Fall Is Coming And These Are The 8 Best Places To See The Changing Leaves In New Hampshire
The temps are chillier, the skies are a little less clear, and the smell of cinnamon and apples are wafting through the air. What could it mean? Just one thing! Autumn is so close we can taste it. In addition to all the cozy vibes and delicious hearty food that comes with a fall in New England, we’ve also got some of the best fall foliage viewing opportunities. And, while we might be biased, our state’s got the best. Here are some of the best places to see fall foliage in New Hampshire.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Home of Dartmouth College, it doesn't get much more fall than a college campus. This is a great place to enjoy cultural diversions that make colleges so great, plus there's lots of history. Mostly, it's just nice to walk around the campus and see the beautiful changing seasons in full effect.
If you're a foodie that comes alive at the thought of autumn comfort food, this is the destination for you. Home to Walpole Creamery for ice cream, you'll be able to spend hours simply eating your way through the area. Make sure you visit the Walpole Mountain View Winery for some tasting and relaxing. Then, make your way to Alyson's Orchard for pick-your-own apples and local food.
This is a great destination for folks who'd like to create the perfect weekend getaway. This lakeside town is the jumping off point to explore the lake region and the best way to do it is by train. Check out the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad for one of the easiest ways to take in the foliage.
One of the most delightful downtowns in the state is right here in little North Conway. No need to head to one of the larger cities when you can enjoy yourself right here! If you're just looking for a way to stroll the streets, stay in town. Otherwise, this is the closest town to Mount Washington. You've also got access to White Mountain National Forest and Cathedral Ledge in Echo Lake State Park. On your way out of town, make sure you take the Kancamagus Highway for some of the best views in the entire state.
This is another town that offers great access to some of the state's best outdoor activities. Always wanted to bag a 4,000-er? You'll find Mount Osceola here for that purpose! Or, check out The Basin, a 30-foot wide and 15-foot deep glacial hole in Franconia Notch State Park.
The base for exploring Franconia Notch State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the state. You can hike the many trails in the park for some beautiful views, but there's also plenty of other things to do and see in the area. Check out the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to travel 4,180-feet to the summit. You can also explore the well-known trails of Flume Gorge. For a neat road trip, travel along the eight-mile portion of I-93 that goes through the Kinsman and Franconia ranges.
Another great place to call base camp for those who love the New Hampshire outdoors! With a trip to Peterborough, you'll be close to the Mount Monadnock, which is a huge destination for climbers and mountain lovers. Monadnock State Park has 38 hiking (sometimes overlapping) trails that give you the option of traveling more than 35 miles. You might want to take a few days for that!
This charming coastal town is the last stop before entering Maine, making it a great stop on a full New England road trip. Be sure to enjoy the fun downtown area and the make sure to see Straberry Banke, a 10-acre outdoor history museum. As with most of these places, it's not necessarily about what you DO here. It's more about what you can see. And even the cities and larger towns offer an opportunity to see fall foliage in a backdrop of New England architectures.
Have any other places where you’ve seen the leaves begin to change? Let us know so we can keep track! And, while you’re settling into a new season, check out some of these sights that you can only see in wonderful, New Hampshire!
