No fall foliage trip to the northeast is complete without visiting New Hampshire. Not only is it consistently one of my top recommended places to visit in New England for rich, fall color, it’s also filled some of the most iconic fall drives and attractions. Between the stunning White Mountains region dripping in fall foliage, gorgeous cities that feel cozy this time of the year, and scenic lake regions, New Hampshire has so much to offer during the fall season.
And if you’re looking for ideas while you plan your own fall foliage trip to New Hampshire, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been to New Hampshire so many times in the fall, and I’ve scouted out the best spots that are worth your time, the most fun things to do, my tips for visiting, as well as how to time your trip for peak foliage color.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start planning your adventure!
New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Best Time To See Fall Color In New Hampshire
Early October is an ideal time to visit New Hampshire for fall foliage, however, it’s good to know that different areas of the state will peak at different times. The northern regions like the White Mountains will peak around early October, and the mid to southern regions will peak closer to the middle of the month.
Here’s a handy quick guide for you to give you an idea of peak foliage around New Hampshire:
Early October – The White Mountains & Lake Sunapee
Mid October – Lakes Region (Lake Winnipesaukee)
Mid-Late October – Southern Region, with the Seacoast peaking the latest
In all my fall foliage guides, I say the same thing, and it bears repeating 😊 Fall foliage in New England is not an exact science. While it’s likely that fall foliage will follow these timelines, it can (and does!) change from year to year. Foliage times are determined by weather patterns throughout the year, and depending on things like more dramatic temperature shifts and rainfall, foliage could peak earlier or later than normal.
How Long Does Peak Foliage Last In New Hampshire?
Once foliage peaks, it typically lasts on trees for 1-2 weeks or so – with two weeks being best case scenario. So, if you plan to arrive in New Hampshire around the first week on October, you should be able to experience foliage for another week after that, especially if you start in the north, and work your way down south.
Things like heavy rain and winds can take the leaves off the trees sooner, so if there’s a big storm that comes through the area, that could shorten the length of peak foliage on the trees. However, if the weather stays mild, it could last for up to two weeks.
Where To Go In New Hampshire In September For Foliage
If you want to see fall foliage in New Hampshire in September, you’re likely going to be a bit early. September is a great month to visit for mild weather and fewer tourists than October, but fall foliage isn’t quite as prolific just yet.
That said, if you plan to visit right at the end of the month, you’ll likely catch peak foliage in the very northern region, often referred to as the Great Woods region. Fall color will start to appear in this area around mid-September, and peak at the end of the month, making this a great foliage spot in September.
In this area, you can tackle a lot of hiking trails, go on some fall foliage drives, and even try to spot Moose! My favorite part of this region is Dixville Notch State Park, which has amazing foliage views, and I go more into this later in this post.
This region also borders the White Mountains area, so you can easily drive down for day trips. The Cog also borders these two regions, and is a great option around mid-late September. If this interests you, I’ll have more information about this under the “Mount Washington” section on this post, so just keep on reading 😉
Where To Go In New Hampshire In October For Foliage
October is truly a magical time of the year in New Hampshire, and pretty much the rest of the state is up for grabs when it comes to fall color during this month.
As mentioned, in early October, the White Mountains region is the place to be for some of the most iconic and picturesque fall foliage locations. This is where I recommend most people spend the majority of their time because the dramatic mountain vistas combined with fall foliage is just such a special thing to see.
Later in month, just after the White Mountains have peaked, you can begin to explore the Lakes Region, and driving around Lake Winnipesaukee is incredibly scenic at peak foliage! You’ll also find some great farm stands around Lake Squam, and fun fall things to do here.
Toward the middle to end of the month, the southern region comes alive with fall color, and this is the time of year I love to explore Portsmouth, Keene, and Peterborough. Keen and Portsmouth offer wonderful city getaways that are super cozy in the fall season, and Peterborough is a cute little town with tons of fall scenery.
Places To See Fall Foliage In New Hampshire – White Mountains
Okay, so before we get into specific ways to enjoy fall in New Hampshire, let’s talk about the best places to see fall color. My personal favorite is the White Mountains region (as I’m sure you’ve guessed), and that’s where most people will go for fall foliage in New Hampshire. There are so many iconic foliage views here that it deserves its own section. So, let’s talk about all of them!
1. Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park is home to some of the top attractions in the White Mountains in the fall season, so this is a place you’ll want to prioritize on your visit. It also happens to be where you’ll find some of the best fall foliage displays in New Hampshire.
