Fall in New Hampshire is a magical season when the landscape undergoes a breathtaking transformation. There's a reason why New England is a beloved destination for autumn leaf-peeping! And just like the colors of the season are varied and ever-changing, so too are the ways to enjoy fall in New Hampshire, from scenic drives through charming villages, covered bridges, and rolling hills, to trails crunching with fallen leaves, where Instagram-worthy sights are around every corner. Whether you’re a photographer seeking the perfect shot or simply reveling in the beauty of nature, fall in New Hampshire is an enchanting time to embrace the changing seasons!
New Hampshire Fall Foliage: Where To Go In New Hampshire For Fall Foliage
New Hampshire is known for a lot of things, and its incredible fall foliage is definitely one of them. The state's diverse topography, including mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers, provides a stunning backdrop for this seasonal transformation. As rolling hills and forested areas become ablaze with color, they create picturesque scenes that attract nature enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers from all over. New Hampshire's fall foliage season typically starts in late September and peaks in early to mid-October, so you'll want to start planning early! From iconic vistas to hidden gems, here are just a few places to experience New Hampshire's changing colors and enjoy some seriously rewarding leaf-peeping:
1. Franconia Notch State Park
Location: Franconia, NH
Wow-Factor: The park spans over 6,692 acres and features nine major waterfalls, making it a prime spot for waterfall chasers.
Need To Know: Day-use fee required; busy during peak autumn foliage.
Franconia Notch State Park is the undeniable gem of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and it truly shines during the fall foliage season. There are no bad angles here, but some must-see spots include Artists’ Bluff - a short hike overlooking Echo Lake that offers massive rewards; Mount Pemigewasset (Indian Head), which shows off sweeping views south toward Lincoln; and the iconic Flume Gorge, where visitors can walk along a boardwalk through a narrow gorge lined with stunning waterfall cascades.
2. The Kancamagus Highway
Location: Conway to Lincoln, NH
Wow-Factor: This scenic 34.5-mile highway is renowned for offering one of the most stunning fall foliage drives in the United States.
Need To Know: No fee required, but be prepared for heavy traffic during peak foliage season.
The Kancamagus Highway, affectionately known as "The Kanc," is a must-see for anyone visiting New Hampshire in the fall. This stretch of road winds through the White Mountain National Forest, providing unparalleled views of the vibrant autumn colors that blanket the landscape. The highway's numerous pull-offs and overlooks allow for leisurely stops to take in the scenery, snap photos, and enjoy the crisp fall air. Highlights include the Sabbaday Falls, a short hike to a beautiful waterfall, and the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the views. As you drive along The Kanc, the mix of towering hardwoods and evergreens creates a patchwork of color that's truly breathtaking, making it one of the most iconic fall foliage destinations in New England.
3. Lake Winnipesaukee
Location: Laconia, NH
Wow-Factor: This is New Hampshire’s largest lake, covering over 70 square miles, and its stunning, mirror-like reflections make it one of the most photographed lakes in the state.
Need To Know: Viewpoints and roads around the lake can get busy during peak foliage season.
Lake Winnipesaukee, with its expansive shoreline and clear waters, offers a picturesque backdrop for fall foliage. The surrounding hills and mountains come alive with reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a stunning contrast against the deep blue of the lake. Driving around the lake, you'll find plenty of scenic pull-offs, charming small towns, and opportunities for leisurely boat cruises that let you see the foliage from a unique vantage point. Points of interest include Weirs Beach, known for its vibrant colors and lakeside attractions, Castle in the Clouds, and Mount Major, which offers a moderate hike with rewarding panoramic views. Whether you’re exploring by car, boat, or on foot, Lake Winnipesaukee provides a quintessential New England fall experience that’s hard to beat.
4. Mount Monadnock
Location: Jaffrey, NH
Wow-Factor: Mt. Monadnock is one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the world, offering sweeping views of fall foliage across six states.
Need To Know: State park fees apply; reservations recommended due to visitor maximum regulations.
It doesn't even seem right for a mountain to be this gorgeous, yet here it is! Mt. Monadnock’s rugged trails and bald summit provide an unrivaled vantage point for fall foliage, although the base is just as phenomenal, as you can see. As you hike up, you’ll traverse a variety of landscapes, from dense forests that blaze with color to rocky outcrops offering glimpses of the vibrant canopy below. The summit delivers 360-degree views where you can see the tapestry of autumnal hues stretching across a whopping six states: New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island.
Known for its relatively accessible trails, Mt. Monadnock draws hikers of all skill levels, making it a bustling yet rewarding climb during the fall. The park’s well-maintained paths, such as the popular White Dot and White Cross trails, provide different perspectives and challenges, ensuring each hike feels unique. Due to its popularity and to ensure a positive experience, the state park has visitor caps in place, so plan ahead!
