Fall in New Hampshire is really one thing particular. The air turns crisp, the bushes burst into sensible reds and golds, and small cities come alive with harvest festivals and comfy allure. Whether or not you are chasing peak foliage, searching for scenic drives, or simply need to sip cider with a view, New Hampshire is among the finest locations on the planet to expertise autumn.
From the attractive white mountains, the scenic drive alongside the Kancamagus, or visiting the charming cities of Sandwich or Conway, you may discover a lot to see and do.
Cozy sweaters, pumpkin-spiced every thing, and naturally beautiful fall foliage!
New England as an entire is thought for its gorgeous fall foliage. As a matter of truth, till I took my very own fall highway journey by New England, I really thought that these vibrant fall colours have been all pretend! However let me inform you – they’re fully actual! No shade enhancement or photoshop wanted.
However New Hampshire particularly has its personal set of fall perks. Whereas leaf peeping is certainly the spotlight of fall in New Hampshire, that’s definitely not the one factor to do there! You too can take time to attend fall festivals, carve pumpkins, go apple choosing, and a lot extra.
If you wish to expertise every thing fall-related that New Hampshire has to supply, I’ve bought you lined. With out additional ado, right here’s my information to the most effective locations for fall in New Hampshire.
When Is the Greatest Time to See the Leaves in New Hampshire?
Yearly, the autumn leaf-changing season adjustments barely. Usually, it takes place in some unspecified time in the future between the center of September and the center of October. That stated, to ensure you see the fiery leaves throughout any given yr, I extremely advocate utilizing a fall foliage prediction map.
What Is the Greatest Time to Go to New Hampshire within the Fall?
If the leaves come between the center of September and the center of October, so do you have to! In spite of everything, that’s among the best elements of fall in New Hampshire. This timeframe additionally occurs to coincide with most of the state’s finest fall festivals.
What Is the Greatest Airport to Fly Into in New Hampshire?
Since all the states in New England are small, you really don’t must fly immediately into New Hampshire. As a matter of truth, should you’re coming from one other a part of the nation, it may be simpler to fly to a bigger airport, like Boston Logan Worldwide Airport or Albany Worldwide Airport.
If you happen to’d want to fly into New Hampshire immediately, you may take a look at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Learn extra: How you can Plan the Excellent New England Fall Highway Journey
What Ought to I Pack for Fall in New Hampshire?
Layers are your finest good friend in the case of fall climate. Throughout that point of yr, the climate usually adjustments quite a bit over the course of a day. So when it will get a bit of too chilly, add one other layer. If it will get too scorching, take one off.
Another requirements embody a heat coat, gloves, and even sunscreen! Additionally, should you plan on tackling among the hikes I like to recommend later on this article, you’ll desire a pair of mountaineering boots. These are my favourite mountaineering boots, and right here’s my full information on what to pack for mountaineering.
Greatest Locations for Fall in New Hampshire
White Mountain Nationwide Forest
White Mountain Nationwide Forest covers an enormous chunk of New Hampshire (and even a bit of little bit of Maine!). This forest is so giant that it really features a few different spots on this listing – however that doesn’t imply it doesn’t deserve a function of its personal!
This 800,000-acre forest is completely huge. It’s stuffed with thriving oaks, maples, and pines – which all totally embrace the fiery colours of fall. The surroundings is so beautiful that it really introduced tears to my eyes!
Some of the standard methods to expertise autumn in White Mountain Nationwide Forest is by driving on Kancamagus Freeway. This 34.5-mile highway is stuffed with completely breathtaking fall foliage. Be happy to drag over and get a better look!
If you happen to’d wish to fully immerse your self within the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall, I like to recommend happening one of many many hikes in White Mountain Nationwide Forest. Mount Tecumseh, Mount Moosilauke, and West Rattlesnake Mountain are all improbable choices.
Conway
When testing the most effective locations for fall in New Hampshire, you don’t need to miss out on Conway. This little city is dwelling to the Conway Scenic Railway, which is an old school railroad expertise that takes you previous among the brightest fall colours and the cutest small cities.
The Conway Scenic Railway provides three totally different railroad tour choices. We opted for the Bartlett-Sawyer Tour, which allowed us to pop into cute retailers, dine at improbable native eating places, and naturally do some leaf peeping.
As you may think about, that is fairly a well-liked attraction in New Hampshire. To ensure your spot, it’s a good suggestion to e-book tickets upfront.
Sandwich
Not removed from Conway is the lovable little city of Sandwich. Along with a enjoyable title, Sandwich boasts a improbable location. Located within the stunning White Mountains and on the gorgeous Squam Lake, it’s completely picture-perfect. And when this pure panorama is decked out within the rusty reds, golden yellows, and vibrant oranges of fall, it turns into much more unimaginable.
