The Places to Visit in New Hampshire for Fall Colors 

New Hampshire is a great year-round destination, but it is perhaps most beautiful in the fall, when the leaves display a kaleidoscope of colors. So, if you plan on visiting in the autumn, be sure to build some time into your schedule to do a little leaf peeping.  

You won’t have trouble finding places to catch some spectacular autumn vistas – the bigger problem is narrowing down the list of potential spots. We’ll help by identifying nine of the best places to visit in New Hampshire for fall colors, including options for those who want to take in the colors by car, foot, or a few other ways. 

Enjoying New Hampshire’s Fall Foliage from a Car

One of the best ways to enjoy fall color in New Hampshire is by taking a long road trip along one of the area’s scenic roadways. Not only does this allow you to scan countless miles of beautiful mountains, but – with a bit of careful planning – it allows you to enjoy the view while enroute to some of the region’s other attractions. 

Two routes in particular offer some of the best viewing opportunities:

1. Kancamagus Scenic Byway 

• Length: Approximately 35 miles
• Getting There: From the west, you can head east on New Hampshire Route 112 from I-93 near Lincoln; if you’re approaching from the east, head west on New Hampshire Route 112 from New Hampshire Route 113 in Conway. 
• Best Leaf-Viewing Stops: Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Sugar Hill Overlook

Stretching between Conway and Lincoln, the Kancamagus Highway (or the “Kanc” as locals call it) offers an unparalleled chance to take in New Hampshire’s fall colors. 

In addition to the incredible mountain views it offers, this road also gives you the chance to truly escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, as it is completely devoid of gas stations, restaurants, or hotels. So, be sure to fuel up and grab some snacks beforehand.

2. White Mountain Trail Byway

• Length: Approximately 100 miles 
• Getting There: Starting at the junction of New Hampshire Route 112 and I-93 near Lincoln, head north along I-93/U.S. Route 3 until they diverge. Veer to the right and stay on U.S. Route 3. Take a right at US 302 near the Twin Mountain community. Stay on US 302 until the junction with New Hampshire Route 16; veer to the right onto New Hampshire Route 16. Stay on New Hampshire Route 16 as it turns right in Conway and look for New Hampshire Route 112. Take a right on New Hampshire Route 112 west and follow it back to your starting point at Lincoln.    
• Best Leaf-Viewing Stops: Bartlett Covered Bridge, Crawford Notch State Park

Whereas the Kanc travels in a straight-line south of the White Mountain National Forest, the White Mountain Trail Byway loops around the top end. It does, however, connect with the Kanc to form a 135-mile-long loop all the way around the mountains, making for a convenient road trip through the area.

Though this route features more signs of civilization along its winding path than the Kanc, but it still offers visitors the chance to enjoy glorious views of the mountains and fall foliage.    

Enjoying New Hampshire’s Fall Foliage on Foot

Rather enjoy the region’s fall color on foot? You’re in luck, as New Hampshire is filled with hiking trails. A few of the best trails for leaf-peeping include:  

3. Diana’s Baths

• Trail Length: 1.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 118 feet
• Getting There: From North Conway, take River Road west, until it becomes Westside Road. Keep going straight on Westside Road for about 1.5 miles; the parking lot for Diana’s Baths will be on your left. 

Located on Westside Road in North Conway, this is one of the best trails for families and hiking novices visiting New Hampshire, as it features waterfalls that are only a little more than half of a mile from the trailhead. The trail is also relatively flat, making it a good option for days on which you have other activities planned and don’t want to wear yourself out. 

Do note that visitors must pay a small fee to hike this trail. 

4. Sabbaday Falls

• Trail Length: 0.7 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 101 feet 
• Getting There: Start at the Saco Ranger Station, located along Route 112 in Conway. Travel west for 15 miles; the trailhead and parking lot will be on your left. 

Another easy trail that’s home to a picturesque waterfall, Sabbaday Falls trail is a great option for families with young kids. Only open in the summer and fall, this trail can be accessed from the Kancamagus Highway, making it a great stop for visitors who want to enjoy fall color from car and on foot.   

Note that there is a $3 parking fee at this trailhead, and you’ll need to bring exact change. 

5. Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head Trail

• Length: 8.0 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 4,242 feet 
• Getting There: Starting in Glen, near the junction of US 302 and New Hampshire Route 16, travel north on Route 16 for approximately 12 miles. Follow the signs to Tuckermans Ravine Trailhead, which will be on your left. 

This trail is only suitable for experienced hikers, who’re looking for a legitimate challenge during vacation. But for those willing to tackle it, this is one of the best places to visit in New Hampshire for fall colors.

One of the state’s 48 4,000 foot peaks and colloquially known as the “most dangerous small mountain in the world,” Mount Washington offers incredible views of fall foliage along this trail’s 8-mile length.  

Parking is free, but a small donation is requested. 

6. Table Rock Trail

• Length: 1.5 miles   
• Elevation Gain: 770 feet 
• Getting There: From I-93 in Littleton, take New Hampshire Route 116/ US Route 3 north. Stay on US Route 3 when the two split in Whitefield. Stay on US Route 3 as it veers left in Northumberland. Continue on US Route 3 until you reach Colebrook, where you’ll turn right on New Hampshire Route 26 and drive for about 10 miles. The trailhead will be on your right; if you reach Lake Gloriette, you’ve gone too far.   

If your New Hampshire getaway takes place during the early portion of autumn, you may want to consider heading to the state’s northern reaches, where the leaves often start changing first. Table Rock Trail, located in Dixville Notch State Park, is one of the best destinations for leaf peeping early in the season.

