Where to See Fall Foliage in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is known as the center of the American Revolution. Aside from that, it’s also fancied for its stunning natural landscapes, especially during the fall. Home to the White Mountains, the fall foliage here is nothing short of brilliant. It’s a paradise for nature lovers that’ll be painted with orange, red, and gold shades in October. If you’re thinking of visiting the state this fall to witness its beauty at its best, you may wonder where to see fall foliage in New Hampshire. That’s exactly what we’re here for. Below, you’ll discover the delightful towns and villages that offer mesmerizing scenery! Have fun reading and planning your fall vacation!

Are you looking for other spots in other states? Take a look at the best places to see fall foliage in New England! But if you specifically want to visit Vermont, here are the best places in Vermont to see fall foliage!

Walpole

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Walpole, filled with interesting history and gorgeous scenery, is the perfect town to kick off this list. Here, you can expect farms, orchards, and historic architecture that are nothing short of eye-catching. The views are even more beautiful comes fall. The leaves typically change color at the end of September and peak in early October.

So, where should you spend your time when you’re in Walpole? We highly recommend going to Alyson’s Orchard. This place is basically a heartstopper. You can pick your own apples and take in the fall scenery here. Don’t forget to also go to L.A. Burdick and sample the premium chocolate. It’s the perfect companion to your leaf-peeping.

Where to Stay: There are many amazing New Hampshire fall foliage hotels, but when it comes to Walpole, the Inn at Valley Farms is the only one you should consider. This three-star hotel has a wide array of room options. In the end, we chose the Deluxe King Room. It came with standard amenities, but the show-stealer is the vintage decoration. The floral walls and rug were lovely and made our time in the room really sweet. Couples will certainly love staying here. And if you need bigger options, there are apartments, too.

Hanover

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Set in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire is Hanover, another highly recommended place to those who want to feast their eyes with colorful leaves. Known for its beautiful fall colors, the leaves here normally start changing at the end of September and peak at the beginning of the following month. This town is set along the Connecticut River, so you can enjoy the serene views of the river and foliage simultaneously.

Another popular place for leaf peeping is Dartmouth College. This campus is home to various trees, which include sugar maples, oaks, and elms. In the fall, they turn red, orange, and yellow. There’s also Rollins Park, which offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. While this town has something for everyone, leaf peepers will have an exceptionally great time during the fall. Did you know that Hanover is also featured in our list of the best US winter vacations?

Where to Stay: A visit to Hanover won’t be complete without spending a night or two at Six South St. Hotel. Only steps from Dartmouth College, this is the perfect accommodation for leaf peepers. We stayed at the Deluxe King Room for a night and don’t have a problem staying there again. When we first entered the room, every corner was spotless, and we had all the amenities we could think of. There was also a seating area with a sofa bed for lounging. The hotel also features a modern, well-maintained fitness center for healthy lifestyle enthusiasts.

Sugar Hill

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Are you still wondering where to see fall foliage in New Hampshire? Maybe you should visit Sugar Hill, arguably the state’s best-kept secret. This tiny town is in the White Mountains, and it’s loved by the locals for its fall foliage. You can expect the leaves to change color in late September and peak in early October. After taking in the fall views, we’re sure you’ll think of visiting Sugar Hill again sometime in the future as it’s that beautiful.

With a population of less than 700 people, Sugar Hill is nothing near crowded. While you’re here, you’ll feel the rural atmosphere, which is perfect for those who want to spend their fall quietly and away from the crowds. It’s also an ideal destination for those who love hiking and other outdoor activities. Don’t forget to explore the local shops and restaurants as well!

Where to Stay: Sugar Hill Inn should be your go-to hotel. We booked the Wildflower Fireplace Cottage Room. It was big and came with a fireplace. According to the staff, the Richardson Deluxe Whirlpool Suite is also popular. As the name suggests, it comes with a bathtub for the ultimate relaxation. There’s also a seasonal pool and spa service for self-pampering.