If you happen to time it proper, you may have the ability to participate within the Sandwich Truthful. This annual competition holds fairly an array of competitions and demonstrations. Whereas there are some fall-inspired actions, like pumpkin carving, there are additionally many extra distinctive ones. Take a look at the skillet tossing, ox pulling, and the pick-up truck pulling competitions.
Albany Lined Bridge
The Albany Lined Bridge is not only stunning. It additionally has fairly a little bit of historic significance.
All of New England, not simply New Hampshire, is stuffed with lined bridges. These bridges served as a approach for extra remoted farmers to enter city on their stagecoaches. As soon as there, these farmers would each purchase the products that they wanted and promote the merchandise that they’d. With out these lined bridges, life can be a lot tougher for these vital farmers!
In fact, with the development of transportation know-how, lined bridges aren’t as a lot of a necessity anymore. That stated, they’re nonetheless beautiful to have a look at, particularly after they’re surrounded by the attractive colours of fall! And the Albany Lined Bridge is especially gorgeous. You received’t need to miss out on it!
Walpole
Walpole is one other spot that’s positively among the best locations for fall in New Hampshire. With improbable leaf peeping, cute cafes, and lovable farms, what extra might you ask for?
First, let’s speak concerning the colourful autumn leaves. Like most of New Hampshire, you may merely stroll round Walpole and see a great deal of gorgeous fall leaves.
As a matter of truth, you may stroll all the way in which to one of many city’s cute cafes for a fall drink! In spite of everything, is fall actually full with no fall deal with? Strive the recent chocolate from L.A. Burdick Handmade Sweets, the recent maple drink from Moon Canine Café, or the maple latte from Rockingham Roasters. (Simply as a observe, these final two technically are throughout the border in Vermont, however they’re lower than a 10-minute drive from Walpole, New Hampshire.)
Final however definitely not least, there are the superb farms. Walpole is thought all through New Hampshire for its many fabulous farms, together with Walpole Valley Farms, Boggy Meadow Farm, and Walpole Mountain View Vineyard. However one of the crucial standard ones to go to within the fall is Alyson’s Orchard for some prime apple choosing.
If you happen to want greater than only a fast day journey to Walpole, you may spend the evening! Among the finest locations to remain is The Inn at Valley Farms. In spite of everything, when you see how unimaginable the farms in Walpole are, you received’t need to depart!
Learn extra: Greatest Locations for Fall in Vermont
Jackson
When you cross by the stunning Honeymoon Lined Bridge, you’ll recognized you’re in Jackson. It’s really extra of a well-liked trip vacation spot in the summertime and winter, however it’s simply as unimaginable within the fall.
Given Jackson’s location within the gorgeous White Mountains, mountaineering is certainly one of the best ways to see all the fall colours. A number of of the most effective hikes on the town embody the Jackson Scenic Loop, Double Head Path, and Winniweta Falls Path.
However mountaineering isn’t the one sort of fall enjoyable in Jackson! As a matter of truth, this small city has its personal autumn custom: The Return of the Pumpkin Individuals. Dozens of pumpkin-headed characters are unfold all through the city. Among the finest methods to recollect this distinctive custom is by taking photos with the quirky characters.
Franconia Notch State Park
Up to now on this listing of the most effective locations for fall in New Hampshire, I’ve listed plenty of small cities. And whereas these little cities are some individuals’s dream fall holidays, others want extra nature-focused journeys. If the latter sounds such as you, I extremely advocate visiting Franconia Notch State Park.
Franconia Notch State Park is named one of the crucial picturesque elements of New Hampshire – and it solely will get higher within the fall. With towering mountain peaks, glimmering lakes, and fiery leaves, it appears prefer it was plucked straight out of a fairytale!
This stunning state park provides just a few other ways to see the superb pure panorama. The best approach is to easily drive on Interstate 93, which is the mountain go that winds by the park. If you happen to’d want to be a bit of extra energetic, there are numerous hikes which can be well worth the effort, together with Artist’s Bluff Path, the Flume Gorge Path, and Lonesome Lake Path.
However should you’d wish to catch a distinct view of the autumn leaves, you may take to the sky! Hop aboard the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and see the beautiful colours of autumn from above.
Laconia
There’s one major motive that the little city of Laconia made it onto this listing: the New Hampshire Pumpkin Pageant. This improbable competition – previously often known as the Laconia Pumpkin Pageant and the Keene Pumpkin Pageant – boasts a great deal of pumpkin-centric actions. However it’s most well-known for its THOUSANDS of pumpkins.
The New Hampshire Pumpkin Pageant beforehand snagged the world report for the best variety of lit jack-o-lanterns in a single place! Whereas it has misplaced the title a few occasions to worthy opponents, this dedicated competition at all times appears to reclaim it. As of 2021, Nobody has managed to beat the New Hampshire Pumpkin Pageant’s 2013 report of a whopping 30,581 lit jack-o-lanterns.
If you happen to occur to be from a close-by space, you may assist contribute to this world record-breaking quantity by bringing a pumpkin of your individual. If not, you may take part within the competition’s many different actions.
