Fall in New Hampshire is really one thing particular. The air turns crisp, the timber 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 likely one of the greatest locations on the 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 the whole lot, and naturally beautiful fall foliage!
New England as an entire is thought for its gorgeous fall foliage. As a matter of reality, till I took my very own fall highway journey by New England, I really thought that these vibrant fall colours have been all faux! However let me let you know – they’re fully 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 can even take time to attend fall festivals, carve pumpkins, go apple selecting, and a lot extra.
If you wish to expertise the whole lot fall-related that New Hampshire has to supply, I’ve obtained you lined. 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 adjustments barely. Sometimes, it takes place sooner or later between the center of September and the center of October. That mentioned, to ensure you see the fiery leaves throughout any given 12 months, 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 time-frame additionally occurs to coincide with lots of the state’s greatest 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 should fly instantly into New Hampshire. As a matter of reality, 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 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 greatest buddy on the subject of fall climate. Throughout that point of 12 months, the climate sometimes adjustments quite a bit 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 embrace a heat coat, gloves, and even sunscreen! Additionally, for those who plan on tackling a number of 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 a bit of 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 characteristic 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 in style 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 happy to tug over and get a more in-depth look!
Should you’d prefer to fully 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 improbable choices.
Conway
When testing 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 a number of the brightest fall colours and the cutest small cities.
The Conway Scenic Railway gives three totally different railroad tour choices. We opted for the Bartlett-Sawyer Tour, which allowed us to pop into cute retailers, dine at improbable native eating places, and naturally do some leaf peeping.
As you possibly can 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 prematurely.
Sandwich
Not removed from Conway is the cute little city of Sandwich. Along with a enjoyable title, Sandwich boasts a improbable location. Located within the lovely 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 vibrant oranges of fall, it turns into much more unbelievable.
Should you time it proper, you may have the ability to 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 is not only 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 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 can be a lot more durable for these vital farmers!
After all, with the development of transportation expertise, lined bridges aren’t 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 gorgeous colours of fall! And the Albany Lined Bridge is especially gorgeous. You gained’t need to miss out on it!
Walpole
Walpole is one other spot that’s positively probably the greatest locations for fall in New Hampshire. With improbable leaf peeping, cute cafes, and cute 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 gorgeous 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 spite of everything, is fall actually full and not using a fall deal with? Attempt the new chocolate from L.A. Burdick Handmade Goodies, 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 one of the vital in style ones to go to within the fall is Alyson’s Orchard for some prime apple selecting.
Should you want greater than only a fast day journey to Walpole, you possibly can spend the night time! Among the finest locations to remain is The Inn at Valley Farms. In spite of everything, when you see how unbelievable the farms in Walpole are, you gained’t need to go away!
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 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 gorgeous White Mountains, mountain climbing is certainly one of the simplest ways to see the entire fall colours. Just a few of the perfect hikes on the town embrace 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 Individuals. 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
Thus far 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 choose 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 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 appears to be like prefer it was plucked straight out of a fairytale!
This lovely state park gives a number of alternative ways to see the wonderful pure panorama. The simplest approach is to easily drive on Interstate 93, which is the mountain cross that winds by the park. Should you’d choose to be a bit of extra lively, there are numerous hikes which might be 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 unique 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 major cause that the little city of Laconia made it onto this record: the New Hampshire Pumpkin Pageant. This improbable competition – previously often 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 file 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 competition all the time appears to reclaim it. As of 2021, Nobody has managed to beat the New Hampshire Pumpkin Pageant’s 2013 file of a whopping 30,581 lit jack-o-lanterns.
Should 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 individual. 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 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 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 night time 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, 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 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
In the present day 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 in all New Hampshire’s most picturesque cities.
Morning:
Drive west towards Franconia Notch (about 1.5 hours)
Cease at Echo Lake for mirrored fall reflections
Trip 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 basic 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 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-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 lined bridge and Pumpkin Individuals Pageant (October)
Decide 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. 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 shade, there’s one thing right here for each type of traveler. I hope this record helps you propose the proper 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’ve gotten it! The perfect locations for fall in New Hampshire. I hope this info helps you propose essentially the most wonderful autumn journey!
