolutely breathtaking specially during peak fall.
There are two trailheads for the Table Rock Hike: one for trail #50 and one for trail #57. The trailhead for trail #50 is the easiest of the two routes, but be aware that this trail is not suitable for children or anyone afraid of heights.
6. Drive the New Hampshire Lakes region loop
Take a scenic drive through the Lakes Region for breathtaking views of fall foliage in New Hampshire. The route includes stops at popular spots like Squam Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, and Lake Sunapee.
Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire, is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains, creating the perfect setting to enjoy the vibrant fall colors. While you’re there, consider taking a boat cruise, renting a kayak, or simply relaxing on the shoreline to admire the beauty of autumn in New Hampshire.
Don’t miss to visit the lovely town of Meredith, where you can enjoy local shops and eateries.
7. Admire the views from Cathedral Ledge
To witness awe-inspiring fall foliage in New Hampshire, you should visit Cathedral Ledge State Park in North Conway. The ledge offers unparalleled views of the Saco River Valley, the White Mountains, and North Conway. You can easily drive to the park or take a short hike to get there. It’s a perfect spot for anyone who loves photography and nature!
8. Book a stay with a lake view
Make your fall foliage trip extra special by staying at a cozy inn or glamping. In New Hampshire, you’ll find accommodations with stunning views and close proximity to the best spots for leaf peeping, ensuring a peaceful and memorable stay.
We loved our lakefront property to enjoy Autumn in New Hampshire. The reflection of colorful trees on the lake were absolutely breathtaking. We booked two such properties during our road trip – Huttopia in Albany, NH and Cabin stay in Whitefield, NH.
Also, recently we stayed at this beautiful property (for glamping) near Lincoln – You should definitely check that as well your fall foliage in New Hampshire trip – Lumen Nature Retreat.
9. Stroll through beautiful small towns of New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s small towns, such as Lincoln, North Conway, and Meredith, offer a quintessential New England fall experience. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through these towns, admire the historic architecture, and take in the vibrant foliage.
Checkout our video: Fall foliage in New Hampshire
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Tips to keep in mind
Start Early: Popular spots can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends. Try to get there early so you can enjoy the best views and avoid the crowds.
Plan Ahead: Be sure to check local foliage reports to find out the best times to visit. The peak foliage can vary depending on the region and weather conditions.
Pack Essentials: Don’t forget to bring along a camera, binoculars, and a map of the area. It’s also a good idea to pack some snacks, water, and a first-aid kit, especially if you plan on taking a hike.
Carry warm layers: The weather in autumn can be tricky. Make sure to layer your clothing to stay warm and wear sturdy footwear for those hikes.
Be Prepared for Rain: Autumn showers can happen, so be sure to bring along a waterproof jacket or umbrella.
Plan during the Week: If you can, plan your trip on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and have a more peaceful experience.
Use a GPS or Offline Maps: Some areas may have limited cell service, so it’s a good idea to have a GPS or download offline maps of the area.
Capture the Moment: Fall foliage is so fleeting, so be sure to snap plenty of photos to capture the beauty. But don’t forget to put the camera down and take in the view with your own eyes too!
Stay on designated trails, be sure to pick up all your trash, and be mindful of the wildlife.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re someone who loves to see the beautiful fall foliage or simply looking to bask in the peace of nature, New Hampshire in autumn offers an unforgettable experience that will create lasting memories.
As you plan your trip, don’t forget to check the local foliage reports as you plan your visit. This will help you time your trip perfectly and ensure that you catch the peak colors. Remember to pack your camera, embrace the crisp autumn air, and get ready to create lasting memories during autumn in New Hampshire.
I hope this post helps you find all the New Hampshire fall places to visit and plan the upcoming year’s Autumn in New Hampshire. Pin it or bookmark the post if you have plans to see next year’s Fall Foliage in New Hampshire.
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