Last updated on June 9th, 2024 at 12:20 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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![Fallfoliage in New Hampshire aerial view with lake in the center](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9678_LRM_EXPORT_20171023_182541-1.jpg?resize=640%2C371&ssl=1)
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.
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!
![Cog Railways descending Mt. Washington](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9377.jpg?resize=640%2C369&ssl=1)
![Cog Railways in autumn in New Hampshire](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9455.jpg?resize=640%2C289&ssl=1)
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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9375.jpg?resize=640%2C358&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9380.jpg?resize=640%2C399&ssl=1)
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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9924.jpg?resize=640%2C447&ssl=1)
![Best places to see waterfall with fall foliage in New Hampshire New England USA](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9525.jpg?resize=640%2C424&ssl=1)
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.
![See the fall foliage in New Hamshire](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9959.jpg?resize=640%2C429&ssl=1)
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.
![Artist bluff views of Echo lake in New Hampshire](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9702-3.jpg?resize=640%2C351&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/New-Hampshire-Pics1.jpg?resize=640%2C460&ssl=1)
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.
![Cannon Mountain - panoramic views of autumn in New Hampshire](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9778.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1)
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.
![Flume gorge - autumn destination New Hampshire](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9863.jpg?resize=640%2C408&ssl=1)
![Waterfall in Flume Gorge, New hampshire](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9898.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
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 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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/P1050172.jpg?resize=640%2C499&ssl=1)
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.
If you liked this post do share it or hover over it to pin it for later on Pinterest.
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
![best fall photography spots in new hampshire](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/New-Hampshire-Best-fall-photography-locations.jpg?resize=640%2C960&ssl=1)
![must-see places in autumn in new hampshire](https://i0.wp.com/www.myticklefeet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/New-Hampshire-Autumn-roadtrip-itinerary.jpg?resize=640%2C960&ssl=1)
Happy Traveling!
Your photos are incredible! I would love to do that highway road trip. Bookmarking this to my US bucket list 😊
Thanks Mona! I hope you get to that bucket list item sooner than later 🙂
Fall is undoubtedly the best and my favorite time of the year. I love the way it brings a riot of colors 🙂 Your photographs are beyond adjectives.
Thank-you so much Anjali! 😀
Wow that’s a great list..I so wanna experience fall colours and your post with beautiful pics are tempting me so much more
Fall is probably the best time of the year! Perfect weather and beautiful foliage 🙂 Hope you get to experience it someday Madhu.
I need to do this trip once in my life. I have always drooled over fall colors and this seems like fall mecca!
New England is the fall Mecca in the US for sure!
Your pictures of the autumn are incredible! I wish my country had the sunny days and colors, not just the colors (and plenty of rain!) in autumn 🙂
Aww, I’m sure you will get a few sunny days in Latvia! *Fingers Crossed* 🙂
Wow Mount Washington. On my list since this mountain broke the wind speed record a long time ago. Plus you cannot beat those views. Heading to Norwalk in CT in a few weeks. Here is to some leaves beginning to turn color.
I bet you CT is beautiful as well. In fact, I drove to New Hampshire from CT for this trip and Wow, the colors are changing already?!? 😮
I also spent a really good time there with my friends on my best friend’s birthday party. I really enjoyed there photography and came back with great memories. I hope you will fully enjoy there like I enjoyed.
Thank-you, we did have a wonderful time!
I recently took a road trip to VT and NH and while I was just happy to be outside the city and things were beautiful the colors weren’t AS gorgeous as your pictures show. Ah well… there’s always next year. Fall is the best!
Tell you what Sarah, this year has been all kind of weird. My post is a collection of pics from my visit to NH a couple years ago. The fall colors aren’t as great here in mid-atlantic either this year as it has been previous years unfortunately. The leaves are just drying and falling instead of showing off their majestic colors. Yes let’s pray next year is much better! 🙂
What a beautiful landscape. Your photos inspired me to go out and shoot fall finally! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks a ton Nicola! Yes you got another week or so keep chasing fall with that camera 😉
Definitely pinning all these places!!! I love fall and natural views. Among the list here, which was your favorite?
My favorite was driving through Kancamagus highway followed by the view at Echo lake summit. 🙂 Thanks a lot Kareemah!