As we consider Fall we typically imagine the gorgeous townships in Vermont and the beautiful aspens of Colorado in New Hampshire for Fall. However, New Hampshire has some of the most beautiful foliage in the world. From September’s end until October, a drive through New Hampshire is like stepping into the world of dazzling hues.
From the stunning white mountains, the stunning drive through the Kancamagus or exploring Conway or Sandwich, the picturesque towns Sandwich or Conway there are many things to do and see.
The cozy sweaters, the pumpkin-infused everything, and of course beautiful autumn leaves!
New England as the whole is famous for its breathtaking autumn foliage. Actually, up until my own autumn road trip across New England, I actually believed that the vibrant fall colors were fake! However, let me assure you that they’re 100% authentic! No photoshop or color enhancement is required.
However, New Hampshire in particular has its own autumnal perks. Although leaf-peeping is certainly the most popular thing to do in autumn in New Hampshire, that’s certainly not the only thing you can do! There’s also the option to enjoy fall-related events, carving pumpkins and go apple picking, and much more.
If you’re interested in experiencing all that fall-related activities New Hampshire offers I’ve got you covered. Without further delay, I’ve compiled a list of the top places to go for autumn throughout New Hampshire for fall.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE LEAVES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE for Fall?
Each year, the autumn changing of the leaves changes little. The majority of the time, it occurs sometime between mid-September to the middle of October. To make sure that you can see the beautiful leaves in any given season I would highly suggest making use of a fall foliage forecast map.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR FALL?
If the leaves fall in between September middle until the middle of October, then you should too! In the end, it’s one of the best aspects of autumn for New Hampshire. The time of year coincides with the state’s most popular fall festivals.
WHAT IS THE BEST AIRPORT TO FLY INTO IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?
Because all the states that comprise New England are small, it’s not necessary to fly directly to New Hampshire for fall. In fact, if you’re traveling from outside this country, it may be more convenient to fly to the larger airports, such as Boston Logan International Airport or Albany International Airport.
If you’d like to take a flight to New Hampshire for fall directly, you could try the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR FALL IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?
Layers are the best option in the autumn weather. At this time of the year, it is common for the weather to change significantly throughout the course of the day. If it’s slightly cold you can add another layer. If it becomes too hot, take it off.
Other things you should have are the warmth of a coat as well as gloves and sunscreen! If you’re planning to go on any of the trails I suggest further in the article You’ll need some hiking boots.
BEST PLACES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR FALL
WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST
White Mountain National Forest covers the entirety of New Hampshire for fall (and even a tiny bit from Maine!). The forest is so vast that it even has a few other locations on this list, however, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t merit a spot on its own!
The 800,000-acre forest is enormous. It’s brimming with vibrant forests of maples, oaks, and pines that are embracing the vibrant colors of autumn. The landscape is so stunning that it made me cry!
The most well-known way to experience the fall during the autumn season in White Mountain National Forest is by taking a drive on Kancamagus Highway. The 34.5-mile road is lined with breathtaking autumn foliage. You are welcome to pull over to take a closer look!
If you’d like to completely get lost in the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn I would suggest going on one of the numerous hikes within White Mountain National Forest. Mount Tecumseh, Mount Moosilauke as well as West Rattlesnake Mountain are all great alternatives.
CONWAY
If you’re looking for the top destinations for autumn to visit in New Hampshire for fall, you don’t need to overlook Conway. The town of just a few hundred residents is located in Conway, the Conway Scenic Railway which is a traditional railroad ride that takes you to some of the most vibrant autumn colors, as well as the most adorable tiny towns.
It is worth noting that the Conway Scenic Railway offers three different options for railroad excursions. We decided to go on the Bartlett-Sawyer excursion which let us visit cute shops and dine at great local eateries and, of course, take a leaf-peeping tour.
As you’re able to imagine it’s an all-time favorite throughout New Hampshire for fall. To ensure your seat it’s best to reserve tickets ahead of time.
SANDWICH
Just a few miles from Conway is the cute tiny city of Sandwich. Apart from a funny title, Sandwich boasts a fantastic place to be. In the gorgeous White Mountains and on the gorgeous Squam Lake, it’s absolutely stunning. And when the natural scenery is decorated with golden yellows and bright autumnal oranges the scene becomes more stunning.
If you are lucky enough you may be able to be a part of this year’s Sandwich Fair. The annual festival features many competitions and demonstrations. There are many fall-themed activities, such as carving pumpkins There are several other unusual ones. Take a look at the skillet tossing contest, ox pulling, or the pickup truck pulling contests.
ALBANY COVERED BRIDGE
The Albany Covered Bridge is not only beautiful. It also holds some historical significance.
The entire state of New England, not just New Hampshire for fall, is filled with bridges that are covered. These bridges were an opportunity for the more remote farmers to get into town using stagecoaches. When they arrived, these farmers would buy items they needed and then sell the goods they already had. Without the covered bridges it would be tougher for these farmers!
