8 Best Things To Do in New Hampshire in Fall to See the Foliage
New England is home to some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the world! And no, I am not just saying that because I live in New England. Millions of people visit New England each year to experience the unmatched beauty of autumn.
New Hampshire is one of the best places in New England to experience vibrant fall foliage, but I may be biased since I grew up exploring the area. New Hampshire has a variety of trees that turn vibrant colors as the cool, crisp fall air moves in. Maples and red oak turn red, birch and elms turn gold and yellow, mountain maple turn orange, and sumac turn purple. New Hampshire’s foliage transforms the mountains and valleys into a colorful painting that seems surreal.
And the best part? There is something to do for everyone in New Hampshire in fall! Whether you want to hike the day away, take a scenic gondola ride, drive along a mountain road, or ride a scenic train, New Hampshire has a fall activity for everyone!
Since I am local to New Hampshire, I can provide you with the best things to do in New Hampshire and the best places to see foliage! This guide has everything you need to know about the best things to do in New Hampshire in fall to experience the beautiful foliage!
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Best Time to See New Hampshire Fall Foliage
Peak foliage varies every year because of the weather and is different in each part of the state. The northern parts of New Hampshire will peak first, and then the peak foliage will slowly make its way down the state. In some years peak foliage in New Hampshire is the last week in September, while in others, it is the second week in October. Even though I live here, it still is hard to figure out when it will peak!
You can experience foliage in New Hampshire anywhere from the end of September to mid-October. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has a foliage tracker that is a great tool to use when you plan your New Hampshire fall foliage getaway.
Tips for Visiting New Hampshire in Fall
Spend at least 4-5 days in New Hampshire. If you want to experience all New Hampshire has to offer during fall, I recommend staying for at least 3-4 days in New Hampshire. It will give you plenty of time to experience many of the best things to do in New Hampshire in fall.
Start your days early. New Hampshire is VERY busy during fall. Over nine million leaf peepers from all over the world travel to New Hampshire to view the fall foliage, which means parking lots fill up early and overlooks are crowded. I highly recommend arriving at popular places as early as you can. I also recommend visiting New Hampshire during the week if possible because the attractions will have fewer crowds.
Pack appropriate gear for all hikes. New Hampshire trails are unlike any others because they are challenging and rocky. Most of the trails are rugged, so I recommend wearing reliable hiking boots that have traction and will provide you with support and stability.
Pack layers. If you know one thing about New England, it should be that the weather is unpredictable. I always recommend packing layers, especially in the fall, because the weather varies from day to day. I have an entire section on what I recommend packing below!
Hire a guide. If you want to hike in the fall in New Hampshire, consider hiring a guide! They can provide great trail recommendations and help ensure you have a safe trip, and you will be supporting the local economy!
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
Where to Stay in New Hampshire in Fall
There are many great places to stay in New Hampshire in fall, depending on where you are visiting! If you will be spending most of your time near the White Mountains, I recommend finding accommodations in Lincoln and North Conway.
I have stayed in both towns and can confirm they are near many of the best things to do in New Hampshire in fall and have everything you need, including hotels, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Lincoln:
North Conway:
What to Pack for New Hampshire in Fall
New Hampshire has unpredictable weather, so I recommend packing layers and a rain jacket for your New Hampshire fall foliage getaway. Fall in New Hampshire can have sunny, warm weather one day and snow the next, so it is crucial to be prepared, especially if you are hiking. Trust me, I have experienced the change in weather while hiking, and you must be prepared for it.
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
The Best Things to Do in New Hampshire in Fall
Drive through the fall foliage on the Kancamagus Highway
One of the best things to do in New Hampshire in fall (and one of my favorite things) is to drive the Kancamagus Highway. The Kancamagus Highway is considered one of the most beautiful foliage drives in the world!
The 34-mile scenic drive waves through the White Mountains from Lincoln to Conway and has many scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and hikes. Although it takes about an hour to drive the Kancamagus Highway, I recommend allocating at least a half day to exploring it.
Here are some of the best things to do in fall:
Lower Falls
Sabbaday Falls
Rocky Gorge
Hancock Overlook
Pemigewasset Overlook
CL Graham Wangan Overlook
Sugar Hill Overlook
Albany Covered Bridge
The Kancamagus is one of the most popular things to do in New Hampshire in fall, so I recommend beginning the drive early in the morning. Parking lots are small, so it can be difficult to find parking midday.
Explore Mount Sunapee
If you are looking for a beautiful scenic drive in New Hampshire with fewer crowds than Kancamagus Highway, look no further! The Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway is a stunning 39-mile drive around Lake Sunapee, offering breathtaking views of lakes, mountains, and villages. It is one of my favorite fall scenic drives because it is underrated.
You can enjoy a day relaxing near Lake Sunapee in Mt Sunapee State Park, hike to the top of Mt Sunapee, or explore one of the many small towns along the route. You will quickly realize why visiting the Mount Sunapee area is one of the best things to do in New Hampshire in fall!
Here are some of the best things to do in fall:
Mt Sunapee State Park
Sunapee Harbor
Andrew Brook Trail to Mount Sunapee
John Hay National Wildlife Refuge
Sugar River Covered Footbridge
Visit Lake Winnipesaukee
The Lakes Region is one of the most beautiful areas in New Hampshire, with beautiful mountains and some of the best lakes in the state. Although it is often overlooked as one of the best places to visit in New Hampshire in fall, it does not lack things to do!
