New Hampshire is an autumn paradise that truly comes to life during the fall season. The landscape gets filled with vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves, inviting you to nourish your soul with the breathtaking beauty of nature. Moreover, the allure of the crisp fall air and the charming small-town hospitality are truly unmatched, unlike anything I have ever experienced elsewhere. So, if you’re seeking a quintessential autumn experience, I highly recommend taking a fall foliage road trip through New Hampshire.
Why you must take a Fall Road Trip to New Hampshire
As soon as we set foot in New Hampshire, it was clear that this state was a true autumn paradise. The vibrant fall foliage is simply breathtaking. Moving along the Kancamagus Highway, we were treated to a kaleidoscope of colors that stretched as far as the eye could see. The highway itself is a 35-mile stretch that winds through some of the most scenic landscapes in New England. From the moment we started our journey, it was clear that the fall foliage here was beyond the imagination. Whether it was the fiery reds or the brilliant yellows, every turn offered a new, stunning view. Let me share some compelling reasons and exciting ideas that will inspire you to plan a fall visit.
Great Outdoor adventures
The cooler fall weather is perfect for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, the state provides countless trails and parks that cater to all abilities. During our 3-day trip, we enjoyed hiking the Artist’s Bluff trail, and it was such a rewarding experience. If you have more time, you can explore more challenging hiking trails like Table Rock in Dixville Notch State Park, Flume Gorge Trail, Falling Water trail etc.
Charming small towns
Our trip was not just about the natural beauty; the small towns we visited added a delightful charm to our journey. Towns like Littleton, Jackson, and North Conway were bursting with autumnal spirit. We enjoyed driving through the beautiful countryside, making occasional stops at the cozy cafes and cute country stores. Each town had its unique personality, blending history, culture, and stunning scenery. It was the perfect way to unwind and experience the local culture amidst the fall foliage.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Fall in New Hampshire is filled with festive events that celebrate the season. From apple picking and pumpkin patches to harvest festivals and craft fairs, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy.
Scenic Drives
Without a doubt, the scenic drives in New Hampshire are among the best in the country, and fall is the perfect time to experience them. The Kancamagus Highway, for example, offers unparalleled views of the foliage, mountains, and rivers. We also ventured along the Mount Washington Auto Road, which provided an equally stunning view. Each drive was a journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes New England has to offer, making our road trip truly unforgettable.
Delectable Local Flavors
Autumn is known as the harvest season, and New Hampshire’s local cuisine truly reflects this. We indulged in fresh apple cider donuts, and maple syrup, and enjoyed farm-to-table dishes that highlighted the season’s bounty. Sampling the local flavors was a delicious way to experience the essence of New England fall.
Best time to take the Fall Foliage Road Trip to New Hampshire
Fall in New Hampshire lasts between late September to early November. Generally, the end of September to the first two weeks of October are great for leaf peeping in the New England region, however, the timing can fluctuate each year depending on the weather and other factors. So, it is always advisable to check the foliage tracker before planning your trip for the best Fall foliage experience.
I am linking it here for your reference –
Where to stay in New Hampshire during Fall
If you’re considering a fall foliage road trip to New Hampshire, it’s essential to plan ahead. Since this is a popular destination in the fall, accommodations tend to book up fast. To avoid paying last-minute premium prices, make your reservations as early as possible. We stayed at the Grand Summit Hotel in Attitash, which cost us $250 per night, but there are plenty of other great options in Lincoln, North Conway, Jackson, and Littleton.
Other Important things to remember before planning the trip
Before we dive into the Fall Foliage itinerary, let me first share some of the important tips, which will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience during your trip.
Number one, what to pack: always bring layers, comfortable hiking shoes, and most importantly, a rain jacket or windbreaker. It can get very cold and windy, especially in places like the top of Mount Washington.
Number two, beware of very less or absolutely no cell phone networks in many areas. We completely lost the network in the Kancamagus Highway and in other areas, so it’s always advisable to download offline Google Maps before heading out from your hotel room.
Number three, remember there will be day passes or entry fee in certain spots. For example, you will need to pay a $5 entrance fee for Kancamagus highway. Day passes can be purchased from the Ranger stations, Self-serve pay stations or online.
Number four, Expect heavy traffic and huge crowds at every popular spot you want to cover. The best approach is to wake up early and arrive before the crowds. Set aside at least half a day to explore the Kancamagus Highway, as it’s one of the most popular and most crowded spots in all of New Hampshire.
Number five, always make sure to check the weather at least a day in advance and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. For example, we had planned to drive to the top of Mount Washington on the last day of our trip, but the roads were closed due to snowy conditions. If we had paid closer attention to the daily weather forecast, we could have moved it up a day when the weather was better.