There are two things that I highly recommend checking out in the park, and I’ve created separate sections for them below. In addition to those, though, I also recommend looking into riding the Aerial Tramway up Cannon Mountain and visiting Echo Lake, both of which offer wonderful foliage scenery.
The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is the first of its kind in the U.S., and the only one of its kind in New Hampshire! So, not only is a great way to see some amazing foliage views, it’s also a unique experience for that reason.
Also, the views around Echo Lake are pretty awesome. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the lake on suggestion No. 3 down below, but it’s also worth going right to the beach at the lake to see the fall colors from a different perspective.
Lastly, just the drive through Franconia Notch is amazing, and you’ll be surrounded by mountains dripping in fall color the entire time. Of course, you should definitely pull over into each of these attractions, but also don’t forget to just enjoy the drive along the way!
2. Flume Gorge
Probably the top attraction in all of the White Mountains region is Flume Gorge, and honestly, I think it’s worth it. Flume Gorge is a 2-mile loop trail through beautiful wooded areas, and during the walk, you’ll cross covered bridges, enjoy views of the mountains, pass by glacial boulders, and of course, walk through the actual gorge.
The gorge is a naturally-made granite gorge with 90-foot tall walls, and cascading waterfalls. It’s such a cool experience to have. And while the actual gorge doesn’t offer a lot of fall foliage, the walk on the trail most definitely does!
Pro Tip: If you have a large family or group, the price for admission can be high, but you can save a few bucks by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
3. Artist Bluff Trail
The most popular hike during foliage season in the White Mountains is undoubtedly the Artist Bluff Trail, and there’s very good reason for that. This trail leads you to an overlook with sweeping views of the mountains, the winding roads through the park, and Echo Lake below. With all of it backdropped in fall color, it’s really very cool to see in person.
To access the trail, you’ll park at the Echo Lake parking lot, which is pretty large, but can still fill up fast on weekends during peak foliage. Once you park, cross the road, turn right and walk about 150-200 feet – you’ll see a sign for the trailhead. This also makes it easy to visit Echo Lake before or after your hike.
This is a pretty short hike, but the climb up is decently steep, so I would say it’s more moderate than easy. If you have the time, I suggest adding on the Bald Head portion of the trail, which would make this hike 1.5 miles round trip.
However, the short climb to Artist Bluff offers incredible payoff for minimal time! For fewer crowds, a great time for this hike is sunrise, which also offers wonderful light. If you plan to do this hike in the afternoon or sunset, you’ll want to anticipate lots of people on the trail, and at the overlook.
4. Crawford Notch State Park
In addition to Franconia, one of the best places for fall foliage in New Hampshire is Crawford Notch State Park. Also worth it just for the drive through, there are tons of amazing places to enjoy fall color inside the park. There’s one hike in particular that I love in the fall season, which I’ll talk about next, but you can easily spend an entire day here, or just budget a few hours to take a scenic drive.
While Crawford Notch doesn’t have as many attractions as Franconia, it has tons of hiking trails to check out, including a few with some nice waterfalls. And during the drive, you’ll find several overlooks where you can pull over and simply just enjoy the views.
Pro Tip: If you plan an excursion up Mount Washington during your trip, you’ll likely drive through Crawford Notch on your way there (depending on where you’re coming from), so plan some extra time if that’s the case to enjoy the views along the way.
5. Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop
My favorite hike in Crawford Notch in the fall season is the Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop, which takes you to the beautiful Arethusa Falls, as well as a side excursion to a very cool train trestle overlook. In the fall season, you’re treated to tons of foliage colors on the mountains at this overlook, which makes for amazing photos.
Arethusa Falls is also one of the most scenic waterfalls in New Hampshire at about 140 feet high. While the foliage around the falls isn’t spectacular, it’s definitely worth keeping this on your hike itinerary.
The main attraction on this hike, though, is the amazing overlook at the Frankenstein Cliff, and the overlook at the trestle.
This trail is about a 5-mile loop, and I would say it’s moderate in difficulty. I would expect to do this trail in about 4-4.5 hours, which allows for some short breaks and stopping for photos. For parking, you can park at either the Frankenstein Cliffs Trailhead, or the Arethusa Falls lot.
6. Mount Willard Hike in Crawford
For a shorter hike in Crawford Notch with equally beautiful foliage views, the Mount Willard Hike is a great option. This hike toggles between easy and moderate, and at only 3 miles or so, it’ll only take you a couple of hours or so to complete.