We love visiting the Lake Winnipesaukee area in the fall because the foliage is top-notch! Whether you want to hike or enjoy a scenic lake boat ride, Lake Winnipesaukee offers fun things to do for the entire family in fall!
Here are some of the best things to do in fall:
Take a scenic boat ride on the M/S Mt. Washington Cruise
Ride the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
Drive to Castle in the Clouds
Hike to the Red Hill Fire Tower
Experience Mount Washington in the fall
Mount Washington is the tallest mountain in the northeast, standing at 6,288 feet, and offers some of the best fall foliage views in New Hampshire. On a clear day, Mount Washington’s summit offers views as far as 130 miles! The summit also has the historic Tip-Top House, cafeteria, gift shop, and museum.
I have visited Mount Washington in every way possible! I have hiked to the top multiple times, driven to the summit, and taken the Cog Railway when I was younger. If you plan it for the right day when the weather is great, you will fall in love with the views!
There are three ways to get to the top of Mount Washington:
Mount Washington Auto Road: The easiest way to get to Mount Washington’s summit is by driving the Mount Washington Auto Road. The Auto Road is a 7.6-mile steep and scenic drive that weaves along the side of Mount Washington.
Mount Washington Cog Railway: A fun way to get to Mount Washington’s summit is to take the Mount Washington Cog Railway. The Cog Railway was the world’s first mountain-climbing railway, is the only operating one in North America, and is the second steepest in the world! A ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway offers scenic fall foliage views and a fun way to experience Mount Washington.
Hiking: For those who want to hike to Mount Washington, you will have to allocate an entire day to hiking. There are many trails to Mount Washington, and all of them are difficult. I have hiked to Mount Washington on a few trails, and they have all been strenuous. You must have the proper hiking experience and gear to hike to Mount Washington.
No matter which way you choose to summit Mount Washington, you will quickly see why it is one of the best things to do in New Hampshire in fall!
Tip: Mount Washington has very unpredictable weather. I highly recommend checking the forecast on the Mount Washington Observatory website before planning a trip to the summit.
Chase Waterfalls in Crawford Notch State Park
Crawford Notch State Park is in the beautiful White Mountains and has some of the best things to do in New Hampshire in fall. Not only can you drive through the notch and stop at various lookouts and roadside attractions, but you can also hike to many beautiful waterfalls and mountains throughout the 5,775-acre park.
I have visited Crawford Notch in the fall too many times to count. It is one of my favorite areas because you can hike to waterfalls or see the roadside ones. The trails to mountains are some of my favorites, so I know you will love the area! Whether you want to enjoy a leisurely walk around a pond, hike to some of the tallest mountains in New Hampshire, explore waterfalls, or ride a scenic train, Crawford Notch State Park has something for everyone!
Here are some of the best things to do in fall:
Silver Cascade
Willey House Dam
Hike Through fall foliage in Franconia Notch State Park
Another beautiful state park that offers some of the best things to do in fall in New Hampshire is Franconia Notch State Park. When you think of New Hampshire in fall, I am sure Franconia Notch pops in your head. This beautiful 6,692-acre park is one of the most popular areas to visit in fall because of its beauty and fun activities. And, of course, the foliage is gorgeous!
You can enjoy a scenic drive through the notch, hike fun trails, explore waterfalls, take a scenic gondola ride, or kayak on a beautiful lake. Franconia Notch truly offers something for everyone in the fall!
I have visited Franconia Notch many times during fall, and every single time has been busy. It is a very popular area to explore during foliage season, and I recommend arriving early, especially if you want to hike. These hikes are among the most popular in New Hampshire, and the parking lots fill up quickly.
Here are some of the best things to do in fall:
Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza
Explore Dixville Notch
One of the best things to do in New Hampshire in fall is to explore Dixville Notch. Dixville Notch is in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire and has beautiful waterfalls, hikes, and scenic drives. The notch is smaller than others in New Hampshire, but I promise it will not disappoint! It is one of my favorite areas to explore.
If you want to explore more of the Great North Woods, you can drive the beautiful 120-mile scenic drive loop through Northern New Hampshire past quaint towns, waterfalls, mountains, covered bridges, and so much more. Trust me, the drive is gorgeous!! This area will have fewer people, so it is a great way to explore the beautiful fall foliage in New Hampshire without the crowds.
I love visiting Dixville Notch in the fall because the views are incredible, and the hikes are fun. Some of the hikes are becoming increasingly popular, so I recommend arriving early to hike them.
Here are some of the best things to do in fall:
Huntington Cascades
The Flume
Beaver Brook Falls
Drive through the Monadnock Region
Mount Monadnock is the second most hiked mountain in the WORLD! And for good reasons! The mountain offers some of the best views in Southern New Hampshire and has a fun hike to the summit. And yes, I have hiked it many times!
But that’s not all this area offers. This region also has a beautiful 80-mile scenic drive through quaint towns and around Mount Monadnock. Many people only visit the region to hike Mount Monadnock, but there is much more to do along this scenic drive. It is also an underrated scenic drive for fall foliage because many people visit the White Mountains in the fall and forget about the southern regions.
I love driving around the Monadnock Region in the fall because the foliage is stunning!! It is also not too far from Boston, making it a great place to visit for anyone in the city.
Here are some of the best things to do in fall:
Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge
Carlton Covered Bridge
If you want to visit New Hampshire in fall, this guide is the perfect place to start planning your trip! I have spent my entire life exploring New Hampshire in the fall, so I can provide you with everything you need to know about the best things to do in New Hampshire in fall.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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