Of course, due to the technological advancements in transportation covered bridges aren’t so much a necessity anymore. But they’re nonetheless beautiful to behold particularly when they’re enveloped by the gorgeous autumnal colors! The Albany Covered Bridge is particularly beautiful. You don’t want to miss out on this!
WALPOLE
Walpole is another place that’s surely one of the top spots to enjoy fall throughout New Hampshire for fall. It’s a great place to enjoy leaf-peeping lovely cafes, charming restaurants, and beautiful farms, what else can you ask for?
Let’s start by talking about the beautiful autumn leaves. Much like the rest in New Hampshire for fall, you can simply walk through Walpole and take in the beautiful fall leaves.
In actual fact, you could stroll all the way towards one of the city’s charming cafés to enjoy a drink in the fall! In the end, is it truly complete without a delicious sweet treat for the fall? Take a look at the hot chocolates from L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates The hot maple drink of Moon Dog Cafe, or the maple latte offered by Rockingham Roasters. (Just for the record, these two technologies are within the state of Vermont however they’re only 10 minutes drive in Walpole, New Hampshire for fall.)
Then, but not least There are also the stunning farms. Walpole is a well-known place in New Hampshire for fall its many amazing farms, such as Walpole Valley Farms, Boggy Meadow Farm as well as Walpole Mountain View Winery. One of the most well-known ones to visit in autumn is Alyson’s Orchard to enjoy some great apple picking.
If you require more than just a short day excursion to Walpole it is possible to stay your night there! One of the most ideal hotels to stay at can be found at The Inn Valley Farms. Once you experience how amazing the farms of Walpole are, you’ll never ever want to leave!
JACKSON
When you pass through the beautiful Honeymoon-covered Bridge You’ll know the area is Jackson. It’s an enticing destination for vacationers during the winter and summer however it’s equally amazing in the autumn.
With Jackson’s position in the beautiful White Mountains, hiking is surely the most effective way to experience the full spectrum of fall colors. Some of the most beautiful trails in town are Jackson Scenic Loop, Double Head Trail Jackson Scenic Loop, Double Head Trail, and Winniweta Falls Trail.
But it’s not the only kind of fall entertainment in Jackson! In actual fact, the city has its own unique autumn custom: the Return of the Pumpkin People. A plethora of pumpkin-headed characters can be found scattered throughout the town. One way to preserve this unique tradition is to snap pictures with colorful characters.
FRANCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK
As of this list of top places to go in the fall within New Hampshire, I’ve listed several tiny towns. While these towns are for some, they’re dream holiday destinations, others prefer nature-focused excursions. If that’s you, I strongly suggest taking a trip to Franconia Notch State Park.
Franconia Notch State Park is recognized as one of the more scenic areas that are New Hampshire for fall – and it just gets more beautiful in the autumn. With its towering mountains, sparkling lakes, and fiery foliage It looks as if it’s straight from an epic fairytale!
The state park is beautiful and offers several options to take in the stunning natural landscape. It is easiest to drive along Interstate 93, which is the mountain pass that passes across the entire park. If you’d like to be physically active, you can choose from plenty of trails that are worthy of the time, such as Artist’s Bluff Trail, the Flume Gorge Trail as well as the Lonesome Lake Trail.
However, if you’d prefer to see a different perspective of autumn’s leaves you can fly to the skies! Take Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and enjoy the stunning autumnal colors from up above.
LACONIA
There’s a primary reason why the tiny town of Laconia got on this list and that’s it hosts the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival. The amazing festival, which was previously named”the Laconia Pumpkin Festival and the Keene Pumpkin Festival – boasts many pumpkin-related activities. It is most famous because of the THOUSANDS of pumpkins.
It is believed that the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival previously set the record for the most illuminated jack-o-lanterns at one time! Although it has been beaten at least twice to worthy competition, however, this dedicated festival is always able to claim the title. At the time of writing, no one has been able to surpass the record set by New Hampshire’s Pumpkin Festival’s record of an astounding 30581 lighted jack-o’-lanterns.
If you’re living in a close area, you could help make a difference to this world-record-breaking number by bringing in a pumpkin from your garden. In the event that you don’t, you are able to take part in the festival’s numerous other events.
At this amazing festival, you can make the pumpkin, enjoy an amazing pumpkin pancake breakfast, and walk through the beer gardens for pumpkins. If you’re looking for activities that aren’t related to pumpkins there are plenty of opportunities to participate in an event that is 5K or ride the zipline, or play some games. Also, don’t be too late to snap a selfie of the 34-foot jack-o-lantern wall!
There you go! The top places to visit in the fall throughout New Hampshire for fall. I hope this article will help you plan your most incredible autumn vacation!
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