No other place compares to New Hampshire when it comes to fall colors! And in this state you have more than a month to enjoy it. Start the viewing up north in mid September and follow it south as the areas on the tip of the state start peaking at the end of October. Make sure you leave time to enjoy some of the other fall activities available in New Hampshire to complete your trip.
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What better way to view the foliage than from up above? The White Mountains have ample opportunities for high-up scenic viewing. Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH has the longest scenic summit skyride in New Hampshire. It will transport you to the 3,050-foot peak of the mountain. Once there, you can enjoy visiting local artisans, glacial caves, a nature trail, or get even better views by climbing to the top of the observation tower. Also among the White Mountains is the Flume Gorge. Located in Franconia, this natural crevasse o ers a 2-mile walk past waterfalls, pools, beautiful mountain views and covered bridges. Stop by the information center to view the interpretive exhibits and see a movie about this state park.
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If you are traveling in October, head south to the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region and take in the sights from one of their many old estates, barns, churches, covered bridges or amidst the ‑ elds. A good place to start is the Fells, a historic estate and gardens on Lake Sunapee that was once inhabited by Abraham Lincoln’s secretary. This 22-room estate now has historical tours, multiple gardens to explore, and nature and hiking trails open dawn to dusk. Take a seat at the hillside rock garden and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Sunapee (originally known as Soo-Nipi or “Wild Goose Waters” after the geese that migrated over the lake) and the surrounding foliage. Warner, NH is also worth exploring—stop by the Lower Warner Meeting House, built in 1844. It remains almost the same as it was 165 years ago and is well worth walking around and peeking into. Plus, if you plan your visit for the weekend of October 9-11, you can enjoy the Warner Fall Foliage Festival’s good food, entertainment and crafts.
Photos © Alan Briere |