Portsmouth

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Best Coastal City. Another stunning place to visit in the fall is Portsmouth. New Hampshire is a great place to see fall foliage in the country, and Portsmouth is a great place to experience it. This coastal city allows you to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean while you’re leaf-peeping. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone! The fall foliage usually reaches its peak in late October.

One of the places in Portsmouth you must visit is Prescott Park. You can take a walk or ride a bike to enjoy the fall colors at this waterfront park. And when you’re not busy appreciating the views, feel free to visit the Strawberry Banke Museum, which tells the story of the city. Or, you can also go shopping at Market Square. It’s where you’ll find some of the city’s top shops and restaurants.

Where to Stay: The Hotel Portsmouth is exactly what it says. When in the city, it’s “the” hotel to consider. Set in the downtown area, this hotel had everything we needed. For one, Market Square was only a short stroll away. We booked the Deluxe King Room, and it was bigger than we expected. What excited us the most was the fact that there was an in-room iPad for us to use, and the bathroom had Malin + Goetz toiletries.

Jackson

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Up next is the town of Jackson. Once you enter this town via its covered bridge, you’ll never want to leave. It’s truly one of New Hampshire’s brightest gems. Jackson is set in the White Mountains, and the ideal time to enjoy the color of the leaves is in the second half of October. However, this may change depending on the weather.

Jackson is a popular resort town visited by countless travelers, especially during summer and winter. But in the fall, this town is somehow even more charming. You can enjoy some of its top hiking trails and take several scenic drives in the area. You can also see the wildlife by visiting the National Elk Refuge and the Snake River.

Where to Stay: While there are many hotels in Jackson, our favorite is the Lodge at Jackson Village. Our room was nothing short of spacious, and there was a cozy seating area where we could relax after a tiring day. We would also take a dip in the pool in the morning. But if you’re not a fan of that, you can take a quick stroll through the gardens, which are also a great spot for fall foliage in their own right.

Peterborough

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From Mount Monadnock, it only takes you a short drive to reach Peterborough. This charming little town of New Hampshire is a popular spot for hiking but, most importantly, leaf-peeping. It’s surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes, which provide stunning views of the orang, red, and gold leaves. The best time to enjoy fall foliage here is usually mid-October.

Among all of the places in Peterborough, we highly recommend going to the All Saints’ Episcopal Church to enjoy the leaves. It’s set on a hilltop and overlooks the town. The brick building makes a striking contrast against the vibrant, colorful leaves. This church is a pretty well-known spot for weddings and events. But if you’re willing to share the space, it’s truly a beautiful place to witness the fall foliage.

Where to Stay: The quaint Riverhouse by Weekender is a lovely lodging in Peterborough. Though nothing fancy, our room was big, and the beds were super comfy. We loved spending our time taking in the views of the river and garden from our room. Want to have a memorable time with your friends? You can have a small picnic session as picnic tables are also available.

Sandwich

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Sandwich is another great destination in New Hampshire to enjoy the fall foliage. For those who aren’t familiar, this town is set in the White Mountains National Forest, known for its mesmerizing fall colors. The town is also home to Squam Lake, arguably its most popular spot for leaf peeping. Just take a look at the picture below, and you’ll soon understand why.

Aside from visiting Squam Lake, you should also spare some time going to Beede Falls. This beautiful waterfall can gain thousands of likes if you post it on your Instagram. In addition, there’s also Chapman Sanctuary & Visny Woods, a nature preserve with miles of hiking trails that provide countless opportunities to see the fall foliage up close and personal.

Where to Stay: Technically, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Plymouth White Mountains is in Plymouth. However, it took us only a 15-minute drive to reach Sandwich, and our experience at the hotel was one to remember. Getting around was easy for us because the hotel provided us with free bikes throughout our stay. We also loved working out in the in-house fitness center, which was followed by a delicious continental breakfast. Our Suite was big and clean, and there was a comfy seating area, too.

North Conway

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Best Village. North Conway is a pretty popular destination among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. And if you’re looking for the most picturesque fall foliage spots in New Hampshire, it should also be your go-to place. The fall foliage here usually peaks at the beginning of October. The mountainsides are awash in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, offering you an unforgettable sight.

