The Least-Crowded Towns In New Hampshire To Catch Fall Foliage

When you think of fall in New Hampshire, visions of crunchy leaves beneath your feet, colorful, scenic drives through the countryside, and breathtaking mountain views most likely come to mind. While all those visualizations can come true during an autumn trip to the Northeastern state, many more experiences await! Consider staying in one of New Hampshire's least-crowded small towns to participate in all things fall at a relaxed, casual pace. Depending on what section of the state you're visiting, peak fall foliage can happen as early as mid-September, especially at the higher elevations.

Warner

Warner is a quiet and quaint town located in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region of the state and is an autumn lover's dream destination. If you're fortunate enough to visit Warner during October, don't miss the Fall Foliage Festival, which celebrates all the best of the season with live entertainment, food vendors serving local delights, a craft show, parades, and a midway. All of this excitement takes place in the ultimate fall setting, with leaves featuring fiery shades of gold, orange, and red and a touch of crispness in the air. If you prefer to explore the season in this non-crowded town at a quieter pace, check out the beautiful and historic Dalton Bridge on Joppa Road. The covered bridge was constructed in the mid-1800s and makes the perfect backdrop for a fall photoshoot.

Laconia

Conveniently located between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, lovely Laconia retains a laid-back, small-town feel even though it offers big-city amenities like a small airport. Set in the heart of New Hampshire's lake region, Laconia is one of the state's least-crowded towns, and it's a popular fall destination for several reasons. You can climb aboard the M/S Mount Washington, a historic 230-foot excursion ship, to view the area's vibrant fall colors from the middle of Lake Winnipesaukee. The boat departs from Weirs Beach daily and features a 2-hour narrated tour that gives visitors exciting background information about the area. At the end of October each year, Laconia hosts the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival, which will surely put you in the mood for spooky season with pumpkin-carving contests and parades.

Keene

Dubbed "New England's Best Kept Secret," the charming small town of Keene celebrates the fall season in style every year. Located in the state's southern region, Keene broke the Guinness World Record for the most illuminated Jack O' Lanterns in 2013. During the Keene Pumpkin Festival, which takes place each mid-October when the area's fall foliage is at its peak beauty, the town lit more than 30,000 carved pumpkins. In addition to the festive pumpkin event, local Granite Gorge Mountain Park holds its annual Fall Fest at the end of September and offers fun for the entire family. Another must-see spot is Alyson's Orchard, where you can pick crisp Heirloom apples and pumpkins in vibrant autumn colors. Although Keene is one of New Hampshire's least-crowded towns, it offers no shortage of fall fun.

Portsmouth

The pretty town of Portsmouth is typically quiet and not heavily populated, but two annual fall events bring in visitors from all over for good reason. Portsmouth, with a rich maritime history dating back to the 1600s, hosts the New Hampshire Film Festival in October, attracting cinephiles and filmmakers with its carefully curated films, parties, workshops, and more. The Portsmouth Halloween Parade sends the month out with a scare and plenty of festive flair, for those who just want to quietly participate in the beauty of autumn, relaxing Prescott Park is the place to go. There, you can walk nature trails and view native wildlife under the canopy of colorful leaves. Even though it hosts several lively fall events, Portsmouth still maintains its calm, uncrowded feel.

Merrimack

Established in 1750, the charming small town of Merrimack appeals to autumn lovers who want to take in all that the season offers in a relaxed setting. If big crowds aren't your thing, you're in luck in Merrimack, which is situated between the bustling cities of Manchester and Nashua. With its quaint, historic downtown filled with cafes, eateries, and specialty boutiques, Merrimack feels like a world away from the heavily populated destinations. The best time to visit the eye-catching Merrimack River Valley is mid-October, when the area's autumnal spectrum of colors is generally at its peak. You can take them in on one of the trails at the Horse Hill Nature Preserve or Grater Woods. On a warmer fall day, visitors can canoe or kayak along the Merrimack River, which runs through town, to see the vibrant leaves from the water.

Rochester

With its spectacular fall foliage, a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, and lively arts and culture scene, the unique town of Rochester is one of the best, yet least-crowded, New Hampshire towns to enjoy autumn in. The season's colorful leaves are usually at their most vibrant from mid-to-late October here and can be viewed from a boat on the Cocheco River. You can also peep the leaves during a stroll through quaint, historic downtown Rochester, filled with family-owned restaurants, antique and gift shops, and cafes. If you find yourself in town during September, don't miss the annual Granite State Fair, an exciting way to kick off the fall season. The event offers traditional fair delights, such as a demolition derby, livestock exhibits, and carnival rides.

Lincoln

Experience autumn in a small, scenic mountain town by planning a trip to beautiful, uncrowded Lincoln. Established in the 1800s, this former logging community is nestled in the White Mountains and offers some of the state's most spectacular fall colors. You can view the jaw-dropping autumnal display along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, a 34.5-mile route that traverses the White Mountain National Forest along the Swift River. Other local places to take in the fall foliage include the Lincoln Woods Trail, which begins at the charming Pemigewasset River suspension bridge and follows a former railroad track, and Alpine Adventures on Main Street. Each October, Lincoln hosts the White Mountain Oktoberfest, a three-day event offering craft beer, live music, and much more.

Although New Hampshire is a tiny state, it offers some of the best autumn adventures in the country. This New England destination can't be beat, from its festive fall events to top-notch leaf-peeping opportunities. While exciting cities and big crowds have their charms, you sometimes crave a more laid-back, unpopulated destination to enjoy autumn. Fortunately, New Hampshire offers more than its fair share of charming small towns where you can do just that.