The overlook at the summit is absolutely beautiful, especially in the fall season. For the effort, the payoff is honestly pretty big once you reach the top! Expect impressive mountain vistas aglow in reds and oranges for the perfect photo opportunities.
For this trail, you’ll want to park at the Crawford Notch Depot Station. This is another popular trail in the park, so getting an early start will avoid the biggest crowds.
7. Mount Washington & The Cog
Mount Washington is New England’s highest peak, and it’s pretty easy to get to the summit with a rider on The Cog! During the fall season, this is an epic place for fall foliage, too.
Since Mount Washington is pretty far north in New Hampshire, late September is a great time to visit for fall color. However, it’s also wonderful in early October.
So, what’s this Cog thing, you ask? Great question! It’s the very first mountain railway ever to be built in the world. Constructed in 1869, it’s been in operation ever since, taking visitors to the summit of Mount Washington. And honestly, this is such a cool experience that I highly recommend year-round, but especially during foliage season.
Tips for visiting The Cog in the fall:
→ Prepare for all kinds of weather at the summit. Even is weather is warm and sunny when you depart, it’s likely to be cold and windy at the top, and there could even be snow. Bring jackets and hats!
→ Book well in advance. The fall season is the most popular time to ride The Cog.
→ There are assigned seats on The Cog, which you choose when you book your ticket. I recommend booking the front row for the best view as you ascend the mountain.
If you’re a hiker, you can also choose to hike up the mountain for a true adventure!
While in the area, you’ll be close to the very famous Omni Mount Washington Resort, which is a grand resort nestled in the mountains. If you have the time, this is a great place to stop and have lunch or dinner before or after your Cog experience. Reservations are required for dinner in the dining room, but they also have bars available. They do give preference to guests at the hotel, so if you’re there on a weekend, know that without reservations, you may have to wait.
A perk to swinging by the resort is the incredible views while there. Just walking around the resort is a fun experience, so this is something to definitely consider.
8. Sugar Hill
One place that took me by surprise on my very first-ever fall trip to the White Mountains was Sugar Hill. This is a small town that doesn’t have a ton to do, but it’s home to an amazing B&B, and incredibly vibrant foliage everywhere you go. Because it’s out in the countryside a bit more than other popular towns in this region, it’s also an easy place to just drive the backroads, and admire the fall color everywhere.
Sugar Hill is home to a few cool things to check out, though, including the famous Polly’s Pancake Parlor for an epic country breakfast, and the cute little Harman’s Cheese & Country Store. If you’re anywhere near Franconia during your trip, I recommend spending an hour or two in Sugar Hill to admire the foliage, and have a great breakfast!
🍁 Looking to experience the splendor of New Hampshire, but only have a day?
Consider this day trip from Boston, where they do all the planning and work for you ☺️
Click here to check out this New Hampshire Fall Foliage Tour From Boston!
Here are some of my posts on places in the White Mountains you may find helpful:
More Amazing Places For Fall Foliage In New Hampshire
While I do love the White Mountains, there are so many places all over New Hampshire that capture the magic of the fall season with beautiful foliage displays. Here are some more suggestions to help you plan an epic adventure around the rest of New Hampshire in the fall.
9. Dixville Notch State Park
Close to the White Mountains, but technically in the northern region of the state, is the incredible Dixville Notch State Park. If you’re planning to arrive in New Hampshire toward the end of September, this is an incredible place for fall foliage around that time, as mentioned already.
Dixville Notch is known for amazing hiking for all levels, and scenic drives, especially in the fall season. This is another location where you really don’t even need to get out of your car to enjoy the fall color – but, of course, I suggest you do 😉
10. Table Rock
One of the best places for fall foliage in Dixville Notch is the amazing Table Rock overlook. From this overlook, you’ll enjoy bird’s eye views of the winding roads through the mountains, the incredible mountain peaks, Lake Gloriette, and the old Balsams Resort, which is now abandoned (but still pretty to look at!).
The actual Table Rock is a narrow piece of rock that offers panoramic views at the top, but I urge you to be very careful if you choose to walk out onto the rock itself. It’s not very wide and doesn’t have any side rails, so if there’s anyone else on the rock, I’d recommend that you wait your turn, as it could get dangerous with multiple people on it at once.
To get to the Table Rock overlook, there are two trails you can take: Trail No. 50 is the more moderate incline between the two, and Trail No. 57 is the more challenging route.
11. Lake Winnipesaukee
Heading into the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee is a wonderful day trip in the fall season for foliage color! This popular summer destination at New Hampshire’s largest lake offers bright color in the fall, and is often named one of the most scenic fall drives to take in New England.
