Posted in New Hampshire October 19, 2021 by

Take A 3-Hour Drive Through New Hampshire To See This Year’s Beautiful Fall Colors

There’s no better place to see this year’s stunning fall colors than right here in New Hampshire. No matter where you are you’ll be surrounded by them, but it’s even more fun to go on a road trip to search them out. In a place this heavily forested, just about any road will do. Even the highways here will lead to great scenery. To make a real day out of it, consider heading out on this road trip to some truly gorgeous spots.

We love this road trip because there's plenty to see on the drive, plus you've got four fun stops along the way. Hop in the car and check it out!
Google Maps
1. Your first stop is quintessentially New Hampshire! Check out the Henniker Bridge in Henniker.
Bridge Street, Bridge St, Henniker, NH 03242, USA
praetoriansentry / Flickr
This covered bridge was built in 1972, but being fairly new doesn't make it any less special. The building methods were all traditional, meaning it could gave been built way back when. It's closed to vehicular traffic, but take a stroll over the Contoocook River by heading from one side to the other and back again. Then, it's back in the car for our next stop.
2. The famous Castle in the Clouds in Moltonborough is up next.
Castle in the Clouds, Route 171, 455 Old Mountain Rd, Moultonborough, NH 03254, USA
Castle in the Clouds / Facebook
Castle in the Clouds was originally known as the Lucknow Estate and was built for a wealthy shoemaker in 1914. It sits on 5,300 acres of land which are filled with fall foliage this time of year. There's a fee to enter, but it's well-worth it for the views over Lake Winnipesaukee. You can learn more about it here!
4. You can't have a fall foliage road trip in New Hampshire with at least a little time on the Kanc.
Kancamagus Highway, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH, USA
Sean O'Neill / Flickr
The Kanc, as it's affectionately known by those who are familiar with it, features a total of 56 miles through the mountains. The actual name of the road is Highway 112 and it dates back to the 1600s. Since then it's been designated as an American Scenic Byway, and Travel + Leisure called it one of the most scenic drives in the country. We won't be traveling the entire route, but we'll see just enough of it to want to come back. For now, we've got more to see elsewhere!
Kancamagus Highway, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH, USA
Jonathan Moreau / Flickr
5. Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch, Lincoln, NH 03580, USA
Peter Rintels / Flickr
Lastly you'll find yourself at one of the most fun state parks in the state. There are tons of things to enjoy here, from hiking trails to waterfalls. You can enjoy the trails and sights throughout the year, but fall means being surrounded be bright foliage in every direction. You can pay to drive through, which is totally worth it. But you can also take the Falling Waters Trail to Stairs Falls, Swiftwater Falls and Cloudland Falls. This is your last stop, so you'll have some time to enjoy yourself. And when you're done you can simply head on back home knowing you didn't waste a second of fall in New Hampshire.

Do you have any must-do day trips during the fall? We’d love to hear about your favorite places to visit this time of year.

A portion of this drive will take you on the Kanc, but driving the entire thing is a great option. One of the most scenic drives in America is right here in New Hampshire and we love it in the fall!

Address: Franconia Notch, Lincoln, NH 03580, USA
Address: Bridge Street, Bridge St, Henniker, NH 03242, USA
Address: Castle in the Clouds, Route 171, 455 Old Mountain Rd, Moultonborough, NH 03254, USA
Address: Kancamagus Highway, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH, USA
Address: Kancamagus Highway, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH, USA