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 comfortable attraction. 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 greatest locations on the earth 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 all the things, and naturally attractive fall foliage!
New England as a complete is thought for its beautiful fall foliage. As a matter of truth, till I took my very own fall street 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 certainly the spotlight of fall in New Hampshire, that’s actually not the one factor to do there! You may also take time to attend fall festivals, carve pumpkins, go apple choosing, and a lot extra.
If you wish to expertise all the things fall-related that New Hampshire has to supply, I’ve bought you lined. With out additional ado, right here’s my information to one of the 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 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 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 spite of everything, that’s probably the greatest components of fall in New Hampshire. This timeframe additionally occurs to coincide with most of the state’s greatest fall festivals.
What Is the Finest Airport to Fly Into in New Hampshire?
Since all the states in New England are small, you truly don’t should fly immediately into New Hampshire. As a matter of truth, 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.
In the event you’d want to fly into New Hampshire immediately, you possibly can try the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Learn extra: Tips on how to Plan the Excellent New England Fall Highway Journey
What Ought to I Pack for Fall in New Hampshire?
Layers are your greatest good friend with regards to fall climate. Throughout that point of yr, the climate sometimes 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 scorching, 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 desire a pair of climbing boots. These are my favourite climbing boots, and right here’s my full information on what to pack for 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 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 characteristic of its personal!
This 800,000-acre forest is totally huge. 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 truly introduced tears to my eyes!
One of the crucial well-liked 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 drag over and get a more in-depth look!
In the event you’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 incredible choices.
Conway
When testing one of the best locations for fall in New Hampshire, you don’t need to miss out on Conway. This little city is residence 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 gives three completely different railroad tour choices. We opted for the Bartlett-Sawyer Tour, which allowed us to pop into cute retailers, dine at incredible 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 cute little city of Sandwich. Along with a enjoyable identify, Sandwich boasts a incredible 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.
In the event you time it proper, you would possibly be capable of 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. Try the skillet tossing, ox pulling, and the pick-up truck pulling competitions.
Albany Coated Bridge
The Albany Coated 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 means 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 necessary farmers!
In fact, with the development of transportation know-how, lined bridges should not as a lot of a necessity anymore. That mentioned, they’re nonetheless beautiful to take a look at, particularly after they’re surrounded by the gorgeous colours of fall! And the Albany Coated Bridge is especially beautiful. You received’t need to miss out on it!
Walpole
Walpole is one other spot that’s undoubtedly probably the greatest locations for fall in New Hampshire. With incredible leaf peeping, cute cafes, and cute farms, what extra might you ask for?
First, let’s discuss 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 truth, you possibly can 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 out a fall deal with? Attempt the new chocolate from L.A. Burdick Handmade Sweets, 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 actually not least, there are the wonderful 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 well-liked ones to go to within the fall is Alyson’s Orchard for some prime apple choosing.
In the event you want greater than only a fast day journey to Walpole, you possibly can spend the evening! Among the best 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 need to go away!
Learn extra: Finest Locations for Fall in Vermont
Jackson
When you cross by the stunning Honeymoon Coated 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 beautiful White Mountains, climbing is certainly one of the best ways to see all the fall colours. A number of of one of the best hikes on the town embody the Jackson Scenic Loop, Double Head Path, and Winniweta Falls Path.
However climbing 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 best methods to recollect this distinctive custom is by taking footage with the quirky characters.
Franconia Notch State Park
To date on this record of one of the best locations for fall in New Hampshire, I’ve listed a number 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 gives just a few other ways to see the wonderful pure panorama. The best means is to easily drive on Interstate 93, which is the mountain cross that winds by the park. In the event you’d want to be slightly extra energetic, there are a lot of hikes which might be definitely 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 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 essential purpose that the little city of Laconia made it onto this record: the New Hampshire Pumpkin Competition. This incredible 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 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.
In the event you 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 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 journey on a zipline, and play just a few enjoyable video games. And also you undoubtedly can’t neglect 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 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, 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 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 middle
- Non-compulsory: 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
As we speak is all about absorbing huge mountain views and comfortable small-town attraction. You’ll discover Franconia Notch State Park after which wind down in one among 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 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: Coated 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 Coated 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
- 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 you probably 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 Individuals Competition (October)
Decide 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 typically 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 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’ve gotten it! The perfect locations for fall in New Hampshire. I hope this info helps you propose probably the most wonderful autumn journey!
