New Hampshire
Nature

Here Are The Best Times And Places To View New Hampshire’s Fall Foliage In 2024

If you're looking to view this year's foliage in New Hampshire, we've got the scoop on where and when to go to catch the best color.

Updated Sep 4, 2024

Written by 

Ken MacGray

One thing I love about living in New England is having an autumn season. It's definitely my favorite time of year as the bugs are gone, the temperatures get cooler, and the foliage is, well, something you simply cannot miss. But, the downside is that the autumn season here is far too short! So, we have to make the most of it while it's here.

"When do leaves change color in New Hampshire?" you ask? Our friends at SmokyMountains.com have just released their annual fall foliage prediction map. Toggle the bar right to see when you can expect peak leaf peeping in your part of NH. Now, read on for some of our favorite places to see fall foliage in New Hampshire!

1. Kancamagus Highway

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DenisTangneyJr/E+ via Getty Images

This is one of the most scenic drives in the state, and it's also one of the most popular during foliage season. Be prepared to take it slow and enjoy the scenery.

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2. Pretty Much Any Small Town

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Ron and Patty Thomas/E+ via Getty Images

If you leave the major highways and get onto the secondary roads and backcountry lanes, a colorful new world will emerge.

3. Franconia Notch State Park

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Praveen P.N/Moment via Getty Images

A short hike up to Artist's Bluff or Bald Mountain are some of the classic hikes in New Hampshire, providing grand views south down the notch.

4. Mt. Washington Cog Railway

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DenisTangneyJr/E+ via Getty Images

During autumn, the slopes of Mt. Washington present a striking contrast between fall colors down low and snowy conditions higher up. This classic train ride is a good way to experience both.

5. Crawford Notch State Park

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Craig Zerbe/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

This notch is one of my personal favorites. It offers so much natural beauty and there are plenty of places to explore within its borders.

6. Bear Notch Road

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Craig Zerbe/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

This scenic seasonal road traverses a mountain pass between the Kancamagus Highway and Route 302. Along the way, there are several outlooks where you can stop to take in the vistas.

7. Right In Your Home Town

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Thomas H. Mitchell/500px/500px via Getty Images

Just about every town in New Hampshire has land conserved for public use. Check your town's Conservation Commission website for lands and trails that are in your backyard.

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit all that there is to see and do in New Hampshire, whether you're looking to do a road trip or for a weekend stay.

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Nature|Weather & Natural Phenomena

I Love Watching The Sun Go Down At One Of The Best Sunset Spots In New Hampshire

Published Mar 23, 2024

Written by 

Ken MacGray

Now that we're moving toward spring and the sun is setting at a more reasonable hour instead of during the middle of the day (ugh), it's time to start thinking about sunset hikes again. One of my go-to destinations for sunsets is the wee Wilson Hill in Deering. Its stature is small but it makes up for that with excellent views. As such, it ranks up there on the list of great hikes with views in New Hampshire. Last spring I took a walk to the top on a crisp and cool evening to see what kind of display nature might have in store.

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Wilson Hill is one of those short gems in southern New Hampshire that fits the bill perfectly if you want a great view without working hard for it.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

A short, easy hike of 0.3 miles leads to the open, grassy summit with excellent views to the west and northwest.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Because of how these views face, Wilson Hill is a perfect place to catch sunset at the end of the day.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Sunsets are unpredictable, but they often provide some amazing light. Make sure to go when there are some thin clouds for the sun to illuminate.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

On this particular evening, myself and a few other folks were up here watching the last hours of daylight fade.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

And because of the short walking distance from the trailhead, the best part is that it's easy to get back down before it gets too dark. I always have a headlamp with me though, just in case.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

If you're planning a sunset hike, be sure to arrive earlier than the actual sunset time and stay a little later as well. That can be when you get the best color.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Sunsets aside, Wilson Hill is one of the best short hikes with views in New Hampshire that you can take. It's perfect anytime! No fancy gear is needed for this short walk but it always helps to be prepared anyway. For more parking information and to download a trail map, visit the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.

Looking for some more great views? Check out these nine overlooks all around New Hampshire that can be visited not just in fall!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire/overlooks-fall-views-nh/

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Nature|Weather & Natural Phenomena

The Natural Phenomenon In New Hampshire That Only Happens During Wintertime

Winter in New Hampshire offers unique natural phenomena like the 22 Degree Halo at Mount Washington.

Updated Jan 16, 2024

Written by 

Michelle

Winter in New Hampshire is something special. There's no shortage of things to do on a cold day. And, when the snow is actively falling? It's pure magic. But, there's more to winter than just what you can do to work up a sweat. The weather in New Hampshire is special for a lot of reasons - and this natural phenomenon is one of the most notable. Continue reading to learn a little bit more about experiencing winter at Mount Washington.

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Mount Washington is one of the coldest places not just in New Hampshire, but in the entire United States.

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mouser-nerdbot / Flickr

While a trip up the Auto Road can lead to some of the most incredible views over the White Mountains, we were recently treated to a view of a different sort from the summit.

Those who looked toward the sun may have noticed a unique halo surrounding the giant orb.

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yooperann / Flickr

The phenomenon, known as a "22 Degree Halo" is caused by light that reflects from ice crystals in high cirrus and cirrostratus clouds passing in front of the sun. This can also happen with the moon.

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blueforce4116 / Flickr

The "22 Degree" name refers to the radius the halo makes around the sun.

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jsenniko / Flickr

The sight is unmistakable, but it doesn't happen often.

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cmichel67 / Flickr

In order to see the halo, the crystals in the clouds must be in a very specific position based on where your eyes are. Standing just a few steps to the right? You might miss it!

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This also means that everyone you're with might see a different version of the halo. And some might not see it at all!

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aezoss / Flickr

The 22-Degree Halo is worth checking for when the weather is cold, but be sure to avoid looking directly at the sun.

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mountwashington.org

Mt. Washington has seen its fair share of extreme weather. To catch a glimpse of this, watch the brief YouTube video below, courtesy of the Mount Washington Observatory:

Have you ever experienced this unique phenomenon while spending a winter in New Hampshire? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you! And, if you need a place to stay while exploring all that this unique region has to offer, be sure to check out this list of beautiful New Hampshire vacation rentals.

Another great natural wonder in New Hampshire is this magnificent boulder. Yes, we've just referred to a boulder as "magnificent."

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