5. Mount Washington
Location: Sargent's Purchase, NH
Wow-Factor: At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S. and the most prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River, which means there are some serious views happening up here!
Need To Know: There is a fee for driving the Mount Washington Auto Road; weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared.
Mount Washington stands as a crown jewel for fall foliage enthusiasts, presenting a dramatic canvas of colors as the season changes. The ascent, whether by hiking, driving the iconic Mount Washington Auto Road, or taking the historic Cog Railway (a bucket list must-do, by the way!), reveals a stunning progression of foliage. The Tuckerman Ravine Trail and the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail are particularly known for their stunning fall colors. Starting at the base, you'll encounter vibrant reds and oranges of sugar maples and red maples, interspersed with the yellow hues of American beech and birch trees.
As you climb higher, the landscape shifts to the golden browns of oak and the evergreen of spruce and fir trees. The summit offers sweeping panoramic views of the White Mountains and beyond, where the dense forests below transform into a sea of autumn colors. The mountain's unique alpine environment also adds a touch of stark beauty to the colorful scene, with rugged terrain and the possibility of early snow dusting the peaks. Nearby, the Presidential Range and the surrounding White Mountain National Forest provide additional trails and vistas, making the area a haven for leaf-peepers and nature lovers alike. And yes, you need to get out there and explore as much as you can while you're here!
Best Pumpkin Patches In New Hampshire
There are more than a few family-friendly activities that really say fall to us, but there are a few nostalgic activities that definitely top the list: picking out the perfect pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch, cozying up in a thick blanket on a hay ride through the fields, and of course, taking on the challenge of a corn maze. But it all starts with the pumpkins! Bring the entire family and wander through the fields to find the perfect pumpkin to bring home at one of these picture-perfect pumpkin patches in New Hampshire:
6. Apple Hill Farm
Location: Concord, NH
Wow-Factor: Apple Hill Farm has been growing farm-fresh produce since the 1970s! You can visit the farm for u-pick selections, or visit them at the Concord Farmers' Market for even more delicious produce.
Need To Know: No entry fee, but activities and pumpkins are priced individually. Open through the day before Thanksgiving.
Apple Hill Farm is a delightful fruit and vegetable farm located in Concord, NH. During the fall season, they offer pumpkin picking and a pumpkin tent, making it a perfect spot for finding the ideal Jack-o-Lantern or decorative pumpkin for your favorite seasonal activities. Beyond pumpkins, Apple Hill Farm boasts beautiful orchards where you can still pick apples, raspberries, and blueberries in fall. Don’t miss their mouthwatering pies, baked goods, and mixes too! And if you’re looking for a hidden gem for even more leaf-peeping beyond the spots listed above, consider visiting in November - the first two weeks offer amazing fall colors.
7. McKenzie's Farm
Location: Milton, NH
Wow-Factor: McKenzie's Farm is renowned for its setting and extensive pumpkin patch, featuring over 30 varieties of pumpkins and gourds.
Need To Know: No entry fee, but activities and pumpkins are priced individually. Open May through the day before Thanksgiving.
There are traditional pumpkin patches…and then there are stunning family farms like this one! McKenzie's Farm is beautifully set on Plummer's Ridge in Milton - a magnificent fall backdrop that even shows off views of Mt. Washington when skies are clear. But the views aren't all that this sweet farm has to offer. It also boasts an impressive pumpkin patch where visitors can choose from over 30 varieties of pumpkins and gourds, ranging from tiny decorative ones to massive jack-o'-lantern contenders. Beyond pumpkins, the farm offers a delightful array of autumn activities, including apple picking, hayrides, and a corn maze that challenges visitors with twists and turns. The farm stand is stocked with fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and seasonal treats like cider donuts and hot apple cider. Visit again and again throughout the year for even more u-pick produce, like apples (another fall favorite!), strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Even flowers!
8. Moulton Farm
Location: Meredith, NH
Wow-Factor: Moulton Farm offers a renowned pumpkin patch, corn maze, and delicious farm-to-table bakery that also offers an extensive selection of produce year-round.
Need To Know: No entry fee, but activities and pumpkins are priced individually.
Moulton Farm, nestled in scenic Meredith, New Hampshire, is a haven for fall enthusiasts, starting with the epic corn maze that opens every September, inviting visitors to get delightfully lost amidst the rustling stalks. As you explore, keep an eye out for the perfect pumpkin - whether it’s a specialty variety with a unique shape or color, a classic carving candidate, or destined for a delicious fall recipe. Beyond pumpkins, Moulton Farm offers corn stalks and a variety of plants in their beautiful garden center for seasonal decorating. And don’t miss the aroma of freshly made cider doughnuts from the Cider Bellies Doughnut stand - it might just guide you out of the maze! The farm market boasts soups, meat pies, quiches, and other delectable treats, while the food truck serves up seasonally inspired meals. Whether you’re seeking pumpkins, flavorsome pies, or a picturesque pumpkin-centric fall experience, Moulton Farm delivers!
