It’s that time of year again! The weather is cooling off, kids are going back to school, and the leaves are beginning to change. If you’re lucky enough to be living in New England for this fall weather, then you have plenty of places nearby to go leaf-peeping. This guide will help you capture the very best spots in New Hampshire, the epicenter of New England’s fall colors.
The Great North Woods
The Great North Woods’ leaves are the first in the state to turn and peak. If you are in the area or are looking to visit, the “week of peak” lasts from October 2nd through October 9th. Take Route 3 up through Pittsburg and Colebrook to enjoy colors from the road. If you’re looking for hiking trails, visit Dixville Notch State Park or John Wingate Weeks Historic Site to soak in the amazing colors. Visit around dusk to catch the golden light hitting the trees!
The White Mountains
The White Mountains attract thousands to hike and take in sweeping views of the leaves! The “week of peak” this year is October 9th through October 16th. Taking a drive up the Kancamagus Highway, from Conway to Lincoln, will leave you breathless, as you see the vibrant colors contrasting against the mountains behind them. There are plenty of photo opportunities: panoramic views, covered bridges, and waterfalls.
If you’re looking for an easy hike through the Presidential Range, Lookout Ledge offers incredible views of Mount Adams’ and Mount Madison’s foliage. Lookout Ledge Trail is the most direct route to the summit, at about 1.3 miles with an elevation gain of around 1,000 feet.
Chocorua Lake offers a great opportunity for leaf-peeping by water in the Whites. Bring your kayak or canoe and paddle out to put yourself in the middle of it all!
Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee
The Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region in western New Hampshire’s “week of peak” will be around October 16th through October 23rd. Begin your drive in Claremont and follow Route 12A along the Connecticut River. You will pass old barns and covered bridges – a photographer’s dream! From here, travel Route 11 east towards Lake Sunapee or ride to the top of Mount Kearsarge at Rollins State Park in Warner.
Lake Sunapee is another great place to leaf-peep in western New Hampshire, as it’s the state’s fifth-largest lake. Break out your boat, and enjoy the array of colors surrounding you!
Lakes Region
The eastern side of New Hampshire – the Lakes Region – offers spectacular views of leaves peaking – not only from the roads and mountains but further reflected in the area’s many bodies of water. The “week of peak,” similar to the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region, will be around October 16th through October 23rd.
Driving through Holderness or Tamworth Village is beautiful any time of the year, and the leaves make it better! There are also many smaller hikes in the Lakes Region, including the ever-popular Mount Major Trail in the Belknap Range. Mount Major offers views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the surrounding Belknap Mountains, the Ossipee Range, and part of the White Mountains. If you’re looking to enjoy the leaves around Lake Winnipesaukee, take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington!
Monadnock
Southern New Hampshire takes a bit longer to peak, but when it does, it’s always worth it. The Monadnock region peaks around October 23rd through October 30th. A suggested driving loop would be to follow Route 32 south through Swanzey to Route 119 in Richmond, and then follow Route 119 through Fitzwilliam, where you can pick up Route 12 and travel north to Keene. Another great drive is following Route 101 from Marlborough to Peterborough, or taking Route 10 from Keene north to Gilsum.
For hikers, Mount Monadnock is a moderate trek with 360-degree views encompassing all six New England states at the top, and will help you capture the fall foliage beautifully!
Merrimack Valley
The Merrimack Valley region offers plenty of beautiful drives for people to enjoy the leaves peaking! This year’s “week of peak” will be around October 30th through November 7th. Route 101 through Bedford, from the Bedford Village Inn to the Amherst line, is a great way to catch the rainbow of leaves this fall. Route 111 through Salem and Windham also has plenty to offer. Or, as another option, take a drive around Henniker, Hopkinton, Concord, and Bow.
Seacoast
Last to peak but certainly not least, the Seacoast Region offers leaf-peeping opportunities in their “week of peak” from October 30th through November 7th. There are many places where you can experience foliage in this area: Drive along Route 101 east or Route 1 north along the coast, take a walk through College Woods in Durham, NH, or visit Odiorne State Park to hike the trails. Adams Point is another great place to soak up the colors right on the water. Wherever you are, Seacoast has plenty of places to enjoy, especially later in the fall season.
New Hampshire is one of the most beautiful places in the world to see the leaves change, whether you’re driving, hiking, or just enjoying the views on the water. Have a happy and safe fall, and don’t forget to share your favorite photos with #goEast for a chance to be featured!
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