Fall in New Hampshire is actually one thing particular. The air turns crisp, the bushes burst into sensible 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 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 part, and naturally attractive fall foliage!
New England as a complete is thought for its beautiful fall foliage. As a matter of reality, till I took my very own fall street journey by New England, I really thought that these shiny fall colours have been all pretend! However let me let you know – they’re utterly actual! No colour enhancement or photoshop wanted.
However New Hampshire specifically has its personal set of fall perks. Whereas leaf peeping is unquestionably the spotlight of fall in New Hampshire, that’s actually not the one factor to do there! It’s also possible to take time to attend fall festivals, carve pumpkins, go apple selecting, and a lot extra.
If you wish to expertise every part fall-related that New Hampshire has to supply, I’ve bought you lined. With out additional ado, right here’s my information to the very best locations for fall in New Hampshire.
When Is the Finest Time to See the Leaves in New Hampshire?
Yearly, the autumn leaf-changing season adjustments barely. Sometimes, it takes place sooner or later between the center of September and the center of October. That stated, to be sure you see the fiery leaves throughout any given yr, I extremely suggest utilizing a fall foliage prediction map.
What Is the Finest Time to Go to New Hampshire within the Fall?
If the leaves come between the center of September and the center of October, so must you! In any case, that’s among the best components of fall in New Hampshire. This timeframe additionally occurs to coincide with lots of the state’s finest fall festivals.
What Is the Finest Airport to Fly Into in New Hampshire?
Since the entire states in New England are small, you really don’t need to fly instantly into New Hampshire. As a matter of reality, should 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 want to fly into New Hampshire instantly, you possibly can try the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Learn extra: How you can Plan the Good New England Fall Highway Journey
What Ought to I Pack for Fall in New Hampshire?
Layers are your finest buddy in the case of fall climate. Throughout that point of yr, the climate sometimes adjustments quite a bit over the course of a day. So when it will get somewhat too chilly, add one other layer. If it will get too sizzling, 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 mountain climbing boots. These are my favourite mountain climbing boots, and right here’s my full information on what to pack for mountain climbing.
Finest Locations for Fall in New Hampshire
White Mountain Nationwide Forest
White Mountain Nationwide Forest covers an enormous chunk of New Hampshire (and even somewhat little bit of Maine!). This forest is so massive 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 large. It’s stuffed with thriving oaks, maples, and pines – which all totally embrace the fiery colours of fall. The surroundings is so attractive that it really introduced tears to my eyes!
One of the fashionable methods to expertise autumn in White Mountain Nationwide Forest is by driving on Kancamagus Freeway. This 34.5-mile street is stuffed with completely breathtaking fall foliage. Be happy to tug over and get a better look!
If you happen to’d prefer to utterly 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 implausible 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 among the brightest fall colours and the cutest small cities.
The Conway Scenic Railway affords three completely different railroad tour choices. We opted for the Bartlett-Sawyer Tour, which allowed us to pop into cute outlets, dine at implausible 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 guide tickets prematurely.
Sandwich
Not removed from Conway is the lovely little city of Sandwich. Along with a enjoyable identify, Sandwich boasts a implausible location. Located within the lovely White Mountains and on the beautiful 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 be capable to participate within the Sandwich Honest. This annual pageant 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 lovely. 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 could be a lot tougher for these necessary farmers!
In fact, with the development of transportation expertise, lined bridges will not be as a lot of a necessity anymore. That stated, they’re nonetheless beautiful to have a look at, particularly once they’re surrounded by the attractive colours of fall! And the Albany Lined Bridge is especially beautiful. You received’t wish to miss out on it!
Walpole
Walpole is one other spot that’s undoubtedly among the best locations for fall in New Hampshire. With implausible leaf peeping, cute cafes, and lovely farms, what extra might you ask for?
First, let’s discuss 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 beautiful fall leaves.
As a matter of reality, you possibly can stroll all the way in which to one of many city’s cute cafes for a fall drink! In any case, 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 actually 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 some of the fashionable ones to go to within the fall is Alyson’s Orchard for some prime apple selecting.
If you happen to want greater than only a fast day journey to Walpole, you possibly can spend the evening! Among the finest 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 depart!
Learn extra: Finest Locations for Fall in Vermont
Jackson
When you cross by the stunning Honeymoon Lined Bridge, you’ll identified you’re in Jackson. It’s really 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 beautiful White Mountains, mountain climbing is unquestionably the easiest way to see the entire fall colours. A couple of of the very best hikes on the town embody the Jackson Scenic Loop, Double Head Path, and Winniweta Falls Path.
However mountain climbing isn’t the one sort 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. Among the finest methods to recollect this distinctive custom is by taking photos with the quirky characters.
Franconia Notch State Park
To this point on this listing of the very best locations for fall in New Hampshire, I’ve listed lots of small cities. And whereas these little cities are some folks’s dream fall holidays, others want extra nature-focused journeys. If the latter sounds such as you, I extremely suggest visiting Franconia Notch State Park.
Franconia Notch State Park is named some of the picturesque components 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 lovely state park affords a number of alternative ways to see the superb pure panorama. The simplest approach is to easily drive on Interstate 93, which is the mountain move that winds by the park. If you happen to’d want to be somewhat extra lively, there are a lot of hikes which are well worth the effort, together with Artist’s Bluff Path, the Flume Gorge Path, and Lonesome Lake Path.
However should you’d prefer to catch a unique view of the autumn leaves, you possibly can take to the sky! Hop aboard the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and see the attractive colours of autumn from above.
Laconia
There’s one primary purpose that the little city of Laconia made it onto this listing: the New Hampshire Pumpkin Pageant. This implausible pageant – previously generally 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 document for the very 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 pageant all the time appears to reclaim it. As of 2021, Nobody has managed to beat the New Hampshire Pumpkin Pageant’s 2013 document 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 individual. If not, you possibly can take part within the pageant’s many different actions.
Whereas at this superior pageant, 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 experience on a zipline, and play a number of enjoyable video games. And also you undoubtedly 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 evening in North Conway
Kick issues off with some of the 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 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 middle
- Non-compulsory: Take a experience 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 a neighborhood 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 the moment is all about absorbing large 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
- 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 perhaps 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 refill on picnic provides
Afternoon:
- Head to Lake Winnipesaukee (about 1.5 to 2 hours)
- Discover the city of Meredith
- Get pleasure from lunch at Lago or City Docks on the water
- Non-compulsory: 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
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-compulsory 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 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 usually change first, adopted by southern components of the state. Test foliage maps or use my New England fall by date information for extra correct timing.
Fall in New Hampshire is extra than simply lovely — it’s a full sensory expertise. From crisp mountain air to charming cities bursting with colour, there’s one thing right here for each sort of traveler. I hope this listing 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 could have it! The very best locations for fall in New Hampshire. I hope this data helps you intend essentially the most superb autumn journey!