Whereas at this superior competition, you may carve a pumpkin, devour a scrumptious pumpkin pancake breakfast, and stroll by the pumpkin beer gardens. As for non-pumpkin associated actions, you may take part in a 5k, take a trip on a zipline, and play just a few enjoyable video games. And also you positively can’t overlook to take an image with the large, 34-foot wall of jack-o-lanterns!
3-Day Fall Itinerary for New Hampshire
Day 1: The Kancamagus Freeway and North Conway
Begin in Lincoln and finish the evening in North Conway
Kick issues off with one of the crucial iconic foliage drives in New England: the Kancamagus Freeway. This 34.5-mile route cuts by the White Mountain Nationwide Forest and is full of scenic overlooks, brief hikes, and photograph ops round each bend.
Morning:
- Seize breakfast at White Mountain Bagel Co. in Lincoln
- Begin the Kancamagus Freeway drive (Route 112)
- Cease at Hancock Overlook, Sabbaday Falls (a brief and straightforward waterfall hike), and Rocky Gorge
Afternoon:
- Arrive in North Conway
- Have lunch at Frontside Espresso Roasters or Delaney’s Gap within the Wall
- Discover the Conway Scenic Railroad depot and the charming city middle
- Optionally available: Take a trip on the Conway Scenic Railroad for classic views by the foliage
Night:
- Browse Zeb’s Normal Retailer for fall goodies
- Dinner at Moat Mountain Smokehouse
- In a single day at an area inn or B&B (Japanese Slope Inn, Journey Suites, or Buttonwood Inn are nice picks)
Day 2: Franconia Notch and Sugar Hill
Begin in North Conway and finish in Sugar Hill or Franconia
At the moment is all about absorbing huge mountain views and comfy small-town allure. You’ll discover Franconia Notch State Park after which wind down in one in every of New Hampshire’s most picturesque cities.
Morning:
- Drive west towards Franconia Notch (about 1.5 hours)
- Cease at Echo Lake for mirrored fall reflections
- Journey the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway or hike Artist’s Bluff for panoramic views
Afternoon:
- Head to Sugar Hill, a peaceable city with views of the White Mountains
- Have lunch at Polly’s Pancake Parlor—sure, it’s well worth the wait
- Discover the backroads round Sugar Hill for foliage, farms, and lined bridges
Night:
- Watch sundown from Sundown Hill Highway
- Dinner at The Horse and Hound Inn or the restaurant at The Inn at Sundown Hill
- Keep in a single day at Sugar Hill Inn or one other native B&B with mountain views
Day 3: Lined Bridges and Lake Winnipesaukee
Begin in Sugar Hill or Franconia and finish close to Lake Winnipesaukee or the Lakes Area
Spherical out your journey with charming lined bridges, a traditional lake city, and possibly even a fall foliage cruise.
Morning:
- Drive south by Bathtub and Haverhill
- Go to The Bathtub Lined Bridge and Swiftwater Bridge
- Cease at Harman’s Cheese & Nation Retailer to fill up on picnic provides
Afternoon:
- Head to Lake Winnipesaukee (about 1.5 to 2 hours)
- Discover the city of Meredith
- Take pleasure in lunch at Lago or City Docks on the water
- Optionally available: Take a fall foliage boat cruise with Mount Washington Cruises
Night:
- Cease by Moulton Farm for cider donuts and pumpkins
- Go to Canterbury Shaker Village when you’ve got time
- Finish with dinner at The Widespread Man in Ashland or Harmony
The place to Keep
Night time 1: North Conway – Japanese Slope Inn, Journey Suites, or Buttonwood Inn
Night time 2: Sugar Hill – Sugar Hill Inn or Sundown Hill Home
Night time 3: Meredith or the Lakes Area – Mill Falls on the Lake, or head south towards Portsmouth for a coastal finale
Optionally available Add-Ons
Cease at native sugarhouses for maple sweet and syrup tastings
Hike the Flume Gorge for waterfalls and foliage (Franconia)
Go to Jackson for the lined bridge and Pumpkin Individuals Pageant (October)
Choose your individual apples at Windy Ridge Orchard or Mack’s Apples
When Is Peak Fall in New Hampshire?
Peak foliage in New Hampshire often happens between late September and mid-October, relying on elevation. Northern areas just like the White Mountains typically change first, adopted by southern elements of the state. Verify foliage maps or use my New England fall by date information for extra correct timing.
Fall in New Hampshire is extra than simply stunning — it’s a full sensory expertise. From crisp mountain air to charming cities bursting with shade, there’s one thing right here for each type of traveler. I hope this listing helps you propose the right autumn escape.
🍁 Planning a full New England journey? Don’t miss my high information to New England right here!
Extra to learn:
So there you’ve got it! The most effective locations for fall in New Hampshire. I hope this info helps you propose probably the most superb autumn journey!
