Fall in New Hampshire is actually one thing particular. The air turns crisp, the bushes burst into good reds and golds, and small cities come alive with harvest festivals and comfortable allure. Whether or not you are chasing peak foliage, searching for scenic drives, or simply wish to sip cider with a view, New Hampshire is without doubt one of the finest locations on the planet to expertise autumn.
From the gorgeous 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 part, and naturally beautiful fall foliage!
New England as an entire is understood for its gorgeous fall foliage. As a matter of reality, till I took my very own fall highway journey by New England, I truly thought that these shiny fall colours have been all faux! However let me let you know – they’re utterly actual! No colour enhancement or photoshop wanted.
However New Hampshire particularly has its personal set of fall perks. Whereas leaf peeping is unquestionably the spotlight of fall in New Hampshire, that’s definitely not the one factor to do there! It’s also possible to take time to attend fall festivals, carve pumpkins, go apple choosing, and a lot extra.
If you wish to expertise every part fall-related that New Hampshire has to supply, I’ve received you lined. With out additional ado, right here’s my information to the very best 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. Sometimes, it takes place in some unspecified time in the future between the center of September and the center of October. That stated, to be sure you see the fiery leaves throughout any given 12 months, 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 any case, that’s among the best components of fall in New Hampshire. This time-frame 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 the entire states in New England are small, you truly don’t must fly immediately into New Hampshire. As a matter of reality, in case you’re coming from one other a part of the nation, it is perhaps simpler to fly to a bigger airport, like Boston Logan Worldwide Airport or Albany Worldwide Airport.
If you happen to’d favor to fly into New Hampshire immediately, you possibly can try the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Learn extra: Learn how to Plan the Excellent New England Fall Street Journey
What Ought to I Pack for Fall in New Hampshire?
Layers are your finest buddy in terms of fall climate. Throughout that point of 12 months, the climate sometimes adjustments rather a lot 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 embrace a heat coat, gloves, and even sunscreen! Additionally, in case you plan on tackling a number of the hikes I like to recommend later on this article, you’ll need 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 massive that it truly features a few different spots on this record – however that doesn’t imply it doesn’t deserve a characteristic of its personal!
This 800,000-acre forest is completely huge. It’s full of thriving oaks, maples, and pines – which all totally embrace the fiery colours of fall. The surroundings is so beautiful that it truly introduced tears to my eyes!
One of the vital common methods to expertise autumn in White Mountain Nationwide Forest is by driving on Kancamagus Freeway. This 34.5-mile highway is full of completely breathtaking fall foliage. Be at liberty to drag over and get a more in-depth look!
If you happen to’d wish to utterly immerse your self within the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall, I like to recommend occurring one of many many hikes in White Mountain Nationwide Forest. Mount Tecumseh, Mount Moosilauke, and West Rattlesnake Mountain are all improbable choices.
Conway
When trying out the very best locations for fall in New Hampshire, you don’t wish to miss out on Conway. This little city is house to the Conway Scenic Railway, which is an old style railroad expertise that takes you previous a number of the brightest fall colours and the cutest small cities.
The Conway Scenic Railway gives 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 possibly can think about, that is fairly a preferred attraction in New Hampshire. To ensure your spot, it’s a good suggestion to e book tickets prematurely.
Sandwich
Not removed from Conway is the lovely little city of Sandwich. Along with a enjoyable identify, 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 shiny oranges of fall, it turns into much more unbelievable.
If you happen to time it proper, you may have the ability to participate within the Sandwich Honest. 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. Try 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 full of 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 that they had. With out these lined bridges, life could be a lot tougher for these necessary farmers!
In fact, with the development of transportation expertise, lined bridges usually are not as a lot of a necessity anymore. That stated, they’re nonetheless pretty to take a look at, particularly once they’re surrounded by the gorgeous colours of fall! And the Albany Lined Bridge is especially gorgeous. You received’t wish 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 lovely farms, what extra may you ask for?
First, let’s speak in regards to the colourful autumn leaves. Like most of New Hampshire, you possibly can merely stroll round Walpole and see a great deal of gorgeous fall leaves.
