If there’s one place I’ve always dreamed of experiencing fall, it’s New Hampshire—this destination has truly been a leaf-peeping dream come true. It took me several weeks to plan our New Hampshire getaway—from choosing the best airport to fly into from Los Angeles, to booking a rental car, finding the right places to stay, deciding on the ideal trip length, and pinpointing the best spots to catch peak fall foliage during our visit. With so many breathtaking spots to explore—winding scenic drives, colorful hiking trails, sparkling lakes, and postcard-perfect towns—planning a New Hampshire fall trip can feel a bit overwhelming.

The best time to visit New Hampshire for fall foliage is typically late September to mid-October, with the first two weeks of October offering the most vibrant and widespread colors in the White Mountains region.

General timeline:

Late September: Higher elevations (like Mount Washington and Franconia Notch) start turning first.
Early to mid-October: Peak color spreads to mid- and lower-elevation areas, including scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway.
Late October: Southern New Hampshire and coastal areas show their best colors.

If you’re aiming for classic White Mountains leaf-peeping, plan your trip between October 1–12 for the best chance of hitting peak season.

Here’s how to spend five magical autumn days in New Hampshire—wandering past storybook churches, hiking misty mountain trails, chasing cascading waterfalls, and taking scenic drives that felt straight out of a postcard.

Start your day at this quaint, historic church known for its classic New England charm and peaceful setting—a great spot to soak in local culture.

Hike the Artist’s Bluff trail (about 1 mile round trip) for stunning panoramic views over Franconia Notch and the White Mountains—a perfect introduction to the region’s beauty.
Distance: ~10 minutes (5 miles)

Take a peaceful stroll along the shores of Echo Lake, where calm waters mirror the mountains—ideal for relaxing after your hike.
Distance: ~5 minutes (2 miles)

Walk through Flume Gorge, a spectacular natural granite gorge with waterfalls, covered bridges, and well-maintained trails totaling about 2 miles.
To visit Flume Gorge, you must reserve tickets online for a specific time slot and check in during that period, so booking in advance is the surest way to guarantee entry.
Distance: ~10 minutes (5 miles)

Explore this dramatic mountain pass with dense forests and cascading waterfalls. The park offers various hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Distance: ~25 minutes (15 miles)

Visit this iconic iron railroad trestle nestled in the woods near the legendary Frankenstein Cliff—a favorite for photos and nature lovers.
Distance: ~15 minutes (8 miles)

Enjoy the grandeur of this historic alpine resort, surrounded by stunning mountain views. Perfect for a leisurely breakfast or exploring the beautiful grounds.
Distance: ~20 minutes (10 miles)

Take a short, family-friendly walk to see the gorgeous Sabbaday Falls nestled within a forested gorge—a peaceful nature stop.
Distance: ~20 minutes (12 miles)

Dine in the charming town of Lincoln, with its cozy cafés and restaurants serving local fare.
Distance: ~10 minutes (5 miles)

Experience one of the most scenic drives in New England. Stop frequently to enjoy waterfalls, overlooks, and vibrant fall colors. Apologies for the poor aerial shots – I regret using such an old drone to capture them.
Distance: Lincoln to Otter Rocks Picnic Area ~15 minutes (8 miles)

Relax and enjoy a picnic surrounded by towering pines and a gentle mountain stream, soaking in the peaceful forest atmosphere.

Aerial shot from above the Table Rock Trailhead.

Challenge yourself on the steep Table Rock hike for breathtaking mountain and valley views—one of New Hampshire’s most rewarding hikes. This moderate out-and-back hike covers about 1.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of roughly 700–900 feet. When we visited, the wind was so strong that I felt uneasy sitting at the edge.
Distance: ~1 hour 30 minutes (70 miles)

Explore the vibrant town of Conway, known for its charming shops and eateries.
Distance: ~1 hour 10 minutes (50 miles)

Take a scenic tram ride up Mount Cranmore for sweeping views of the White Mountains and surrounding landscapes—a fun and relaxing way to appreciate the scenery.

On our last day in New Hampshire, we spontaneously decided to explore the foliage in the town of Sunapee upon learning that the fall foliage had reached its most vibrant peak. We came across a charming covered bridge surrounded by riverside trails ablaze with fall colors and couldn’t resist pausing for photos. The stunning scenery, amplified by the vivid autumn leaves, provided a peaceful, less crowded alternative to the popular leaf-peeping spots in New Hampshire. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

Although we spent just five days in New Hampshire, we also took a day trip to Vermont to see the fall foliage—but unfortunately, we arrived a little too late to catch the peak colors.

When planning a leaf-peeping trip to New Hampshire, your base location can make or break your experience—especially if you want to be close to scenic drives, hikes, and photo-worthy fall views. Here are the best areas to stay, depending on your travel style:

Best for: Easy access to Franconia Notch, the Kancamagus Highway, Artist Bluff, and Flume Gorge
Why stay here: Centrally located, walkable, and surrounded by fall scenery. Great for couples, families, and first-time visitors.
Top stays: RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain, Woodstock Inn Brewery, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lincoln by IHG

Best for: Exploring Crawford Notch, Mount Washington, scenic trains, and waterfalls
Why stay here: A charming New England village vibe with covered bridges, boutiques, and inns.
Top stays: The Wentworth Inn, Inn at Thorn Hill, Inn at Jackson

Best for: Luxury stays with mountain views, spa days, and access to Mount Washington
Why stay here: You’ll have unbeatable views of the Presidential Range and fall foliage, all from a historic grand hotel.
Top stays: Omni Mount Washington Resort

Best for: Quiet countryside charm and postcard-perfect foliage
Why stay here: Fewer crowds, photogenic scenery (like St. Matthew’s Church), and peaceful mountain mornings.
Top stays: Sugar Hill Inn, Franconia Inn, Sunset Hill House

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If you want the freedom to explore New Hampshire’s best drives, hikes, and small towns—especially in fall—rent a car.

Wishing you a wonderful leaf-peeping adventure in New Hampshire!