Fall in New Hampshire is actually one thing particular. The air turns crisp, the timber burst into sensible reds and golds, and small cities come alive with harvest festivals and comfy allure. Whether or not you are chasing peak foliage, in search of scenic drives, or simply wish to sip cider with a view, New Hampshire is likely one of the finest locations on this 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 will 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 thought for its gorgeous fall foliage. As a matter of truth, till I took my very own fall highway journey by New England, I really thought that these brilliant fall colours have been all pretend! However let me let you know – 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 definitely not the one factor to do there! You can too 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 received you coated. With out additional ado, right here’s my information to the perfect 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 sooner or later between the center of September and the center of October. That stated, to ensure you see the fiery leaves throughout any given 12 months, I extremely advocate 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 the most effective 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 Finest Airport to Fly Into in New Hampshire?
Since the entire states in New England are small, you really don’t must fly immediately into New Hampshire. As a matter of truth, for those who’re coming from one other a part of the nation, it is likely to be simpler to fly to a bigger airport, like Boston Logan Worldwide Airport or Albany Worldwide Airport.
Should you’d choose to fly into New Hampshire immediately, you may try the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Learn extra: How one can Plan the Excellent New England Fall Street Journey
What Ought to I Pack for Fall in New Hampshire?
Layers are your finest buddy in relation to fall climate. Throughout that point of 12 months, the climate usually modifications 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 sizzling, take one off.
Another requirements embody a heat coat, gloves, and even sunscreen! Additionally, for those who plan on tackling among the hikes I like to recommend later on this article, you’ll need 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 a bit of little bit of Maine!). This forest is so massive that it really features a few different spots on this checklist – however that doesn’t imply it doesn’t deserve a function of its personal!
This 800,000-acre forest is completely 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!
Some of the common 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 tug over and get a better look!
Should you’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 incredible choices.
Conway
When trying out the perfect locations for fall in New Hampshire, you don’t wish 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 gives three completely different railroad tour choices. We opted for the Bartlett-Sawyer Tour, which allowed us to pop into cute outlets, dine at incredible native eating places, and naturally perform a little leaf peeping.
As you may think about, that is fairly a preferred attraction in New Hampshire. To ensure your spot, it’s a good suggestion to guide tickets upfront.
Sandwich
Not removed from Conway is the cute little city of Sandwich. Along with a enjoyable title, Sandwich boasts a incredible 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 brilliant oranges of fall, it turns into much more unbelievable.
Should you time it proper, you may 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. Take a look at the skillet tossing, ox pulling, and the pick-up truck pulling competitions.
Albany Coated Bridge
The Albany Coated Bridge is not only stunning. It additionally has fairly a little bit of historic significance.
All of New England, not simply New Hampshire, is crammed with coated 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 that they had. With out these coated bridges, life could be a lot more durable for these essential farmers!
In fact, with the development of transportation expertise, coated bridges usually are not as a lot of a necessity anymore. That stated, they’re nonetheless beautiful to have a look at, particularly after they’re surrounded by the gorgeous colours of fall! And the Albany Coated Bridge is especially gorgeous. You received’t wish to miss out on it!
Walpole
Walpole is one other spot that’s undoubtedly the most effective locations for fall in New Hampshire. With incredible leaf peeping, cute cafes, and cute farms, what extra might you ask for?
First, let’s speak concerning the colourful autumn leaves. Like most of New Hampshire, you may merely stroll round Walpole and see a great deal of gorgeous fall leaves.
As a matter of truth, you may 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? 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 definitely 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 one of the vital common ones to go to within the fall is Alyson’s Orchard for some prime apple choosing.
Should you want greater than only a fast day journey to Walpole, you may 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 go away!
Learn extra: Finest Locations for Fall in Vermont
Jackson
When you cross by the stunning Honeymoon Coated 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 gorgeous White Mountains, climbing is certainly one of the simplest ways to see the entire fall colours. A couple of of the perfect 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. Probably the greatest methods to recollect this distinctive custom is by taking photos with the quirky characters.
Franconia Notch State Park
To date on this checklist 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 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 vital 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 wonderful pure panorama. The best means is to easily drive on Interstate 93, which is the mountain move that winds by the park. Should you’d choose to be a bit of extra lively, there are various hikes which are definitely worth the effort, together with Artist’s Bluff Path, the Flume Gorge Path, and Lonesome Lake Path.
However for those who’d prefer to catch a special view of the autumn leaves, you may take to the sky! Hop aboard the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and see the beautiful colours of autumn from above.
Laconia
There’s one foremost cause that the little city of Laconia made it onto this checklist: the New Hampshire Pumpkin Competition. This incredible pageant – previously referred to 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 report for the 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 pageant all the time appears to reclaim it. As of 2021, Nobody has managed to beat the New Hampshire Pumpkin Competition’s 2013 report of a whopping 30,581 lit jack-o-lanterns.
Should you occur to be from a close-by space, you may assist contribute to this world record-breaking quantity by bringing a pumpkin of your individual. If not, you may take part within the pageant’s many different actions.
Whereas at this superior pageant, you may carve a pumpkin, devour a scrumptious pumpkin pancake breakfast, and stroll by the pumpkin beer gardens. As for non-pumpkin associated actions, you may take part in a 5k, take a journey on a zipline, and play a couple of enjoyable video games. And also you undoubtedly 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 vital iconic foliage drives in New England: the Kancamagus Freeway. This 34.5-mile route cuts by the White Mountain Nationwide Forest and is filled with scenic overlooks, quick 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 middle
- Non-obligatory: Take a journey on the Conway Scenic Railroad for classic views by the foliage
Night:
- Browse Zeb’s Common 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
Right this moment is all about absorbing large mountain views and comfy small-town allure. 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
- 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 coated 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: 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 coated bridges, a basic lake city, and perhaps even a fall foliage cruise.
Morning:
- Drive south by Tub and Haverhill
- Go to The Tub Coated 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
- Get pleasure from 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
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 coated 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 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 stunning — it’s a full sensory expertise. From crisp mountain air to charming cities bursting with shade, there’s one thing right here for each form of traveler. I hope this checklist 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 very best locations for fall in New Hampshire. I hope this info helps you propose essentially the most wonderful autumn journey!