Though it still requires you to climb more than 700 feet, this trail is rated as “moderate,” and most people can reach the overlook (which boasts incredible views of Lake Gloriette and Dixville Notch) in about 45 minutes. Experienced hikers may want to consider checking out the Three Brothers Trail or Sanguinary Ledge Trail, which are also located in Dixville Notch State Park.    

Other Ways to Enjoy New Hampshire’s Fall Foliage

None of the leaf-watching opportunities catch your eye so far? Don’t worry – there are a few other ways you can take in some glorious fall color while visiting New Hampshire. A few of the best places to do so include:

7. Mount Washington Cog Railway

• Cost: Pricing varies, but generally starts at $74 for adults; tickets for children between 5 and 12 are available for less. Children under 4 can sit in your lap for free. 
• Getting There: You can purchase tickets and board the train at Marshfield Base Station, which is easiest to find from New Hampshire Route 302 near Bretton. Take Base Station Road east for about 3 miles to reach the parking lot.

Sit back and relax while you’re carried up this 150-year-old rail line to the top of Mount Washington. The first mountain-climbing cog railway ever constructed, this historic track features at least one section with a 38% grade, making it the second steepest railway section in the world. Along the trip, you’ll have the chance to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and all of the color it has to offer. 

Note that the train stops operating in mid-October. 

8. Ossipee Lake

• Cost: Varies based on activity; there is no “entrance fee” for the area.
• Getting There: To reach Ossipee Lake from Conway, take New Hampshire Route 16 south for about 20 miles. From there, you can head directly to your intended destination. 

Dry land isn’t the only place from which you can enjoy New Hampshire’s fall color; you can also spend the afternoon checking out the fall foliage surrounding Ossipee Lake. This area offers a variety of fun ways to explore the area while taking in the glorious fall foliage. 

You can join a guided boat tour or rent one and pilot yourself around the water. There are also plenty of dining and shopping opportunities in the area. 

9. Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

• Cost: Varies, but adult tickets usually start at $28 for a roundtrip ride. Children ages 6 to 12 can ride for $23, and children under 5 are free. 
• Getting There: Located just off I-93 in Franconia Notch State Park, take exit 34B and follow the signs. 

Get up off the ground and check out the fall foliage by taking a ride on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Offering a relatively quick trip up the 4,000-foot summit of Cannon Mountain, the tram will allow you the chance to see fall foliage stretching across four states and parts of Canada. 

Please note that the exact tram schedule varies over the course of the year, so check their website or call ahead (603-823-7722) before heading to the park. 

Timing: When to Visit New Hampshire for Fall Color

Unfortunately, the leaf color-changing process only occurs during a relatively narrow window. And this means proper timing is paramount for maximizing your visit. Making matters even more difficult, the exact timing of fall leaf color change varies from year to year.

This happens for a variety of reasons. For example, the leaves in a given area may change earlier than is typical following exceptionally dry summers. On the other hand, unusually wet weather will influence the duration of leaf color change; it will often cause the leaves to rot prematurely, which effectively shortens the time period during which they are at their most colorful. 

With that said, the fall color in New Hampshire generally peaks in early October. However, you can track the current season’s fall color via the State of New Hampshire’s Fall Foliage Tracker to get an idea of how the season is unfolding. 

Do keep in mind that even if you aren’t visiting the area at the absolute pinnacle of fall color, you’ll still be able to enjoy more colorful vistas than many other portions of the country ever experience. Plus, you never need an excuse to get out there and enjoy all that crisp mountain air. 

New Hampshire in the Autumn: Fall Color Like You’ve Never Seen

The entire New England region is famous for its spectacular fall foliage, and many would argue that New Hampshire offers the very best leaf-peeping opportunities in the entire northeast. 

This is largely the result of two primary factors: the region’s climate and the species that call the area home.  

New Hampshire’s Climate: Part of the Fall Color Puzzle

Technically speaking, New Hampshire has a humid, continental climate. Most of the state is classified as Dfb by the Köppen climate classification system, meaning that it experiences hot and humid summers, along with long, cold winters.  

This combination of ample sunlight and rainfall during the growing season, combined with the drastic reduction in day length that occurs in autumn offers the perfect recipe for vibrant fall color. 

Areas with similar amounts of sunlight but less water often see their tree leaves drop to the ground before they can produce eye-popping color. Conversely, areas in which the day length does not vary quite as much – such as the southern U.S. – don’t have the environmental conditions necessary to trigger the same level of color change as New Hampshire’s climate allows. 

Trees of New Hampshire: Fall Color Standouts

New Hampshire’s fall color isn’t all about the climate. As mentioned, the native trees of the region play a huge role in providing the rich fall color that draw visitors from near and far. 

Sugar maples are perhaps the most widely celebrated trees in fall, with leaves ranging from gold to vibrant red. Meanwhile, white oaks and black gums often bear leaves ranging from burgundy to candy-apple red. Quaking aspens, shagbark hickories, and paperbark birches (which are New Hampshire’s state tree) also get in on the fun, and generally bear beautiful gold leaves. 

Of course, when viewed from a distance, these varied tree species combine to form a magnificent multi-colored mosaic, with each individual tree offering its own splash of color.  

There’s a reason people travel from all across the world to check out New Hampshire’s fall color: It’s simply mesmerizing. And with all due respect to the other top-notch leaf peeping areas in the northeast, New Hampshire undeniably offers some of the very best opportunities to watch the leaves change color.

So, get out there and make the most of your vacation – New Hampshire’s fall foliage is waiting! 

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