Fall in New Hampshire is actually one thing particular. The air turns crisp, the timber burst into good reds and golds, and small cities come alive with harvest festivals and comfortable attraction. Whether or not you are chasing peak foliage, on the lookout for scenic drives, or simply wish to sip cider with a view, New Hampshire is without doubt one of the greatest 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 every part, and naturally beautiful fall foliage!
New England as an entire is understood for its beautiful fall foliage. As a matter of reality, till I took my very own fall street journey by means of New England, I truly thought that these vibrant fall colours have been all pretend! However let me inform you – they’re utterly 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 actually not the one factor to do there! You may as well 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 obtained 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 modifications barely. Sometimes, it takes place in some unspecified time in the future between the center of September and the center of October. That mentioned, 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 must you! In spite of everything, that’s among the finest elements of fall in New Hampshire. This timeframe additionally occurs to coincide with lots of the state’s greatest fall festivals.
What Is the Greatest Airport to Fly Into in New Hampshire?
Since all the states in New England are small, you truly don’t must fly instantly into New Hampshire. As a matter of reality, should you’re coming from one other a part of the nation, it could be simpler to fly to a bigger airport, like Boston Logan Worldwide Airport or Albany Worldwide Airport.
For those who’d choose to fly into New Hampshire instantly, you’ll be able to try 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 greatest good friend in terms of fall climate. Throughout that point of yr, the climate usually modifications rather a lot over the course of a day. So when it will get slightly too chilly, add one other layer. If it will get too sizzling, take one off.
Another requirements embrace a heat coat, gloves, and even sunscreen! Additionally, should you plan on tackling a few of 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 slightly little bit of Maine!). This forest is so giant that it truly 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 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!
Probably the most fashionable methods to expertise autumn in White Mountain Nationwide Forest is by driving on Kancamagus Freeway. This 34.5-mile street is full of completely breathtaking fall foliage. Be happy to tug over and get a better look!
For those who’d prefer 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 most effective locations for fall in New Hampshire, you don’t wish to miss out on Conway. This little city is residence to the Conway Scenic Railway, which is an old school railroad expertise that takes you previous a few of the brightest fall colours and the cutest small cities.
The Conway Scenic Railway presents 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’ll be able to 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 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 vibrant oranges of fall, it turns into much more unbelievable.
For those who time it proper, you may have the ability to participate within the Sandwich Truthful. 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. Try 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 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 vital farmers!
In fact, with the development of transportation expertise, lined bridges usually are not as a lot of a necessity anymore. That mentioned, they’re nonetheless pretty to take a look at, particularly after 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 positively among the finest 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 in regards to the colourful autumn leaves. Like most of New Hampshire, you’ll be able to merely stroll round Walpole and see a great deal of beautiful fall leaves.
As a matter of reality, you’ll be able to stroll all the best way 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? Attempt the recent chocolate from L.A. Burdick Handmade Goodies, the recent maple drink from Moon Canine Café, or the maple latte from Rockingham Roasters. (Simply as a word, 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 wonderful 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 fashionable ones to go to within the fall is Alyson’s Orchard for some prime apple selecting.
For those who want greater than only a fast day journey to Walpole, you’ll be able to spend the evening! Probably the greatest locations to remain is The Inn at Valley Farms. In spite of everything, when you see how unbelievable the farms in Walpole are, you received’t wish to depart!
Learn extra: Greatest Locations for Fall in Vermont
Jackson
When you cross by means of the beautiful Honeymoon Lined Bridge, you’ll identified you’re in Jackson. It’s truly extra of a well-liked 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 certainly one of the simplest ways to see all the fall colours. A number of of the most effective hikes on the town embrace 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 Individuals. Dozens of pumpkin-headed characters are unfold all through the city. Probably the greatest 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 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 choose 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 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 presents a number of other ways to see the wonderful pure panorama. The simplest approach is to easily drive on Interstate 93, which is the mountain move that winds by means of the park. For those who’d choose to be slightly extra lively, there are lots of hikes which might be definitely 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’ll be able to 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 Competition. This improbable pageant – previously often 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 very best variety of lit jack-o-lanterns in a single place! Whereas it has misplaced the title a few instances 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 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’ll be able to assist contribute to this world record-breaking quantity by bringing a pumpkin of your individual. If not, you’ll be able to take part within the pageant’s many different actions.
Whereas at this superior pageant, you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to take part in a 5k, take a experience on a zipline, and play a number of 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 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 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-obligatory: Take a experience 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 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
In the present day is all about absorbing large mountain views and comfortable small-town attraction. 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 definitely 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 means of 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
- 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 you probably have time
- Finish with dinner at The Frequent 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-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 Individuals Competition (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 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. 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 shade, there’s one thing right here for each type of traveler. I hope this record 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 data helps you propose essentially the most wonderful autumn journey!
