11 Top Places To Visit In New Hampshire This Fall

As the days grow colder and the crispness of autumn settles in, New Hampshire’s landscape transforms into a breathtaking palette of fiery reds, warm oranges, and golden yellows. Fall is the perfect season to explore this beautiful state. Dense forests, tranquil lakes, and rugged mountain ranges provide stunning backdrops for outdoor activities, festivals, and scenic drives. Peak fall colors typically reach their full brilliance between late September and mid-October, offering ample opportunities for leaf peepers and nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the autumn splendor. Below are 11 top destinations to visit in New Hampshire this fall, each offering unique experiences and vibrant seasonal beauty.

White Mountain National Forest

The White Mountain National Forest is New Hampshire’s ultimate fall destination, offering an unforgettable display of vibrant foliage. Spanning nearly 800,000 acres, this vast forest boasts majestic mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and tranquil lakes that come alive with autumn colors. The Kancamagus Highway, a renowned scenic byway, offers one of the best fall drives in the state, winding through valleys and mountains painted with shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Hike the Pemigewasset Wilderness or take a more relaxed approach by visiting scenic overlooks like Sabbaday Falls or Rocky Gorge. Wildlife enthusiasts may even spot moose or deer along the trails. The crisp mountain air, combined with the breathtaking scenery, creates the perfect atmosphere for outdoor photography and exploration. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, or driving, the White Mountains offer a quintessential New England autumn experience that enchants every visitor.

Franconia Notch State Park

Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park offers dramatic fall landscapes that captivate foliage seekers and hikers alike. The park is home to iconic natural features like the Flume Gorge, a natural granite gorge that’s particularly stunning when surrounded by fall foliage. Trails like the Lonesome Lake Trail offer hikers incredible views of the autumn-tinted forests and the nearby peaks of the Franconia Ridge. For a bird’s-eye view of the fall colors, ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to the summit, where panoramic vistas of the White Mountains stretch out below.

Echo Lake, nestled within the Notch, provides a serene spot for kayaking or simply enjoying the vibrant reflection of the surrounding hills on the water’s surface. Franconia Notch’s stunning combination of forests, lakes, and cliffs make it a must-visit for those seeking New Hampshire’s most picturesque autumn scenes.

Mount Monadnock

Famous for being one of the most-climbed mountains in the world, Mount Monadnock is a quintessential New Hampshire fall destination. The mountain’s relatively accessible summit offers unbeatable 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside, which bursts into a sea of autumn colors each year. Popular trails like the White Dot Trail and White Cross Trail take hikers through thick forests before reaching the rocky summit, providing ample opportunities to admire the rich reds, oranges, and yellows of the fall foliage. The hike is moderate, making it suitable for both seasoned hikers and families, and rewards everyone with breathtaking views of the changing landscape. From the summit, the rolling hills and valleys stretch endlessly, offering perfect conditions for photography and outdoor adventure. In the fall, Monadnock transforms into a living painting, making it a must-see for nature lovers.

Lake Winnipesaukee

Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire at 72 square miles, becomes a mirror for the state’s spectacular fall colors. Surrounded by hills covered in deciduous trees, the lake offers stunning reflections of the vibrant autumn leaves, creating a peaceful and scenic environment for visitors. A drive along the lake’s perimeter, particularly through towns like Meredith and Wolfeboro, reveals endless vistas of rolling hills ablaze with color.

Those seeking a more immersive experience can kayak or boat on the lake, getting an up-close look at the foliage from the water. For photographers, Mount Major provides a fantastic vantage point where you can capture panoramic views of the lake and its surrounding forests. Whether you’re exploring the lake by car, boat, or on foot, Lake Winnipesaukee’s tranquil beauty during fall is second to none.

Mount Major

Mount Major is a popular spot for hikers looking to soak in stunning fall foliage while enjoying moderate trails and panoramic views. Located near Lake Winnipesaukee, this mountain offers a relatively short hike with immense rewards at the summit. From the top, you’ll have an unobstructed view of the lake surrounded by hills covered in vibrant autumn colors. As you ascend, the trail winds through forests that become a living kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a truly magical experience. The summit is an ideal spot for a fall picnic or just to sit back and admire the view. Mount Major’s ease of access and rewarding scenery make it a favorite for both seasoned hikers and families looking to experience New Hampshire’s fall at its finest.