The loop around the lake is just under 100 miles, and takes you through the cute little towns and villages in the area along the drive. Some of the most picturesque places to see in the fall are the town of Meredith, Alton Bay, and the Castle in the Clouds Estate in Moultonborough.
While in Meredith, be sure to stop at Cider Bellies Doughnuts, which are often rated as the best in the state, but more on that later in the post 😉
12. Squam Lake
Also in the Lakes Region Squam Lake is another scenic area for fall foliage in New Hampshire. It’s also very close to the Lake Winnipesaukee, so you could combine both into one perfect fall foliage day trip.
Around Squam Lake, the fall colors are beautiful, and driving around the towns feels very quaint and cozy. In this area, you can rent a kayak or canoe to enjoy the fall foliage from out on the water, or just drive around the lake loop, making fun stops along the way.
During your drive, you can also make your way to the cute little Durgin Covered Bridge for a fun photo opportunity, swing by the Sandwich Creamery near the bridge for a fall-flavored ice cream, and stop at the Little Squam Lake Farm Stand in Ashland for fall produce and other treats.
13. Peterborough & Mount Monadnock
Peterborough is a charming and picturesque little town in southern New Hampshire to visit in the fall for wonderful foliage displays and plenty of things to do. While there’s a lovely town area with great shops and restaurants, what I love about Peterborough is that it’s accessible to Mount Monadnock, and quite a few covered bridges in the surrounding area, which just feel extra special in the fall season ☺️
Mount Monadnock, especially, offers beautiful fall foliage throughout its hiking and nature trails. And when you need a break from hiking, you can take a scenic drive to visit the nearby covered bridges. Keene is also nearby, which is a cute and quirky college town that has fun shops and things to do – and of course, great foliage color.
14. Portsmouth
Lastly for foliage destinations to visit in the fall in New Hampshire is Portsmouth. Located along the Seacoast, and close to the Maine border, this city has so much to offer in the fall season. Between wonderful shopping and dining, and a beautiful waterfront, you’ll lots of fall color here. Even though it’s a city, it feels more like a small town in many ways, and it’s especially lovely in the fall for a getaway.
While it won’t be packed with fall foliage at every turn like the mountains, Portsmouth offers more cozy fall vibes with quaint shops, book stores, historic houses, and waterfront parks. However, you’ll still find the streets lined with trees that change color in the fall season.
Fun Things To Do In New Hampshire In The Fall
In addition to all the amazing places mentioned above for hiking and admiring the gorgeous foliage, there are some really wonderful ways to celebrate the fall season throughout New Hampshire. Here are some more things to do in the Granite State during this time of the year, including more scenic drives, fall festivals, and cool places to check out.
15. North Conway Scenic Railway
While up in the White Mountains, a really fun experience to have is a foliage train ride on the North Conway Scenic Railroad. With different options ranging from quick 1 hour tours, to 4+ hours with lunch, these train rides offer such a unique perspective on the foliage in the surrounding areas. Plus, the train rides also feel like you’ve stepped back in time a bit, which is also really cool.
The trains depart right from downtown North Conway at the train station, which is hard to miss in the center of town. Even the train station is a picture-worthy moment to be had, and then once you step aboard the actual train, it’s quite a memorable experience!
16. Drive The Kancamagus Highway
Widely regarded as one of the most scenic fall foliage drives you can take in New England, the Kancamagus Highway is such a treat to experience in person. At just over 56 miles long, The Kanc, as the locals call it, runs along Route 112, connecting Lincoln and Conway. Along the route, you’re surrounded by gorgeous fall color, and have the option to make some really nice stops along the way.
There are plenty of options for scenic overlooks on the drive, so be sure to pay attention, and get ready to break and pull over quite a bit. There’s also Albany Covered Bridge, several hiking trail heads, and Sabbaday Falls, all of which are beautiful in the fall.
Some tips for driving The Kanc:
→ This is a very popular route in the fall season, so if you visit at peak time, expect lots of traffic. It’s best to try and drive it as early as possible, especially on weekends in October.
→ There is no cell service on this route, and not many bathrooms, and no gas stations. Plan accordingly.
→ Traffic is one lane on each side.
→ It’s free to drive, no need to worry about getting a pass.
