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

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 into the first week of October. The middle part of the state will experience partial coverage, while the rest of the state will see patchy to minimal colors.

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.

Best Places To See Fall Colors in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a treasure trove of spectacular fall foliage, with countless spots to take in the vibrant hues of autumn. Here are some of the best places to experience the season's beauty:

1. 1.
   Franconia Notch State Park
   Nestled in the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park offers stunning views along hiking trails like the Flume Gorge or the Artists Bluff trail. The combination of colorful leaves and mountain backdrops is truly breathtaking.
2. 2.
   Kancamagus Highway
   A drive along the 34-mile scenic Kancamagus Highway is a must during the fall. The route winds through the White Mountain National Forest, offering incredible overlooks like Sugar Hill and the Albany Covered Bridge.
3. 3.
   Monadnock Region
   Mount Monadnock and its surrounding areas provide a variety of trails that lead to panoramic views of the fall colors spreading across the landscape.
4. 4.
   Lake Winnipesaukee
   The views around New Hampshire's largest lake are even more magical in fall. Enjoy a foliage cruise or explore charming lakeside towns like Meredith and Wolfeboro while surrounded by autumn's brilliance.
5. 5.
   North Conway
   Known for its quaint village charm, North Conway also boasts easy access to the Conway Scenic Railroad, where you can take a foliage train ride through the picturesque mountains.

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.

What do you think are 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! Feeling inspired? Try planning your own New Hampshire trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.

Feature Image: Photo by Stanley Zimny via Flickr Creative Commons