As a matter of reality, you possibly can stroll all the best way to one of many city’s cute cafes for a fall drink! In any case, is fall actually full and not using a fall deal with? Strive the new chocolate from L.A. Burdick Handmade Goodies, the new 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 understood 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 common 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 possibly can spend the night time! The most effective locations to remain is The Inn at Valley Farms. In any case, when you see how unbelievable the farms in Walpole are, you received’t wish to go away!
Learn extra: Greatest Locations for Fall in Vermont
Jackson
When you cross by the stunning Honeymoon Lined Bridge, you’ll identified you’re in Jackson. It’s truly extra of a preferred trip vacation spot in the summertime and winter, nevertheless it’s simply as unbelievable within the fall.
Given Jackson’s location within the gorgeous White Mountains, mountaineering is unquestionably one of the best ways to see the entire fall colours. A couple of of the very best hikes on the town embrace the Jackson Scenic Loop, Double Head Path, and Winniweta Falls Path.
However mountaineering isn’t the one kind of fall enjoyable in Jackson! As a matter of reality, this small city has its personal autumn custom: The Return of the Pumpkin Folks. Dozens of pumpkin-headed characters are unfold all through the city. The most effective methods to recollect this distinctive custom is by taking photos with the quirky characters.
Franconia Notch State Park
To this point on this record of the very best locations for fall in New Hampshire, I’ve listed loads of small cities. And whereas these little cities are some individuals’s dream fall holidays, others favor 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 components of New Hampshire – and it solely will get higher within the fall. With towering mountain peaks, glimmering lakes, and fiery leaves, it seems prefer it was plucked straight out of a fairytale!
This stunning state park gives a couple of other ways to see the superb pure panorama. The simplest approach is to easily drive on Interstate 93, which is the mountain cross that winds by the park. If you happen to’d favor 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 in case you’d wish to catch a distinct view of the autumn leaves, you possibly can take to the sky! Hop aboard the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and see the beautiful colours of autumn from above.
Laconia
There’s one essential purpose that the little city of Laconia made it onto this record: the New Hampshire Pumpkin Pageant. This improbable competition – previously often called 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 file for the very best variety of lit jack-o-lanterns in a single place! Whereas it has misplaced the title a few instances to worthy rivals, 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 file of a whopping 30,581 lit jack-o-lanterns.
If you happen to occur to be from a close-by space, you possibly can assist contribute to this world record-breaking quantity by bringing a pumpkin of your personal. If not, you possibly can take part within the competition’s many different actions.
Whereas at this superior competition, you possibly can carve a pumpkin, devour a scrumptious pumpkin pancake breakfast, and stroll by the pumpkin beer gardens. As for non-pumpkin associated actions, you possibly can take part in a 5k, take a journey on a zipline, and play a couple of enjoyable video games. And also you positively can’t overlook to take an image with the huge, 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 night time 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, quick hikes, and picture 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 heart
- Non-obligatory: Take a journey 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 (Jap 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 present is all about absorbing massive mountain views and comfortable small-town allure. You’ll discover Franconia Notch State Park after which wind down in considered one 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
- Experience 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 Street
- 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 basic 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 top off 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
- Non-obligatory: 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 if in case you have time
- Finish with dinner at The Widespread Man in Ashland or Harmony
The place to Keep
Evening 1: North Conway – Jap Slope Inn, Journey Suites, or Buttonwood Inn
Evening 2: Sugar Hill – Sugar Hill Inn or Sundown Hill Home
Evening 3: Meredith or the Lakes Area – Mill Falls on the Lake, or head south towards Portsmouth for a coastal finale
Non-obligatory 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 Folks Pageant (October)
Choose your personal apples at Windy Ridge Orchard or Mack’s Apples
When Is Peak Fall in New Hampshire?
Peak foliage in New Hampshire normally happens between late September and mid-October, relying on elevation. Northern areas just like the White Mountains usually change first, adopted by southern components of the state. Examine 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 colour, there’s one thing right here for each form of traveler. I hope this record helps you intend the right autumn escape.
🍁 Planning a full New England journey? Don’t miss my prime information to New England right here!
Extra to learn:
So there you will have it! The most effective locations for fall in New Hampshire. I hope this info helps you intend essentially the most superb autumn journey!
