When it comes to fall foliage, not many places put on a show quite like New England. And with New Hampshire’s diverse landscape, where the rugged White Mountains seamlessly blend into sprawling hillsides and farmland dotted with colonial-era towns, the Granite State should be at the top of every leaf-peeper’s list.
There are an endless amount of things to do and see during the fall in New Hampshire, but here are a few classics to get you started.
Take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway — This 34.5-mile National Scenic Byway connects the towns of Lincoln and Conway, meandering past trailheads and roadside viewpoints that offer some of the best easy-access views in the state. There are no gas stations or restaurants along this stretch — only picnic areas, hiking trails, and vistas extending deep into the White Mountains. Reaching a maximum elevation of nearly 2,800 feet, the Kancamagus Highway, or the “Kanc” as it is often referred to by locals, begins to show off its fall colors ahead of the valleys below. kancamagushighway.com
Stop in for a glass of locally-made wine and cider at Alpine Garden Winery — The Mount Washington Valley’s first natural winery opened its doors to the public during the fall of 2021 with an initial focus largely on naturally-fermented ciders. But this fall, Alpine Garden will be taking a step toward offering traditional wines with a limited release of a wine made from grapes grown at the winery’s own vineyard, just a few miles up the road.
