To the observer perched on a rocky overlook in autumn, the sprawling woodland landscape explodes with color. From the vantage point of a forest trail far below, the patterns of red, yellow and orange decorating outstretched branches ignite the sun-dappled canopy above. It’s no wonder that millions of visitors flock to the state every year to bear witness to this natural phenomenon.
For those interested in viewing the foliage up close, consider one of these family-friendly treks across the state. And for those who might enjoy a meandering journey through charming towns and dramatic mountain scenery, jump in the car for a driving tour through some of New England’s most picturesque regions. Better yet, why not try both? Grab a friend and explore the best New Hampshire has to offer in the fall.
Foliage Hikes
Mount Morgan & Percival, Holderness
Photo by Jim Salge
Length: 5.5-mile loop
Estimated Time: 4½ hours
This lengthier loop trail, which bags two peaks in the Lakes Region, provides picture-perfect views of Squam Lake, its shores glowing with lush foliage in the fall. Hikers will begin this outing on the Mount Percival Trail leaving from the Percival parking area. A short distance in, turn left on the Morse trail, a half-mile meandering connector that leads to the Mount Morgan Trail, providing a moderate climb through the forest.
After meeting the Crawford-Ridgepole Trail, hikers will have the option for an adventurous spur trail leading toward a series of ladders, boulder caves and steep ledge scrambles or a more gradual route to the summit.
Enjoy views of Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee in the distance in addition to the Belknap and Ossipee Ranges before continuing the traverse to Mount Percival, a shorter summit by 13 feet with similar views.
On the descent, an alternate route provides the daring with another steep and challenging descent through boulder caves, although be aware of this section when wet.
Insider Tip: Book a guided boat cruise with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center to learn about the natural history of the lake and view the foliage from the water.
Square Ledge, Pinkham’s Grant
Photo by Corey McMullen
Length: 1.1 miles out and back
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Square Ledge, known for its flat, cliff-top summit, offers impressive views of Mount Washington and the sprawling wilderness — sure to be ablaze in all its riotous glory — lining Pinkham Notch below. Hikers will begin this short yet rugged excursion on the Long Pond Trail directly across from the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.
After crossing a bridge over the Ellis River, the Square Ledge Trail diverges left and climbs moderately, passing a short spur path to the “Ladies Lookout” viewpoint and later “Hangover Rock,” a large boulder that juts out above the trail, before ascending to the base of the ledge. Scramble up a series of boulders alongside the cliff for the final ascent to this ledge, perched at 2,421 feet.
Insider Tip: Grab a photo of the foliage surrounding the cascades at Thompson Falls, another short hike that begins from Wildcat Mountain Ski Area just north on Route 16.
Black Cap, North Conway
Photo by Jim Salge
Length: 2.5 miles out and back with summit loop
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Navigating through forests of beech and red oak, hikers are sure to see vibrant color on this less-frequented trail even before reaching the summit. At 2,370 feet, Black Cap is the highest peak in the Green Hills Preserve, 5,500 acres of land owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy.
The red-blazed Black Cap Trail begins across the street from the parking lot at the height of the notoriously steep and winding Hurricane Mountain Road. Follow the trail for less than a mile before veering left to traverse the open ledges, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding Mount Washington Valley.
From the summit, take Black Cap Spur to Black Cap Connector. Turn right to follow the connector trail to complete the short loop before meeting the Black Cap Trail again for an easy descent to the road.
Insider Tip: View the foliage from the seat of a train car by booking an excursion on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Trains depart from the iconic yellow station in North Conway Village.
Mount Kearsarge, Wilmot
Photo by David Brownell
Length: 2.9-mile loop
Estimated Time: 2½ hours
With its open granite summit affording extensive views, including the White Mountains to the north and the Green Mountains to the west, it’s no wonder Mount Kearsarge is one of the most popular hikes in southern New Hampshire.
From the parking area at Winslow State Park, follow the red-blazed Winslow Trail for 1.1 miles through forest and over ledges to the wide summit marked by a fire tower. With 1,100 vertical feet to climb, hikers must navigate a few steep sections on this trail before reaping the rewards.
After a recommended picnic lunch at the top, take the Barlow Trail, marked with yellow blazes, for a 1.8-mile gradual descent to the lot. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy several viewpoints along the way back down.
Insider Tip: Celebrate local traditions and hop on over to the 77th annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival between October 11-13, 2024.
