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Nature|Forests

The Best Times And Places To View Fall Foliage In New Hampshire

Discover the best places to experience fall foliage in New Hampshire, including scenic drives and hiking spots.

Updated Oct 6, 2022

Written by 

Rachel

New Hampshire fall foliage is absolutely magnificent. There's already a nip in the air and some color on the trees, and it's worth seeking out the most exquisite autumn sights. Predicting when the leaves will be their most radiant isn't an inexact science, but the folks at Smoky Mountains have kindly created a fall foliage map that estimates the color progression across the country. We've highlighted the best places to see fall foliage in New Hampshire on the map so you can enjoy the season to the max.

Fall foliage in New Hampshire arrives early with the northern part of the state reaching near-peak colors the last week of September. The middle part of the state will experience partial coverage while the rest of the state will see patchy to minimal colors.

Two horses graze in a grassy field surrounded by vibrant autumn trees.
netg15/Flickr

Get ready for peak fall colors the first week of October, Northern New Hampshire. This week, the middle part of the state will be near-peak while patchy and partial fall colors will paint the rest of the state.

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A serene lake reflects vibrant autumn foliage and a clear blue sky, with colorful trees lining the shore.
netg15/Flickr

October brings with it peak fall colors in the central part of the state. Much of the southern part of New Hampshire will enjoy peak fall foliage the second week of October; by the third week, the leaves will be starting to brown and past their peak colors.

Vibrant autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow along a roadside under a clear blue sky.
Gabe Knezek/Flickr

SmokyMountains.com generally issues mid-season updates, so you can check to see if predictions are panning out or if there have been any changes.

So what does this year's fall colors map mean for New Hampshire? Carpe diem! There's no time to waste - get out there and hike or take a scenic drive before you miss the golden beauty.

A serene lake reflects vibrant autumn foliage and misty mountains, showcasing a colorful landscape of red, orange, and yellow trees.
Flickr/Stanley Zimney

Peak foliage in New Hampshire is absolutely radiant. This is the perfect time of year for a breezy family day trip or a solo adventure.

Views like these only come once a year - make sure you make the most of them while they're here.

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A winding road surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Flickr/Anthony Quintano

What do you think is the best places to see fall foliage in New Hampshire? If you need help planning your autumn adventures, we put together an epic fall foliage road trip in New Hampshire that's a celebration of the season!

Places To See Fall Foliage In New Hampshire

1. New Hampshire Fall Foliage Road Trip

2. Fall Day Trips In New Hampshire

3. Fall Corn Mazes In New Hampshire

4. Fall Hikes In New Hampshire

5. Fall Getaways In New Hampshire

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Nature|Forests

I Wandered Off-The-Beaten-Path And Discovered This Lovely Forest Walk In New Hampshire

Published May 31, 2024

Written by 

Ken MacGray

I'm blessed to live in an area where there are many hiking trails and walking paths to enjoy. I frequently take midday breaks to get out and enjoy these trails. The time spent on them may not be long but they provide a needed distraction from daily tasks that recharges me. One of these trails that I've recently discovered is the N'dakinna Trail in Loudon (roughly translated from the native Abenaki, N'dakinna means "Our Homeland."). It's only a mile long but is perfect for a getaway into nature when time is short.

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The trailhead and small parking area are tucked away off Route 129 in Loudon. This is far away from popular hiking spots and it's likely you'll encounter few or no other people.

A wooden information kiosk surrounded by tall grass and trees in a lush green forest.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

The Loudon Conservation Commission has done a beautiful job with this footbridge over a small brook, which serves as an inviting gateway into the property.

A wooden bridge surrounded by lush green trees and rocky terrain in a serene forest setting.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

As I entered the forest from the road, I immediately felt comforted and more relaxed as the natural environment surrounded me.

A serene forest scene with lush green foliage, trees, and a winding path through the underbrush.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Near its start, the white-blazed loop trail, about a mile long, passes an attractive swamp. I didn't see any of the local residents on this day but could hear plenty of wood frogs.

A serene wetland scene with still water, lush greenery, and distant trees under a cloudy sky.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

At the swamp is a bench inviting walkers to stop, rest, and take in the sights and sounds of the wetland.

A black wooden bench sits among tall trees and pine needles in a serene forest setting.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

In addition to the main white-blazed trail, there's also a yellow-blazed path that can be used as a shortcut. Not too many ways to go wrong here, but trail maps posted at junctions provide reassurance that you're going the right way.

A trail map mounted on a tree in a dense forest, surrounded by greenery.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

On the morning I did this walk, the sun was not out and rain showers were on the way. This made the forest dark, giving it a moody and mysterious feeling.

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A dense forest path surrounded by tall trees and green foliage, with scattered leaves on the ground.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

If you need to get out into the woods for a bit or need a quick recharge for the rest of the day, visit this New Hampshire nature walk to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. For more information on N'dakinna Trail and to download a trail map, visit the Loudon Conservation Commission.

Get those boots laced up for some more hiking now that the warm weather is here. Here are some kid-friendly treks that the whole family can do!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire/kid-friendly-hikes-nh/

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Nature|Forests

New Hampshire’s Birch Ridge Community Forest Keeps Me Coming Back For More Exploration

Published May 2, 2024

Written by 

Ken MacGray

In recent years, much of the land surrounding Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham has gone into protection through the fine work of the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT). The largest property is Birch Ridge Community Forest, and it's one that keeps changing each time I visit. As it's such a large area, it's only natural that there's going to be a lot to keep up with! Here are some sights from my most recent visit.

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Birch Ridge Community Forest in New Durham comprises more than 2,000 acres and is well-managed by Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire.

Trail markers on a wooden post, indicating direction for the Southeast Land Trust of NH trail.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

The most prominent summits within the forest are Mt. Eleanor and Rattlesnake Mountain, both of which were technically bushwhacks before the forest was acquired.

A scenic view of trees and boulders under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Now, there is an extensive trail system here. It had changed since my last visit and continues to grow as of this writing.

A wooden signpost pointing to "Mt. Eleanor Trail" surrounded by green and yellow foliage.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Before SELT acquired the property it was heavily logged, but nature is beginning to reclaim it and the woods are filling in nicely.

A serene forest path leads through lush greenery, with rolling hills visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

One of my favorite vistas here is from this open clearing about 0.3 mi. from the trailhead at the top of Birch Hill Road. The view over Merrymeeting Lake is expansive.

A scenic view of rolling hills and a lake, surrounded by lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Hikers are welcome at the cabin that sits in this clearing, which is used as a snowmobile warming hut in winter. Please be respectful of the property if you visit.

A small wooden cabin surrounded by greenery and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

With many miles of trails, it's a place I can get to for some easy woods walking or some more strenuous climbing.

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A wooden bridge covered in leaves spans a small stream, surrounded by trees and rocks in a serene forest setting.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

I'll be keeping a close eye on Birch Ridge Community Forest as the trail system continues to develop and will be including it in the upcoming 6th edition of the AMC Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide. For more information and to download a current trail map, visit Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire.

Since it's been such a warm winter here in New Hampshire, that means that the ticks are unfortunately already out. Make sure to stay protected from the little buggers while also exploring nearby Collins Family Forest, just across the lake from Birch Ridge Community Forest.

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