Fall Foliage Road Trips Across New Hampshire
Nestled about an hour northwest of Manchester, Franconia Notch State Park offers a quintessential New Hampshire fall experience that blends vibrant foliage with rugged mountain scenery. Driving along the Franconia Notch Parkway, visitors can stop at the Flume Gorge, a natural granite gorge carved by glaciers and waterfalls. The Flume Trail, a moderate 2-mile loop, winds through this narrow canyon, where the maples, birches, and beeches are at their peak color in early October. The crisp air and the sound of rushing water make the fiery reds and golds that drape the gorge all the more striking. This park’s unique blend of geological marvels and dense forest sets it apart from other foliage spots in the state.
Just southwest of Concord, the Kancamagus Highway stretches over 34 miles through the White Mountain National Forest, offering arguably the most famous scenic drive for autumn leaf peepers in New Hampshire. Starting about 45 minutes east of the capital, this route snakes alongside the Swift River and crosses mountain passes, with numerous pull-offs providing access to short hikes and overlooks. Sabbaday Falls is a particularly popular stop, where visitors can admire a 50-foot waterfall framed by a kaleidoscope of trees. The gentle trails here invite families and casual hikers to immerse themselves in the golden hues and crisp mountain air. The highway’s appeal lies not only in its panoramas but also in its accessibility and variety of stops that showcase different facets of New Hampshire’s fall landscape.
Heading north from Littleton by roughly 20 minutes, the quaint village of Bethlehem serves as a charming base for exploring the densely wooded hills of the northern White Mountains. The Bethlehem Heritage Society Museum offers an unexpected cultural pause amid the natural beauty, with exhibits that explore the town’s history as a summer resort and its ties to local indigenous peoples. From the village, short drives lead to nearby hiking trails such as the Mount Agassiz Loop, a moderate 4-mile trail with sweeping views of foliage-covered ridges. Bethlehem’s mix of historical architecture, artisan shops, and nearby trails creates a well-rounded fall destination, especially vibrant in mid-October when the trees blaze with fiery reds and oranges.
South of the White Mountains, the Lakes Region is centered around the city of Laconia, about an hour northeast of Concord. A drive around Lake Winnipesaukee’s winding shoreline reveals a patchwork of colorful foliage reflected in the water, especially stunning during calm, sunny afternoons. The Castle in the Clouds estate, perched on a 1,500-foot summit just east of Laconia, adds a touch of historic grandeur to the autumnal setting. The estate’s gardens and trails, including the modestly challenging 3-mile Mount Washington Loop, invite visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains draped in fall colors. The peaceful blend of water, mountains, and historic charm makes this spot uniquely appealing for a fall road trip pause.
In the southwestern corner of the state near Keene, about 50 minutes from the Massachusetts border, the Cheshire Rail Trail offers a gentler way to enjoy fall colors. This multi-use trail runs along a former railroad corridor, meandering through wooded hills and small towns. The trail is especially accessible for cyclists and casual walkers who want to savor color without steep climbs. Keene itself boasts a vibrant downtown with historic brick buildings and a lively arts scene that seems to glow under the amber fall light. The combination of cultural richness and easy access to a scenic trail sets this area apart for visitors seeking a softer side of New Hampshire’s autumn.
Moving towards the eastern edge of the state, the town of North Conway lies about an hour northeast of Manchester and serves as a gateway to the rugged and colorful peaks of the White Mountains. From there, a drive up the Mount Washington Auto Road offers a spectacular ascent through a palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. At nearly 6,300 feet, the summit provides sweeping views across several states on clear days. While the road itself is a seasonal attraction, the surrounding area offers countless hiking options such as the moderate Diana’s Baths trail, a favorite spot where waterfalls cascade through colorful woodland. North Conway’s combination of outdoor adventure, quaint village charm, and dramatic foliage vistas makes it a perennial fall favorite.
Finally, about 30 minutes east of Nashua, the town of Milford hosts the Souhegan River Trail, a peaceful path tracing the river through forested areas that come alive with color in late September and early October. The trail is ideal for those who enjoy a leisurely walk or bird watching, with occasional glimpses of deer and other wildlife amid the vibrant leaves. Milford’s historic downtown provides a cozy place to warm up afterward, with charming shops and local eateries that reflect New England’s welcoming spirit. This lesser-known spot invites travelers to experience fall away from the crowds while still soaking in the quintessential foliage that defines New Hampshire’s autumn.