9. Sunnycrest Farm
Location: Londonderry, NH
Wow-Factor: Sunnycrest Farm features a wide variety of pumpkins, along with apple picking and freshly made cider donuts.
Need To Know: No entry fee, but activities and pumpkins are priced individually.
Sunnycrest Farm in Londonderry is a must-visit in the fall! This family farm has been around since 1943 and offers a great selection of pumpkins for picking, alongside their renowned apple orchards. Visitors can enjoy the quintessential fall experience with hayrides and a farm stand that sells freshly made cider donuts, pies, and other seasonal treats. Be sure to try their muffin of the month offerings! The farm also has a market with fresh produce and local goods, making it a perfect destination for a full day of autumn fun. Sunnycrest Farm is also a gorgeous event venue, as well as the perfect spot to find pick-your-own berries, peaches, grapes, and even flowers.
Best Fall Festivals In New Hampshire
From apple picking and pumpkin carving to hayrides and live music, these festivals capture the essence of autumn. Local artisans showcase their crafts, while food vendors serve up seasonal favorites like apple cider, maple products, and hearty stews. Agricultural fairs often feature livestock shows, baking contests, and carnival rides, creating a lively and family-friendly atmosphere. Whether it's a quaint village fair or a larger regional celebration, the best fall festivals in New Hampshire provide a perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories amidst the stunning fall foliage.
10. Apple Harvest Day
Location: Dover, NH
Wow-Factor: Apple Harvest Day is New Hampshire’s largest one-day festival, attracting over 60,000 visitors annually.
Need To Know: Free admission; typically held the first week in October.
Apple Harvest Day in Dover is a quintessential New Hampshire fall event. Held annually in early October, this festival celebrates all things apple with a variety of activities, including apple-themed food, live music, craft vendors, and fun for the whole family. You can sample everything from apple pies to cider and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of over 300 vendors lining the streets. Don’t miss the chance to pick up local produce, artisan crafts, and seasonal goodies while enjoying the vibrant fall colors of gorgeous downtown Dover.
11. NH Highland Games & Festival (NHSCOT)
Location: Lincoln, NH
Wow-Factor: This is one of the largest Scottish festivals in the United States, featuring over 60 competitive events.
Need To Know: Tickets are required for entry; the event is held annually in September and parking is available on-site.
The New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival in Lincoln is a grand celebration of Scottish culture and heritage. Held each September at the Loon Mountain Resort in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in traditional heavy athletics, like the iconic caber toss, enjoy live music, savor Scottish cuisine, and participate in cultural activities. It’s a spirited event that brings together clans, bagpipers, dancers, and enthusiasts to honor Scotland’s rich traditions against the coolest fall backdrop there is!
12. New Hampshire Pumpkin Fest
Location: Laconia, NH
Wow-Factor: Features thousands of glowing pumpkins and extends all the way from downtown Laconia to Weirs Beach.
Need To Know: Tickets are required for entry; typically held in late October.
While many of the season's best festivals center around fall colors and quintessential family activities, one festival kicks it up a few notches! The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival, formerly known as the Laconia Pumpkin Festival, is a vibrant celebration held annually in downtown Laconia. This family-friendly event is uniquely New Hampshire, combining artistry, creativity, and all things pumpkin with a bit of Halloween magic. From pumpkin displays around Main Street to the thrilling Runaway Pumpkin Run, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy craft shows, indulge in delicious food, participate in contests (like the pie eating contest), and even make their own monster plants inspired by “Little Shop of Horrors.”
The festival also features live music, food trucks, and plenty of surprises, like ghost tours, train rides, a masquerade ball, arcades, costume contests, and so much more. Whether you’re a pumpkin admirer, a foodie, or just looking for fall magic, the NH Pumpkin Festival delivers an unforgettable experience!
13. White Mountain Oktoberfest
Location: Lincoln, NH
Wow-Factor: This lively festival features over 20 craft breweries and boasts a stunning mountain backdrop.
Need To Know: Tickets are required; the festival is usually held in October and parking is available on-site.
Say what? Another festival at oon Mountain? Ja! After you get your Scottish Highland kilt game polished up, come back just a few weeks later because the White Mountain Oktoberfest in Lincoln is a refreshing way to celebrate fall with a touch of Bavarian flair. Held each October, this three-day festival, perfectly timed with the fall foliage season, brings together the best of German culture: beer, bratwurst, and music. Guests can enjoy seasonal beers from Samuel Adams, including classics like Oktoberfest and New England IPA, as well as shandies and ciders.