New Hampshire 3-Day Fall Foliage itinerary
Our three-day adventure was packed with incredible sights. From the most popular Kancamagus Highway, Mount Washington Auto Road, Cannon Mountain, and Artist Bluffs, we covered all of these in 3 days.
I am attaching a printable version of the 3-Day Itinerary for you to download from here.
Day 1-Kancamagus highway
On Day 1, we drove along the iconic 35-mile Kancamagus Highway, which runs from Conway to Lincoln and is considered the most scenic road in New Hampshire. There’s a $5 fee per car to access all the spots along the highway, which we purchased at the Saco Ranger Station.
Albany Covered bridge- Our first stop at the Kancamagus highway was Albany Covered Bridge. This is the most photographed covered bridge in New England. Built in 1858, this spans across the swift river.
Lower Fall- Lower falls was a short hike and a quick stop on the Kanc highway.
Rocky Gorge Scenic area- Next, we stopped at the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, which is accessible via a paved walkway from the large parking lot. Rocky Gorge features a stunning 15-foot waterfall, and there’s a footbridge that offers an even better view of the falls.
Sabbaday Falls- After this, we stopped at the Sabbaday Falls. The hike was short and not too steep, and the view was magical. If you don’t want to pay $18 for the more popular Flume gorge waterfall, then this the best alternative to that.
Sugar Hills Overlook- This is again a quick stop, next to the road and offers a panoramic view of the swift river Valley and surrounding mountains.
Lincoln Woods Trailhead- Our last stop on the Kanc was the Lincoln woods trail. Visit this spot for the cutest suspension bridge.
Day 2 – Crawford Notch & Franconia Notch State Park
On the second day of your trip, we covered a few spots at the Crawford notch and Franconia Notch State Park.
Willey House Historic site- While driving through Crawford Notch State Park, we came across this stunning spot. It’s located along Route 302, near the Mount Washington Cog Railway. I highly recommend stopping here—it’s a quiet roadside attraction with a pond and a bridge, offering incredible views with hardly any crowds.
Cog railway sign- We also made a brief stop at the Cog Railway sign to snap a quick photo on our way to Franconia Notch State Park.
Artist’s Bluff- The next spot we covered was the Artists Bluff trail at Franconia Notch state park. There are two different trails for this hike. One is 1.5 miles long loop trail, and another one is a shorter .5 miles hike. We covered it through the long route. This has a few steep sections but still a great family friendly hike. To find the shortcut, you need to park at the Cannon Mountain RV Park parking lot and cross the road to the other side. This is one of the most photographed spots in New Hampshire overlooking the highway, mountains and Echo Lake.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway- This is one of the most spectacular rides in New Hampshire and a great family-friendly activity. It takes visitors to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in under ten minutes via this cable car. On a clear day, the view from the observation deck at the summit of Cannon Mountain will take your breath away. Tickets are $28 per person, and it’s a good idea to book in advance, as they often sell out on busy fall days.
Mount Washington Omni Resort- On our way back to the hotel, we drove to the most iconic Mount Washington Omni resort to have a closer look. The Resort is a historic, luxury hotel located in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. It’s a breathtaking sight, with the stunning fall foliage surrounding the iconic red-roofed structure.
Also Read: Fall Weekend Getaway guide to Cape Cod
Day 3- Mount Washington & Jackson
Whether you’re aiming to earn the iconic “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington” bumper sticker or prefer a guided tour, the Mt. Washington is the ultimate adventure when exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Situated just 25 miles north of North Conway on Route 16, this road offers breathtaking views as you ascend to the summit of Mount Washington. Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeastern USA and known for its weather extremes. You can either opt to hike, drive or ride the Mount Washington Cog railway to reach to the top of the summit.
Mount Washington Auto Road- On the final day of our trip, we set out to cover the renowned Mount Washington Auto Road and the Mount Washington summit. We drove through Route 16, enjoying the stunning valleys and spectacular fall colors throughout the drive. Unfortunately, our plans to reach the top were disrupted by unexpected snowfall, which led to the road being closed for the day. But we were not disappointed; the drive along Route 16 was just as mesmerizing as we’d hoped, with stunning colors and views.
Jackson Covered Bridge- On our way back from the Mount Washington Auto Road, we made a quick stop at the famous Jackson Covered Bridge. This historic gem, built in 1876 by Charles Broughton of Conway, NH, is located on Village Rd at the Rt. 16 intersection in the charming village of Jackson. Also known as the “Honeymoon Bridge,” it’s a quaint spot perfect for a quick photo stop.
Flossie’s General Store- Flossie’s General Store & Gift Emporium, located right next to the Jackson Covered Bridge, is the perfect place to browse for charming souvenirs to take home. With its classic country store vibe, it offers a delightful selection of gifts and collectibles for all ages and is known for having something for everyone at affordable prices. The store’s highlight is its adorable seasonal fall décor, making it an ideal spot for photo ops.
