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, in search of scenic drives, or simply need to sip cider with a view, New Hampshire is among the finest locations on the earth 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 all the pieces, and naturally beautiful fall foliage!
New England as a complete is understood for its beautiful fall foliage. As a matter of reality, till I took my very own fall highway journey by means of New England, I really thought that these shiny fall colours had been all pretend! However let me let you know – they’re fully actual! No colour 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 actually not the one factor to do there! You may as well take time to attend fall festivals, carve pumpkins, go apple choosing, and a lot extra.
If you wish to expertise all the pieces fall-related that New Hampshire has to supply, I’ve bought you lined. With out additional ado, right here’s my information to the perfect locations for fall in New Hampshire.
When Is the Greatest Time to See the Leaves in New Hampshire?
Yearly, the autumn leaf-changing season modifications barely. Usually, it takes place in some unspecified time in the future between the center of September and the center of October. That mentioned, to be sure to 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 must you! In any case, that’s among the finest elements of fall in New Hampshire. This timeframe additionally occurs to coincide with lots 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 should fly immediately into New Hampshire. As a matter of reality, if you happen to’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.
For those who’d desire to fly into New Hampshire immediately, you possibly can take a look at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Learn extra: Find out how to Plan the Good New England Fall Highway 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 yr, the climate sometimes modifications quite a bit over the course of a day. So when it will get a bit 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, if you happen to plan on tackling among the hikes I like to recommend later on this article, you’ll need 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.
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 little bit of Maine!). This forest is so massive that it really features a few different spots on this record – however that doesn’t imply it doesn’t deserve a function of its personal!
This 800,000-acre forest is totally large. It’s crammed 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!
One of the crucial widespread methods to expertise autumn in White Mountain Nationwide Forest is by driving on Kancamagus Freeway. This 34.5-mile highway is crammed with completely breathtaking fall foliage. Be at liberty to drag over and get a better look!
For those who’d wish to fully 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 perfect 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 style 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 outlets, dine at improbable native eating places, and naturally perform a little 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 ebook tickets upfront.
Sandwich
Not removed from Conway is the lovely little city of Sandwich. Along with a enjoyable title, Sandwich boasts a improbable 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.
For those who time it proper, you would possibly be capable of 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 isn’t just lovely. It additionally has fairly a little bit of historic significance.
All of New England, not simply New Hampshire, is crammed with lined bridges. These bridges served as a manner 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 more durable for these vital farmers!
After all, with the development of transportation know-how, lined bridges will not be as a lot of a necessity anymore. That mentioned, they’re nonetheless pretty 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 gained’t need to miss out on it!
Walpole
Walpole is one other spot that’s positively among the finest locations for fall in New Hampshire. With improbable leaf peeping, cute cafes, and lovely farms, what extra might you ask for?
First, let’s speak concerning 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 new chocolate from L.A. Burdick Handmade Candies, the new maple drink from Moon Canine Café, or the maple latte from Rockingham Roasters. (Simply as a be aware, 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 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 widespread ones to go to within the fall is Alyson’s Orchard for some prime apple choosing.
For those who want greater than only a fast day journey to Walpole, you possibly can spend the night time! Among the best locations to remain is The Inn at Valley Farms. In any case, when you see how unbelievable the farms in Walpole are, you gained’t need to depart!
Learn extra: Greatest Locations for Fall in Vermont
Jackson
When you cross by means of the beautiful Honeymoon Lined Bridge, you’ll recognized you’re in Jackson. It’s really extra of a preferred trip vacation spot in the summertime and winter, however it’s simply as unbelievable within the fall.
Given Jackson’s location within the beautiful White Mountains, mountain climbing is certainly one of the simplest ways to see all the fall colours. Just a few of the perfect hikes on the town embody the Jackson Scenic Loop, Double Head Path, and Winniweta Falls Path.
However mountain climbing 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. Among the best methods to recollect this distinctive custom is by taking footage with the quirky characters.
Franconia Notch State Park
Up to now on this record of the perfect 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 desire 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 lovely state park provides a number of alternative ways to see the superb pure panorama. The simplest manner is to easily drive on Interstate 93, which is the mountain cross that winds by means of the park. For those who’d desire to be a bit extra energetic, there are numerous hikes which are well worth the effort, together with Artist’s Bluff Path, the Flume Gorge Path, and Lonesome Lake Path.
However if you happen to’d wish to catch a special 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 fundamental cause that the little city of Laconia made it onto this record: the New Hampshire Pumpkin Competition. This improbable competition – previously generally known as the Laconia Pumpkin Competition and the Keene Pumpkin Competition – boasts a great deal of pumpkin-centric actions. However it’s most well-known for its THOUSANDS of pumpkins.
The New Hampshire Pumpkin Competition beforehand snagged the world document for the best variety of lit jack-o-lanterns in a single place! Whereas it has misplaced the title a few occasions to worthy rivals, this dedicated competition all the time appears to reclaim it. As of 2021, Nobody has managed to beat the New Hampshire Pumpkin Competition’s 2013 document of a whopping 30,581 lit jack-o-lanterns.
For those who 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 means of the pumpkin beer gardens. As for non-pumpkin associated actions, you possibly can take part in a 5k, take a trip on a zipline, and play a number of enjoyable video games. And also you positively can’t neglect 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 means of the White Mountain Nationwide Forest and is filled with 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 simple 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-compulsory: Take a trip on the Conway Scenic Railroad for classic views by means of the foliage
Night:
- Browse Zeb’s Basic 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
Right this 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 means of Tub and Haverhill
- Go to The Tub Lined Bridge and Swiftwater Bridge
- Cease at Harman’s Cheese & Nation Retailer to replenish 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 have time
- Finish with dinner at The Widespread Man in Ashland or Harmony
The place to Keep
Night time 1: North Conway – Jap 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
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 Competition (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 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 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 form of traveler. I hope this record helps you propose the proper 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 might have it! The very best locations for fall in New Hampshire. I hope this data helps you propose essentially the most superb autumn journey!