→ Even though it’s free to drive, if you plan to park at any of the trail heads, or even the falls or covered bridge, you’ll need to pay the daily park pass at the kiosks to avoid getting a ticket. There are kiosks at the lots that take cards – just be sure to display your receipt on your dashboard (and you only need to pay once to park anywhere along the drive for the day!).
17. Visit A Haunted Location
October is spooky season, after all! So, why not go all in and visit one of New Hampshire’s notable haunted locations? In fact, this state has quite a few that you can visit in all different regions.
I know I’ve previously mentioned the Omni Mount Washington Resort, which just so happens to be one of the most famously haunted hotels in the U.S. Legend has it that the ghost of Caroline Stickney, one of the original owners of the hotel, is often spotted roaming the hallways near her suite. Those that stay in her suite – the famous room no. 314.
A few other haunted locations around New Hampshire that you can visit are Island Path Road in Hampton Beach, the Amos J. Blake House Museum in Fitzwilliam, and the Point of Graves Burial Ground in Portsmouth.
Psst! I actually have an entire post dedicated to haunted places around New Hampshire, if you’re looking for more ideas 😉
18. Take A Spooky Ghost Tour
While we’re on the topic of haunted places, you can also take a haunted ghost tour in New Hampshire for a few extra goosebumps on your fall trip.
New England Curiosities offers a few really awesome walking tours in Portsmouth that combine local history, folklore, and ghost sightings. With different options depending on your preferences, you’re sure to find one that piques your own, well … curiosity 😉
🍁 Don’t want to go on an official tour?
Click here to download a self-guided haunted tour of Portsmouth!
19. Eat All The Cider Donuts – It’s The Official State Dessert!
Earlier in the post I touched on cider donuts, but since it’s the official state dessert of New Hampshire, it really deserves its own section.
Cider Bellies Doughnuts in Meredith, up in the Lakes Region, is widely regarded as one of the best in New Hampshire, so this is a place to have on your radar while exploring that region.
And while it’s easy to find cider donuts all over because of their popularity, here are a few more places to scout out some especially great ones in the fall:
→ Applecrest Farms in Hampton Falls
→ White Mountain Cider in Glen
→ Meadow Ledge Farm in Loudon
→ Carter Hill Orchard in Concord
→ Chichester Country Store in Chinchester
20. Tour The Covered Bridges
While you can absolutely see the beautiful covered bridges throughout the entire year in New Hampshire, fall is an especially great time to see them because they’re surrounded by that stunning fall color.
New Hampshire is home to around 60 covered bridges, and they’re scattered all over the state. So regardless of where you’re headed, chances are you can visit at least a few.
Up in the White Mountains, there are several that are easy to see, including Honeymoon Covered Bridge, Swift River Covered Bridge, and Albany Covered Bridge. If you visit Flume Gorge, you’ll also get to see Flume Covered Bridge and Sentinel Covered Bridge. There are even more than that, but that’s a few to get you started.
While in the Lakes Region, you can also swing by Durgin Covered Bridge, which is a lovely one to see in the fall season.
If you’re in the southern region of New Hampshire, there’s a nice grouping of them outside of Peterborough and Keene, including Ashuelot Covered Bridge, Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge, Coombs Covered Bridge, and Carlton Covered Bridge.
Psst! I have an entire post dedicated to my favorite covered bridges in New Hampshire, if you want to find even ore during your trip 😉
22. Find Your Way Out Of The Sherman Farm Corn Maize
Just outside of Conway in the White Mountains region, you’ll find the very fun Sherman Farm Corn Maize, which is the perfect activity on a crisp, fall day! This 12-acre corn maize is one of the best in all of New England, so it’s most definitely worth a stop on your fall trip to New Hampshire.
In addition to the maize, the farm has all kinds of fall fun ready for you, including a pumpkin patch, fall foods like cider donuts and kettle corn, a petting zoo, and all kinds of entertainment for the kiddos.
While the farm does offer some tasty foods to enjoy, they also welcome you to bring your own, and set up a picnic on one of their picnic tables to really make an afternoon out of your visit.
22. Go Apple Picking, Of Course!
New Hampshire is an awesome state for apple picking, so if you’re able to bring apples home with you from your trip, you’ll want to consider stopping by one of the beautiful orchards.
One of my favorites is Applecrest, which is the oldest continually-operating orchard in the U.S.! It’s also the largest orchard in New Hampshire, so this is a great one to visit. Not only do they offer U-pick apples, but the entire farm is the perfect fall destination. On weekends in September and October, they have a fall festival with live music and special events, in addition to their usual farm stand offerings, baked goods, cider donuts, and creamery.