The Eastern Sound Orchestra sets the festive mood with polkas, waltzes, and other German-style tunes. For those seeking fun and games, there’s the Stein Carryin’ & Keg Rollin’ Relay, axe throwing, face painting, and more. And don’t miss the stunning views of New Hampshire’s White Mountains while savoring Bavarian Alps fare! Of course, don't think this lively festival is just for the 21+ crowd - there are fun activities and contests for kiddos too, alongside traditional fall resort activities like gondola rides.
Free & Cheap New Hampshire Fall Activities
New Hampshire offers a fantastic variety of free and affordable activities, especially in the fall, allowing visitors to experience its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures without breaking the bank. Here are just a few unique and budget-friendly options for visitors to enjoy everything that New Hampshire's short-lived autumn season has to offer:
14. Take a Scenic Drive
Location: Various, NH
Wow-Factor: New Hampshire boasts five scenic byways totaling over 160 miles, each offering a unique blend of mountain views, charming towns, and vibrant fall colors, as well as casual road trip routes that are equally special for leaf-peeping.
Need To Know: Accessible year-round; peak foliage is from mid-September to mid-October; prepare for potential traffic in popular spots.
New Hampshire’s scenic byways are a dream come true for fall foliage enthusiasts, each showcasing a different aspect of the state’s beauty. The White Mountain Scenic Byway, running 100 miles from North Conway to Lincoln, offers breathtaking views of the White Mountains, including landmarks like Franconia Notch and the Flume Gorge. The Lakes Region Byway, which circles Lake Winnipesaukee, provides panoramic lake views and charming lakeside towns. And those are just the start! Travel through unique spots, like Dixville Notch, that bypass the byway crowds, or enjoy classics like the Kancamagus (listed above). Whatever route you choose, you're in for an autumn treat.
15. Road Trip to New Hampshire's Historic Covered Bridges
Location: Various, NH
Wow-Factor: New Hampshire boasts an incredible 54 historic covered bridges, including the oldest in the country, which dates all the way back to 1829.
Need To Know: Accessible year-round.
New Hampshire is a treasure trove of historic covered bridges, with 54 spanning across the state, each telling its own story of early American craftsmanship. These charming structures are most concentrated in the southwestern and northern regions, where their classic wooden architecture contrasts beautifully with the changing foliage. Notable examples include the Bath Covered Bridge, the longest in the state at 449 feet, and the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, which stretches across the Connecticut River and holds the title of the longest covered bridge in the United States. A road trip to check out these historic pieces of architecture is one of the best ways to spend a gorgeous fall day!
16. Go Waterfall-Hopping
Location: Various, NH
Wow-Factor: New Hampshire has around 150 named waterfalls to discover, each set against a backdrop of natural beauty more gorgeous than the last.
Need To Know: Hike with caution; some paths may be slippery with wet, fallen leaves.
Fall is an amazing time to explore New Hampshire’s prettiest waterfalls. The crisp air and changing leaves create a stunning contrast with the rushing water, offering incredible photo ops and peaceful escapes. As the trees shed their foliage, you'll get clear, unobstructed views of these natural wonders. Plus, fewer crowds mean you can enjoy the serenity and beauty of the falls in a more personal setting. Easy-access falls, like Diana's Baths or those in Flume Gorge, make for fantastic family-friendly outings, while more challenging trails, like Ripley Falls, require a little more planning. Just be cautious of wet and slippery conditions as you explore!
17. Take a Scenic Train Ride
Location: Whitefield and Lincoln, NH
Wow-Factor: New Hampshire's scenic train rides offer stunning views of the White Mountains and fall foliage, with historic trains running through picturesque landscapes.
Need To Know: Tickets required; train rides are seasonal, typically running from May to October. Reservations are recommended for popular fall foliage trips.
New Hampshire's scenic train rides provide a unique and leisurely way to experience the state's breathtaking landscapes, and there a number of options to choose from! The Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway offers an iconic journey through the White Mountains, where you can marvel at vibrant fall foliage and sweeping mountain views. Mount Washington Cog Railway ascends the northeastern slopes of Mount Washington, and although not a traditional scenic train ride, it delivers unparalleled views of the Presidential Range and the changing autumn colors from the highest peak in the Northeast.
For a more relaxed and nostalgic experience, the New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad, operating between Whitefield and Littleton, provides a charming ride through rolling hills and picturesque scenery. Each route offers a distinct perspective of New Hampshire’s natural beauty, from the rugged terrain of the White Mountains to the serene landscapes of the North Country - and there's no better way to immerse yourself in the ever-changing magic of autumn!
Fall in New Hampshire is a vibrant and unforgettable experience, offering everything from colorful foliage and scenic drives to festive pumpkin patches and historic train rides. With its mix of outdoor adventures and charming seasonal events, New Hampshire provides a perfect autumn getaway! What will you do first?
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