Where and When to See New Hampshire Fall Foliage (2025)

Plan the ultimate leaf-peeping trip! New Hampshire fall foliage offers breathtaking views, scenic drives, and cozy autumn adventures.

New England College bridge fall foliage — New England Covered Bridge, Henniker, NH, Photo by: Michelle James

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Fall Foliage In New Hampshire

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When autumn rolls in, New Hampshire completely transforms into a sea of fiery oranges, bold reds, and golden yellows that people travel from all over to see.

I’ve lived in New England my entire life and have been able to enjoy the fall foliage every year, the past several years living in New Hampshire.

I can honestly say it never gets old. Every year my daughter and I explore a different spot during peak leaf peeping season.

Today I’m sharing 7 stunning scenic drives in New Hampshire that you will want to add to your fall bucket list.

So, throw on a comfy sweater, sip something warm, and let’s chat about the top places to soak up fall in the Granite State, and why it deserves a spot on your travel list!

If traveling with kids, print out this fall scavenger hunt for a fun family activity.

fall foliage Concord NH — Image Credit: Michelle James

If you are more into spooky season, be sure to check out these top 7 spooky places to visit in New Hampshire.

When Is Peak Fall Foliage In New Hampshire

Probably the question I get asked most by friends and family is when is the best time to visit New Hampshire in the fall.

The most up to date way to check the peak fall foliage is to use the fall foliage tracker.

It is broken down into 7 regions and is updated daily.

Here are the predictions as of today:

Great North Woods September 28th
White Mountains Peak October 5th
Lakes Region October 8th:
Dartmouth Sunapee October 12th:
Monadnock October 20th
Merrimack October 22nd
Seacoast October 28th

fall in New Hampshire — Image Credit: Michelle James

Be sure to check the tracker before planning your road trip. But, even if you are a few days off you will still be able to enjoy the scenery.

Plus, there are tons of activities to enjoy including apple orchards, pumpkin patches, fairs and festivals and lots of good food!

7 Scenic Drives to View New Hampshire Fall Foliage

These 7 scenic drives are full of charming little towns, classic covered bridges, and vibrant fall foliage at every turn.

1. Moose Path Trail

The Great North Woods is the northernmost county in the state. It includes the northern part of the White Mountain National Forest and is typically the first region to display the fabulous autumn colors that New Hampshire is known for.

If visiting this area, the last week in September is probably a safe bet for peak viewing. This quieter part of New Hampshire is a nature lover’s dream, offering plenty of chances to spot wildlife like moose, black bears, and deer. Be sure to drive slowly to avoid any collisions with moose!

2. Currier & Ives Scenic Byway

The 30-mile Currier & Ives Scenic Byway winds its way through the picturesque Merrimack Valley. This area is near and dear to my heart, as my daughter, Amanda, graduated College in this area.

Here is one of my favorite photos that I took while visiting her at New England College when she was a freshman:

Can you imagine walking by this view everyday on your way to class? This stunning covered bridge is straight out of a Hallmark movie. I make a point to visit this spot every fall.

The entire town is a quaint place to visit. If you are a fan of calzones, pop into Sonny’s Main Street Restaurant. The pizza and chicken parm are also favorites!

3. The Lakes Tour Byway

Visit the Lake Winnipesaukee loop which features some of the most beautiful views across the water and is a must when visiting this area.

Start in Alton and cruise down Route 11 toward Gilford and Weirs Beach. Stop to wander the boardwalk, grab a bite, or enjoy some family fun at Funspot. The fall colors put on a show—painting the lakes and towns in bright oranges, golds, and reds.

4. Monadnock Region Loop Scenic Drive

Take a chill drive through the Monadnock Region and soak in the fall vibes—rolling farms, colorful leaves in shades of gold and rust, and plenty of photo-worthy spots.

Kick things off in Keene and cruise down Route 101 toward Marlborough. Don’t miss the Keene Pumpkin Festival Columbus Day weekend.

5. Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway

Take a leisurely spin along the Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway for a quick half-hour drive bursting with fall colors on mountains, lakes, rivers, and farmland. Start in Newbury and head north on Route 103 for some amazing views of Mount Sunapee.

6. The White Mountain Trail

One of the most popular scenic foliage drives in New Hampshire is the 100 miles that make up The White Mountain Trail, a national scenic byway.

The White Mountains features some of the best fall foliage in New Hampshire, which also means it is the most crowded! That is something to keep in mind if you are planning a trip at peak season.

It includes the stunning Kancamagus Scenic Highway; affectionately called “The Kanc” by locals. The Kancamagus Scenic Highway is famous for offering some of the most jaw-dropping fall foliage views on the planet. It is absolutely worth the trip.

7. American Independence Byway

Take a 21-mile spin through New Hampshire’s historic seacoast and soak in both the fall colors and a bit of local history.

Start in Exeter Center, where you can swing by the American Independence Museum before continuing on with the tour.

fall foliage with sunset — Image Credit: Michelle James

Popular Attractions for Leaf Peeping in the White Mountains

These are areas that we’ve visited and can attest to the breathtaking beauty of each.

Artist’s Bluff: Head to Artist’s Bluff for sunrise and soak in the awesome view of Echo Lake.
Loon Mountain: Hop on the gondola for a scenic mile-and-a-half ride up, where sweeping views of the White Mountains surround you at the summit. This scenic spot has it all—gondola rides, an observation tower, hiking trails, a cozy cafe, and more.
Sabbaday Falls: This stunning waterfall in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains is a must-see, just off the scenic Kancamagus Highway.
Franconia Notch State Park: Nestled in the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park is full of must-see stops, from the Flume Gorge to riding the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. For a bird’s-eye view of New Hampshire’s fall colors, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram is the way to go. In just 10 minutes, the gondola carries you up to the 4,080-foot summit, where sweeping vistas of the White Mountains stretch out in every direction. On clear days, you can even spot Canada and peaks from four neighboring states!
The Mount Washington Cog Railway: For a unique way to reach the summit, ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway. It’s the world’s first of its kind and still going strong!
Castle in the Clouds: Explore a beautiful 1920s Craftsman-style mansion and its gardens, all glowing with fall colors high in the mountains. The outdoor restaurant also has amazing views and food!