Psst! I have an entire post on the Best Places For Apple Picking In New Hampshire, if you need suggestion on more places to check out.
23. Try The Seasonal Brews
One of my favorite things about fall is all the flavors of the season, including all the amazing pumpkin and fall beer releases. New Hampshire is home to some pretty awesome breweries, so one of the most fun things to do this time of the year is try the seasonal brews.
Here are some great breweries to check out in New Hampshire:
→ Stoneface Brewing in Newington (also hosts a fun Oktoberfest event to celebrate their seasonal brews!)
→ Blasty Bough Brewing Company in Epsom
→ Outlaw Brewing Company in Winchester
→ Schilling Beer Co. in Littleton
→ Tuckerman Brewing in North Conway
24. Sip On Seasonal Cocktails, Too!
While we’re on the subject of adult beverages 😉, let’s also talk about awesome seasonal cocktails because there are some great distilleries to find these throughout New Hampshire, too. Sipping on an awesome craft cocktail with the flavors of pumpkin and apple is such a special treat to enjoy, and here are a few places to check out that typically have some nice fall drink options, or seasonal liquor releases:
Tamworth Distilling in Tamworth – Usually releases their Chocorua Cider Rye Whiskey and Old Hampshire Applejack around this time, and typically offers a mulled apple cider in October.
Cathedral Ledge Distillery in North Conway – Usually has a variety of Moscow Mule flavors to choose from, which is perfect in the fall!
Sweetwater Distillery in Winchester – Releases their maple bourbon this time of the year.
White Mountain Cider Co. in Glen – While not a distillery, the bar here serves up their famous Cidertini, which has been the house specialty for years!
25. Visit The White Mountain Cider Co.
Speaking of the White Mountain Cider Co., there’s more to it than just their awesome Cidertini. In fact, it’s an entire property that includes a fine dining restaurant and market, in addition to their bar and cider mill.
Their restaurant focuses on what’s available each season, and in the fall, you’re treated to the best of the autumn abundance (think apples, cider, and rosemary). And the inside of the restaurant is especially rustic and cozy, which perfectly complements their menu.
If you can’t stay for dinner, definitely swing by their market for the cider donuts I mentioned earlier in the post. The market also has a deli with awesome sandwiches, salads and a small breakfast offering. Their maple & goat cheese salad is awesome, and many people love their fall turkey sandwich (can’t personally vouch for this one, since I’m pescatarian, though).
But really come for the donuts – you won’t regret it! The shop inside is also very cute with some fun things to shop for. It’s very small, the selection is nicely curated.
26. Stop At All The Amazing Farm Stands
What is it about a farm stand in the fall? I mean, I love them year-round, but there’s just something about pulling up to a farm stand in my coziest sweater, and stocking up all kinds of pantry staples, pumpkins, and maple syrups, am I right? And there are some really lovely farm stands throughout New Hampshire for doing just that.
Here are some nice ones to scout out in the fall:
→ Little Squam Lake Farm Stand in Ashland
→ LaValley Farms Stand in Hooksett
→ Lull Farm in Milford
→ Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis – Also does U-pick apples in the fall!
→ Devriendt Farm Products in Goffstown
27. Get A Delicious Fall Treat!
While cider donuts are tops on my list for fall treats around New Hampshire, you’ll definitely want to scout out some of the other delicious goodies available around the state that are available this time of the year.
One of my favorites are the crazy sundaes at Tricks & Treats in North Conway up in the White Mountains. They often create special fall or Halloween-themed ice cream sundaes that taste as good as they look, and they’re so over-the-top that you can’t help but feel all the fall vibes while enjoying these creations.
I also love the Eldridge Family Sugar House in Tamworth, which is convenient to both the Lakes and White Mountains region – although, it’s a bit of a drive to get there, and so incredibly worth it!
This sugar house has both a food and dessert menu, and is known for their breakfast cereal maple ice cream cone, and it’s made with a homemade puffle cone, maple creemee (maple soft serve), and topped with fresh maple syrup from the farm and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. They have lots of other awesome things on their menu that are perfect for fall, too, including Cinnamon Toast Crunch donuts, and so many ice cream creations.
Awesome Fall Festivals In New Hampshire
28. Apple Harvest Day
In early October, the city of Dover hosts the Apple Harvest Day, which has been a tradition in New Hampshire since 1985! With about 300 vendors to shop from, fall food favorites, live music, and tons more, this is one to definitely have on your calendar.