Foliage Drives
Great North Woods Ride
Photo by Kindra Clineff
Length: 120 miles
For a true wilderness experience this fall-foliage season, with ample opportunities to spot wildlife, head to the Great North Woods. This driving tour of New Hampshire’s northernmost region starts from Gorham on Route 16, passing through Berlin, Milan and the Thirteen Mile Woods scenic stretch, following the Androscoggin River, to Errol. Continue west through Dixville Notch for stunning views of the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel (currently closed) before breaking at the Dixville Notch Wayside or Little Flume parking areas for a quick jaunt to cascading waterfalls. After reaching Colebrook, the journey travels south parallel the meandering Connecticut River through Stark and back to Berlin.
Insider Tip: Take a detour to visit the famed Moose Alley, a 12-mile stretch of road and woods, north of Pittsburg where moose are often spotted.
The White Mountains Trail Scenic Byway
Photo by Joe Klementovich
Length: 100 miles
Consistently rated as one of the best places to see fall foliage in the Northeast, the White Mountains region of New Hampshire is an incredibly popular place to visit. This loop tour, which winds through some of the most picturesque sections of the 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest, begins at the visitor center in North Woodstock and passes through popular towns such as Bretton Woods, North Conway and Lincoln, ending with the iconic
34-mile stretch of the Kancamagus Highway.
Make sure to set aside a full day to get out, stretch those legs, and enjoy some of the natural wonders along this route: the towering granite walls at the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch, the bubbling waters of the Saco River in Crawford Notch State Park, and the dramatic mountain views from Kancamagus Pass (shown here), the crest of the highway nearing 3,000 feet in elevation.
Insider Tip: Take a gondola ride at Bretton Woods Ski Area for unobstructed views of the Presidential Range, including Mount Washington and the iconic red-roofed hotel.
The Coastal Byway Route
Photo by Kindra Clineff
Length: 18 miles
To take full advantage of the bursting colors later in the season, enjoy an afternoon drive along this scenic route. From Seabrook to the Maine border, follow Route 1A past rocky points, grassy marshes and sandy beaches.
This drive features a number of state parks for opportunities to stop, stretch the legs and admire the views, both on land and at sea. Families will enjoy a trip to Odiorne Point State Park for a chance to search the tidepools, explore the coastal hiking trails, or experience the hands-on exhibits at the Seacoast Science Center.
Highlights also include Rye (Rye Harbor shown above), New Castle and Portsmouth, coastal towns rich in history that all celebrated their 400th anniversaries last year.
Insider Tip: After the drive, enjoy dinner at one of the James Beard nominated restaurants in Portsmouth, including Moxy, Black Trumpet and Vida Cantina.
Monadnock Region Loop Scenic Drive
Photo by Jerry Monkman
Length: 80 miles
For a tour of small, quintessential New England towns featuring historic downtowns, steepled churches and fields lined with stone walls, the Monadnock Region is not to be missed this time of year.
Beginning in Keene, this scenic drive passes by Monadnock State Park, home to one of the most-climbed mountains in the world; Peterborough, a cultural hub with its boutiques, galleries and antique shops; and the picture-perfect towns of Greenfield, Hancock and Marlow.
At the start, opt to veer off Route 101 to visit any of the four covered bridges in Swanzey (including the Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge, shown here), framed by lush amber, gold and crimson leaves. Consider booking an overnight stay in one
of the many quaint inns scattered throughout the region.
Insider Tip: Hike or drive to the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory in Miller State Park to witness the spectacle of the fall hawk migration in addition to the changing colors of the season.
Tips for Travelers
To have the best foliage experience possible this season, consider some of these tips before hitting the road or trail!
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace, an initiative dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation, involves minimizing impacts on natural resources. Tenets of the program include disposing of waste properly, respecting wildlife and traveling on established trails. This practical set of rules is in place to protect the wilderness, so future generations may enjoy the natural beauty for generations to come.
Know Before You Go
Plan ahead before leaving the house. Research the route, know where to park and pack the proper gear for the season and activity. Check the weather conditions prior to departing, but also prepare for rapid weather changes when recreating in higher elevations. Cellphone service, especially in the White Mountains, can be spotty, so download maps ahead of time. A little bit of preplanning can go a long way for ensuring a fun and safe day out.
Always Have a Backup Plan
Several areas across the state have dealt with overcrowding issues, even before the pandemic. Since some parking lots fill up fast during peak foliage season, be prepared with an alternate plan to visit less popular locations. The view might not match that exact post from Instagram, but the experience will be much more enjoyable without the crowds.
Travel Midweek
Another way to avoid the crowds, on both the roads and the trails, is by traveling to popular attractions midweek, affording more time playing in nature and less time sitting in traffic.
Get Off the Main Road
Don’t be afraid to venture down country farm roads in sleepy towns. Veering off the main route can often lead to hidden gems and other welcome surprises. Take this sage advice, and choose the road less traveled. For some, that will make all the difference.