Meanwhile, those who want to do some leaf peeping can rejoice, as there are so many scenic overlooks and viewpoints from where you can take in the views of the colorful foliage. And while you’re there during the fall, you may as well join the family-friendly Fall Festival. If you want a beautiful and fun place to visit during the season, North Conway is a great choice.

Where to Stay: North Conway is an underrated destination for lovers, and if you’re planning to enjoy the fall here with your precious one, you should book a room at Stonehurst Manor. One of the most romantic hotels in New Hampshire, this intimate hotel offers 26 opulent rooms and suites. Decorated in European style, we enjoyed staying in our room a lot. The restaurant served us delectable Italian cuisine, and we also made sure to have a swim in the pool.

Lincoln

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The town of Lincoln in the White Mountains is a popular New Hampshire destination to spot some of the most beautiful fall foliage. The leaves here typically start changing color in late September and peak in early October. The town is awash in shades of orange, yellow, and gold during this time, making it a photographer’s dream.

The town is known for its natural beauty. The numerous hiking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. We highly recommend taking a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway. In addition to that, the orchards in Lincoln are also a popular place to pick apples in the fall. We’re sure you won’t regret spending your time here.

Where to Stay: When it comes to accommodation, you may want to stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. This is the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts since there are so many activities to be enjoyed near the hotel, including skiing, fishing, and even hiking. We stayed in the Suite, and it was truly amazing. It was massive and clean, and we loved how complete the free toiletries were.

Lake Winnipesaukee

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Best Lake. Want to experience fall foliage like never before? Head to New Hampshire’s biggest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, and take in the views. This lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, providing you with a gorgeous backdrop for the changing leaves. The peak fall foliage season usually occurs from late September to the beginning of October. See the reflection of fall foliage on the lake, and don’t forget to take pictures!

The best way to enjoy the fall foliage here is by taking a boat cruise on the lake. That way, you can have a close-up look at the changing leaves. In addition to that, don’t forget your hiking shoes! There are many hiking trails in the area, offering you views of the lake and foliage. You can also visit the town of Meredith or Wolfeboro once you’re done there.

Where to Stay: Meredith is only around a 40-minute drive away from Lake Winnipesaukee. If you’re looking for a nearby hotel, we recommend staying at Mill Falls at the Lake. Overlooking Meredith Bay, this charming accommodation has that unique old-world charm that everyone will love. Our room was rustic, and it came with a small fridge and a comfy seating area. Our stay here was fun, as we could access the indoor pool and Church Landing’s gym for free.

Franconia

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Best Overall. With its unmatched scenery, Franconia is certainly one of the best New Hampshire towns for fall foliage. The White Mountains in New Hampshire are known for their breathtaking fall foliage, and this town is strategically located in the heart of the mountains. The peak fall foliage season here usually starts from mid-September to mid-October, and the views are simply beautiful.

From Artists Bluff to Cannon Mountain, Franconia has tons of must-visit places to enjoy the fall foliage. But among them, Franconia Notch State Park is probably the best. It’s home to a variety of hardwood trees that turn brilliant red, orange, and yellow in the fall. There are also plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore.

Where to Stay: Our favorite hotel in Franconia is none other than the Best Western White Mountain Inn. This resort is only 10 minutes away from Cannon Mountain by car. We spent a night at the hotel and had nothing to complain about. Our King Room wasn’t only big but also immaculately clean, and we were able to wake up to the views of the mountain. In addition to that, there’s also an indoor swimming pool and a gym.

Our Verdict!

Each of the places above is worth visiting, and if you can only visit one or two of them, it can be hard to choose which one to visit. That’s why we’ve selected some of them and categorized them according to the following criteria:

• Best Overall: Franconia
• Best Lake: Lake Winnipesaukee
• Best Village: North Conway
• Best Coastal City: Portsmouth

What is the best time to see fall foliage in New Hampshire?

According to visitnh.gov, the fall foliage’s peak time always changes every year. However, most of the time, it happens in either early or mid-October.

Does New Hampshire have fall foliage?

Of course! In fact, the fall foliage in this state is among the prettiest in New England.