29. White Mountains Oktoberfest
Also in early October each year, Loon Mountain hosts the White Mountains Oktoberfest, which is a 3-day event with everything you could want in an Oktoberfest. You’ll find a beer garden, keg tosses, live music, and even activities for the kiddos.
30. New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival
Laconia hosts the amazing New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival each year in the Lakes Region, and this is one that’s sure to get you into the Halloween spirit! Typically held at the end of October, this 2-day event includes live music, a costume parade, fun runs, corn hole tournaments, children’s activities, food trucks, and the main attraction – the tower of pumpkins!
Each year, the festival tries to break records on the number of lit jack-o-lanterns in one place, and that’s the moment you want to be there for. One year, they reached over 30,000 jack-o-lanterns!
31. Ghosts On The Banke
At the wonderful Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, everyone in the family can enjoy Ghosts on the Banke, which is designed to be a Halloween celebration that’s “spooky, not scary,” according to their website 😉
Enjoy special Halloween shopping at Pickwicks, one of the best little shops in New Hampshire, and you’ll also find special spooky storytelling, opportunities to help make a giant spider web, trick-or-treating by jack-o-lantern light, and fun games with prizes.
Where To Stay In Fall In New Hampshire (Best Towns & Hotels)
As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I highly recommend staying in the White Mountains region for your fall stay – at least for a few days. But, there are several towns to choose from in this area, so I have a few favorites to suggest.
The first is Littleton, which is where I really love to stay when I visit. It’s got a Main Street that’s been named one of the best in the U.S., a great brewery, a lovely river running through town, cute shops, and it’s accessible to Franconia Notch State Park’s attractions.
Where To Stay In Littleton:
🍁 Moderate: Thayers Inn – A historic inn right on Main Street. Not a great option for everyone because of how old the building is, but is a really cool place to consider! I suggest checking out the reviews before making your reservation. My husband and I happen to love it, but it’s a very specific kind of stay.
🍁 Budget: Littleton Motel – Also on Main Street and walkable to shops and restaurants.
Two other great options in the White Mountains is in the eastern region in North Conway and Jackson. These two towns are pretty close to one another, are accessible to The Kancamagus Highway, and have small little downtown areas. They’ll also be closer to The Cog and Crawford Notch State Park than Littleton is.
Where To Stay In North Conway & Jackson:
🍁 Most Unique Option: Adventure Suites In North Conway
🍁 Coziest Option: Christmas Farm Inn & Spa in Jackson
🍁 Great Resort Option: The Wentworth in Jackson
For a quiet and more peaceful place to stay, Sugar Hill is a wonderful option to stay at the beautiful Sugar Hill Inn. Sugar Hill is just 15 minutes from Littleton, and 20 minutes or less from attractions in Franconia, but the scenery here feels more remote. And as mentioned earlier in the post, it’s also home to Polly’s Pancake Parlor and a cute little cheese and country store.
Where To Stay In Sugar Hill:
🍁 Sugar Hill Inn – Often rated the best B&B in New Hampshire, and has on-site dining, a spa, and very cozy rooms.
In the fall season, while I love visiting Lake Winnipesaukee, I think it makes more sense to stay in the White Mountains because there’s a lot more to do in the fall. Lake Winnipesaukee is most definitely worth a day trip for a scenic drive around the loop, but during this time of the year, you’ll be closer to the top fall attractions in the White Mountains.
In the southern part of the state, I think Portsmouth makes for a cozy fall getaway! I honestly love Portsmouth year-round (yep, even in the winter!), but I will say, there’s something special about it in the fall. You’ll find breweries, amazing shopping, waterfront scenery, history, New England charm, and a great theater scene here. It’s also accessible to a lot of places around southern New Hampshire, and you can take a lot of day trips.
Where To Stay In Portsmouth:
🍁 The Hotel Thaxter
🍁 The Hotel Portsmouth
🍁 The Ale House Inn
Psst! I have detailed posts on Where To Stay In New Hampshire In The Fall and Where To Stay In The White Mountains, if you’re looking for more tips and suggestions 😉
Pro Tips For Your Fall Trip To New Hampshire
→ Offline maps! I often lose cell phone service while driving around parts of New Hampshire – mostly in the White Mountains. You’ll want to make sure you have access to maps at all times, so offline before your trip!
→ Prepare for crowds. Fall in New Hampshire at famous foliage spots like in the White Mountains, is very popular, so you’ll want to anticipate crowds in a lot of areas, and also a good amount of traffic getting around. I recommend getting to attractions right when they open.