The Kancamagus Highway

Known as one of the most scenic drives in America, the Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile route that offers some of the best foliage views in New Hampshire. This iconic road, cutting through the White Mountain National Forest, is a fall lover’s paradise. With multiple scenic pull-offs, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of vibrant forests, dramatic mountain ranges, and serene rivers.

Stop at Sabbaday Falls or Rocky Gorge for short hikes that lead to waterfalls surrounded by brilliant autumn colors. As you drive, the thick canopy of trees overhead creates a natural tunnel of gold and crimson, making the experience magical. Photographers will love the overlook at Hancock Overlook, offering expansive views of the White Mountains as they transition to their fall wardrobe. Whether you’re stopping at one of the trailheads or simply enjoying the drive, the Kancamagus is an essential fall destination.

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region

The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region combines the serenity of lakes with the rugged beauty of New Hampshire’s rolling hills, making it a perfect spot for autumn exploration. Lake Sunapee is a gem in the fall, with its surrounding forests turning vibrant shades of orange and yellow. Visitors can take boat rides across the lake, offering stunning views of the foliage mirrored in the calm waters.

For hikers, trails such as those around Mount Sunapee provide opportunities to explore the forests and enjoy sweeping views of the autumn landscape. Dartmouth’s town of Hanover is home to stunning campus foliage and tree-lined streets that glow with fall color. The region is also famous for family-friendly activities like apple picking and navigating corn mazes, ensuring that visitors of all ages can enjoy the beauty and fun of a New Hampshire autumn.

The Presidential Range

Home to Mount Washington, the Presidential Range offers unparalleled views of fall foliage set against the dramatic backdrop of the highest peaks in the Northeast. The Mount Washington Auto Road provides a scenic drive to the summit, where visitors are treated to panoramic views of New Hampshire’s autumn glory. The surrounding peaks, including Mount Adams and Mount Jefferson, create a rugged contrast to the soft, vibrant colors of the trees below. Hiking in the Great Gulf Wilderness offers a more immersive experience, with trails winding through forested valleys and babbling brooks, all framed by autumn’s brilliant hues. The Presidential Range is a photographer’s dream, especially in the fall when the crisp mountain air and clear skies make for perfect outdoor conditions.

Pawtuckaway State Park

Tucked away in southeastern New Hampshire, Pawtuckaway State Park is a hidden gem for fall foliage seekers. The park is known for its tranquil lakes, rolling forests, and stunning wetlands, all of which transform into a canvas of red, gold, and orange come autumn. Visitors can hike up to the summit of Pawtuckaway Mountain for panoramic views of the colorful landscape or take a peaceful kayak trip on Pawtuckaway Lake, where the foliage reflects on the water’s surface. The park’s extensive trail network winds through the heart of the forest, offering secluded and peaceful spots to admire the fall scenery. For those who enjoy camping, Pawtuckaway’s campgrounds provide an opportunity to experience the full beauty of fall in a quiet, natural setting.

Squam Lake

Famed for its tranquil beauty, Squam Lake is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful fall retreat. Surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, Squam Lake offers serene boat tours and hiking trails that showcase New Hampshire’s stunning fall colors. The lake is often calm in autumn, creating beautiful reflections of the surrounding foliage in its glassy waters. For a unique perspective, take a guided foliage cruise with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, where you’ll not only see the brilliant leaves but also learn about the region’s wildlife and natural history. Hikers can explore trails like the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests from its summit. Squam Lake’s serene atmosphere and stunning autumn colors make it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy the quieter side of fall.

Jackson

Tucked in the White Mountains, Jackson is a quintessential New England town known for its stunning fall landscapes and iconic covered bridges. The surrounding mountains and forests turn vibrant shades of red and gold, creating a picturesque backdrop for outdoor exploration. A visit to Pinkham Notch nearby offers some of the best leaf-peeping in the region, with trails leading to dramatic views of the White Mountains awash in color.

The Wildcat Ridge Trail is a favorite among hikers for its panoramic vistas of the fall foliage below. Jackson’s charming atmosphere, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a perfect fall getaway for families and couples alike. Don’t forget to visit the famous Honeymoon Bridge, where you can capture a quintessential New England fall photograph.

New Hampshire’s fall season is a feast for the senses, with vibrant foliage, crisp air, and countless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Whether you’re hiking through the White Mountains, enjoying a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway, or exploring a pumpkin patch with your family, each destination offers unforgettable experiences that showcase the beauty of autumn. With its picturesque landscapes and rich seasonal traditions, New Hampshire is the perfect place to experience the magic of fall.