Last updated on June 30th, 2023 at 01:24 pm

Wondering where to see fall colors in New Hampshire? You’ve landed at the right place. It is finally that time of the year when nature is at its colorful best and the there no better place than the Northeast USA in Autumn.  

In this post, we will cover all the top places you must visit for fall foliage in the State of New Hampshire including important tips for photography locations. 

If you are looking for places beyond New Hampshire then do check out this fall in New England guide. You might also want to to consider taking a road trip to Vermont for more awesome fall colors. For other fall inspiration on the east coast, you must read our fall road trip guide to Blue Ridge Parkway and West Virginia.

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus 

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It is very difficult for me to see the world in B&W, although that’s an art I am trying hard to learn as a photographer. So how can I ignore Fall colors? Every year Gaurav & I travel to someplace new chasing fall foliage.

Related: A fall getaway in West Virginia you cannot miss

Best Time to Visit New Hampshire for Fall Colors

Generally speaking, mid to end of October is the best time to see fall colors in New England. However, since it’s weather dependent, we suggest keeping an eye on the New Hampshire’s fall foliage tracker website starting early September to get a better idea.

Places to Visit in New Hampshire in Autumn

We spent 3 days (Friday to Sunday) in New Hampshire and most of our time spent was in the White Mountain National Forest. 

White Mountain National Forest

White Mountain National Forest is probably one of the most visited locations in New Hampshire and rightly so. Being a large area to cover, below are the top places you must visit on your New Hampshire trip. 

1. The Mt. Washington Cog Railway

Cog railway is probably the easiest and the most scenic way to get on top of Mt. Washington. The other way would be a difficult 8-10 hours roundtrip hike and you better be trained to do it. Combine the best of fall scenery with a lovely cog rail ride? Yes, please! We were instantly transported to our childhood as we ascended Northeast USA’s highest peak in the steepest railroad in North America.

The entire Cog rail up and down the mountain takes around 3 hours and the tickets cost about $75 per person round trip. We highly recommend booking your Cog Railway tickets in advance given how popular this ride is in Autumn.

Photography Tip: There are unique photography opportunities at the bottom and top of Mt. Washington as you can see below. Which means, give yourself extra time in addition to your 3-hour ride!

Self-proclaimed as the worst weather in the world, Mt. Washington summit at the height of 6,288 feet takes you to another world above the clouds. TIP: Take warmer clothes for the summit as you are likely to find frost or even snow up there in contrast to the foothill. Besides the 360 degree views, there is a historic Tip Top house, Summit Museum, and a cozy little gift shop at the summit.

2. Kancamagus Highway

Pronounced “Kank-ah-mah-gus”, Kancamagus Highway is one of the most scenic highways in New England during Autumn. It is officially called New Hampshire Route 112 and is roughly about 34 miles long east-west state. Kancamagus is a part of the American Scenic Byway, providing splendid views as it cuts through White Mountain National Forest.

Photography Tip: Driving through Kancamagus highway will be the highlight of your trip. Be prepared to drive multiple times in different hours of the day to get the right light for your shot. 

3. Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park is a large state park and we chose to visit the below three points of attractions primarily due to their deep historical, geological, and botanical significance. In order to see the Franconia State Mountain pass in White Mountain National Forest, jump on I-93.

I-93 passes through Flume Gorge in the south to Echo Lake in the north and hit Cannon Mountains in between. Here is the brochure of these points of attractions in Franconia Notch State Park.

Echo Lake State Park

Echo Lake Park has a big parking lot that is accessible to the lake trail and a beach which is usually closed during the fall season. But a better view of the lake can be found from the top of the mountain across the street. Here is how to find the hidden spot with postcard views of Echo Lake –

Photography Tip: There is a short but steep uphill hike across the street called Artist Bluff. At the summit of Artist Bluff is an aerial outlook of the lake surrounded by panoramic views of Cannon Mountain, Franconia Notch, and the Millennium Trails. Look out for this hike called ‘Bald Mountain/Artist Bluff’ across the parking lot of Echo Lake, you will thank us later.

Cannon Mountains Aerial Tramway

Cannon Mountain might be more famous for skiing and ice climbing but is also a gem in the fall season. The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway operates between mid-May to mid-October and is the only way up to the mountain beside hiking. The tramway ride tickets cost $18 round trip.

Given its close proximity to Echo Lake, this will be a great addition to your fall itinerary. There is a 360-degree observation tower at the summit which provides panoramic fall foliage views of four mountainous states i.e. New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, and Canada.

Flume Gorge

The last stop of our trip turned out to be the best. A must on your New Hampshire fall itinerary is the Flume Gorge especially because of its geological importance. FUN FACT: Flume Gorge formed during the Jurassic times nearly 200 million years ago and was covered safely under glaciers during Ice Age. 

Flume is a natural Gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The walking flume trail entry fee is $16 which is totally worth every penny. The trail turns into a boardwalk taking you through walls of Conway granite, waterfalls and spectacular geological views which are changing as we speak. The pictures don’t even do justice to this place.

Where to Stay in New Hampshire

Now comes the biggest question, lodging especially in fall which is a peak tourist season in New Hampshire. Consider staying in one of these small towns around White Mountain National Forest:

• North Conway/Conway
• Lincoln
• Littleton
• Twin Mountain

North Conway/Conway is one of the bigger cities with more options but all of the above-mentioned places are accessible from any of these towns.  

Where to Eat in White Mountain, NH

Very close to Carlson’s Lodge in Twin Mountain where we stayed, we found a family-owned restaurant, called ‘Munroe’s Family Restaurant‘ which in my opinion served one the best American breakfast. For dinner, we really enjoyed ‘The Common Man’ in Lincoln on the Kancamagus highway.

We hope this post has helped you put together a weekend itinerary in New Hampshire in the fall season.  If you have any questions, leave us a comment.

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Explore More Places in the Fall

• Best Places to See Fall Colors in Virginia
• Best Wineries in Maryland Which Are Close to DC
• West Virginia Road Trip Vacation – A Perfect Fall Getaway
• Vermont in Fall – Best Things to See and Do

Happy Traveling!