→ Book in advance. Because of the high number of tourists, you’ll want to book as much as you can, as far in advance as you can – especially during peak foliage. I also recommend you buy any tickets for attractions online if you can (Flume Gorge, The Cog, etc.), which will save you time once you arrive.
→ It’s expensive. In addition to the crowds, you should know that the same foliage destinations in New Hampshire are expensive this time of the year. I find it to be a bit more affordable than Vermont in the fall, however, you’ll still be paying premium rates. If you’re on a budget, motels are a great option.
→ It’s all worth it, I promise! I know hearing “high prices and lots of people” doesn’t exactly appeal to everyone, but honestly, it’s not as bad once you arrive if you know what to expect, and you plan ahead. And, it’s 100% worth it to see all the incredible fall foliage everywhere – it’s truly a bucket list-worthy experience.
What Is Fall Weather Like In New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, you’re likely to experience true fall weather, especially in October up in the mountains. That said, this is still New England, and weather throughout the fall season can vary a bit. You can expect rainy and chilly days, and also warm, sunny days. It really depends.
Generally speaking, the White Mountains region averages high temperatures in the 45-50°F range during the day, and can dip down into the 30’s°F at night. However, you can also experience random warm days, too.
The southern part of the state will be a bit warmer in October, with temperatures averaging 55-60°F during the day, and dipping to the 40’s°F at night.
Remember, sunshine will make it feel much warmer than that!
As far as rain, I would prepare to experience some on your trip, as it’s more common this time of the year. This is especially true for those planning a longer stay in New Hampshire, or driving through as part of a bigger New England fall road trip. On average, New Hampshire has about 7-8 rain days in October.
Pro Tip: I recommend checking the weather forecast a few days before you leave to see what the reports are looking like to plan accordingly.
What To Pack For Your New Hampshire Foliage Trip
New Hampshire is a very casual place to visit, especially if you’re up in the mountains, so packing is a bit easier for that reason. No need for fancy clothes during your visit! However, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for rain and hiking, and have a few outfits for just exploring the towns (and to stay warm, of course!).
Here are some things I suggest packing:
→ Waterproof hiking boots if you plan to do any hikes.
→ Waterproof shoes of any kind of you’re not a hiker, but plan to visit Flume Gorge, or want to be prepared for rain days. Vessi waterproof sneakers are also a good option if you don’t need hiking boots.
→ If you want something a bit cuter for going out to dinner, Chelsea boots are a good option, or even a casual “hiker” style boot, which will be versatile for your trip.
→ Rain jacket for rain days.
→ Any hiking gear you normally use.
→ Day pack for hiking or day trips.
→ Layers. Lightweight tshirts (both short and long-sleeved) and sweaters work really well for everyday wear.
→ Jeans. These are really the only pants you’ll need for everything but hiking. No need to overthink it ☺️
→ Hats, gloves and scarves if the forecast is showing cooler temperatures.
→ Reusable water bottle.
→ Camera! If you have a nice DSLR or Mirrorless model, you’ll want to pack extra batteries and memory cards, too.
How To Get To New Hampshire (And Around!)
Depending on where you’re coming from, there are a few airport options for visiting New Hampshire.
Usually the best option is Boston Logan International, which offers the most options for flights, and will likely have the most cost-effective options – especially if you’re flying in from outside the U.S. From Boston Logan, the southern region of New Hampshire is about 1 hour away, and it’s about 2 hours from the White Mountains region.
There’s also the Portsmouth International Airport, which would fly you into New Hampshire directly, and also Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, which is about 1 hour from Portsmouth.
Once you arrive, the best way to get around New Hampshire, especially if you’re visiting the mountain and lakes regions, is by car. Public transportation around New Hampshire isn’t convenient for foliage locations, and you’ll have a much easier and more enjoyable trip if you have your own car. I would recommend renting your car directly from the airport.
You may also find these posts helpful:
- The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
- Is Flume Gorge In New Hampshire Worth Visiting?
- Ultimate Fall In New England Guide
- Things To Do In New Hampshire In The Winter
- Vermont vs. New Hampshire In The Fall
- Thanksgiving In New England: Cozy Getaway Ideas & Things To Do!
That’s A Wrap On Fall In New Hampshire
Hopefully this post has you all kinds of excited to plan an epic trip through New Hampshire in the fall season! Whether you’re hoping to explore every nook and cranny of the White Mountains, or you’re planning a road trip adventure through the entire state to see it all, it’s going to be such a magical trip you won’t soon forget.
