New Hampshire in the Fall: 9 Best Weekend Ideas You’ll Love
Looking for the best ways to experience New Hampshire in the fall?
Fall is one of the best times to explore New Hampshire, but somehow it sneaks up on us every single year. You know how it is.
Before you know it, you’re trying to squeeze apple picking, foliage drives, pumpkin patches, and weekend trips into just a few short weeks before the season is over.
That’s exactly why we created this guide, and one that doesn’t solely center around the White Mountains. Don’t get me wrong, we love the White Mountains. In fact, we owned a home there for 20 years.
They’re definitely worth visiting, which is why we’re including them on this list, but they’re far from the only place to experience New Hampshire in the fall.
So, if you’re a New Hampshire resident, like us, looking for a few new ideas or you’re visiting for the first time, we hope these 10 weekend ideas will inspire you to make the most of the season.
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Map of Places to Visit in New Hampshire in Fall
Our Favorite Fall Weekend Ideas
Ready to start planning? These are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the fall season in New Hampshire.
We’ve included a mix of classic fall destinations and a few ideas beyond the usual favorites, so you can experience everything the season has to offer.
Keep in mind that not all these ideas center around the foliage. Some ideas are more about fitting in outdoor activities before it gets too cold.
1. Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a very underrated city. It tends to be overshadowed by other nearby coastal towns like Newburyport in Massachusetts and Ogunquit in Maine.
We love it because it’s a very walkable city, it has great shops and restaurants, and for us, it doesn’t require an overnight stay.
Sometimes, we’ll head over in the early morning and grab some coffee and a pastry at Elephantine Bakery before the crowds arrive.
If you visit early in the season, there probably won’t be much foliage, but if you visit later, Prescott Park and the Greenway Belt are great places to see it.
Our Favorite Things to do in Portsmouth:
- Explore Strawbery Banke Museum
- Walk through Prescott Park
- Browse the shops in Market Square
- Take a Portsmouth Harbor cruise
- Meander through Commercial Alley
Here are some of the best tours to consider when visiting Portsmouth in the fall:
→ Nature Bike Tour Along the Greenway
→ Islands & Harbor Bike Tour
→ Join a Ghost Tour
Best Time to Visit:
Honestly, Portsmouth is a great place to visit any time in the fall. The first couple of weekends in September are the perfect time to enjoy it before the cooler fall weather arrives. By this time, the mornings are cool and crisp, but the afternoons usually warm up nicely.
Another advantage to visiting early in the season is that many of the restaurants still offer outdoor seating. You’ll find some great waterfront restaurants along Merchant’s Row like The Oar House and Old Ferry Landing.
How Much Time Should You Spend?
Depending on what you end up doing, you can easily spend a half-day to a full-day here if you’re fairly local. If you’re coming from further away, you can turn it into a full weekend.
Where to Stay in Portsmouth:
→ Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel: Full-service waterfront hotel walkable to the main downtown area.
→ Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown: Centrally located only a few minutes’ walk to the waterfront.
→ The Davenport Inn: Luxury boutique hotel away from the busier area
2. Berlin & Jericho Mountain in the Great North Woods
This is one of two options on this list that you might want to consider for an overnight stay since Berlin is located about 2 hours from Manchester, New Hampshire. However, if you don’t mind a really long day, it can probably be done in one day.
Berlin is located in the Great North Woods in the very northern part of New Hampshire. It’s not the furthest north you can go but it’s pretty close.
Up here is where you’ll find Jericho Mountain State Park which is known as the ATV capital of New Hampshire. In addition to that, there are many hiking trail, waterfalls, and scenic views to take in the foliage.
How to Spend Your Weekend:
There’s about 75 miles of trails within Jericho Mountain State Park, and they connect to an additional 1,000 miles worth of trails throughout Coos County. We highly recommend renting and ATV or UTV.
We’ve done this several times, and if you’re looking for a unique fall foliage experience with a little adventure mixed in, this is where you need to be. There are several companies that rent ATVs and UTVs, but we’ve used Jericho Adventures.
Pro Tip:
You can choose from half-day and full-day rentals, but we recommend the full-day rental. It sounds like a long time to be on an ATV or UTV, but we’ve found that the half-day rental goes by way too fast.
Aside from the ATVs and UTVs, here are some other fun things to see and do here:
- Scenic drives through the Androscoggin Valley
- Fall hiking nearby
- Exploring downtown Berlin
Best Time to Visit:
Anywhere from early September to early October, but the best foliage will probably be from mid-September to early October. Peak is usually late September through early October.
Pro Tip:
If you’re visiting the North Conway or Bretton Woods area, you can add an additional day to visit Berlin. It’s only about 50 minutes from each of these places.
How Much Time Should You Spend?
We recommend spending at least 2 nights. This will allow you to spend some time exploring the ATV trails and also exploring by car or doing a little hiking.
Decent accommodations around Berlin are a bit limited, so we recommend choosing a place to stay that is a little bit of a further drive but can offer a nicer weekend experience.
We prefer the Bretton Woods area because it’s a little quieter than North Conway but either is fine.
Where to Stay Near Berlin:
→ The Glen House: Great location between North Conway and Berlin, NH near the Mt. Washington auto road.
→ Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa: Beautiful historic resort hotel about 50 minutes south of Berlin.
→ Fairfield Inn & Suites North Conway: Nice hotel in the center of North Conway, about 50 minutes from Berlin.
3. Hampton Falls & Hampton
It goes without saying that we need to include a day for some of the more quintessential fall activities in New Hampshire. We’re talking apple picking, cider donuts, apple cider, and baked goods.
As New Hampshire residents, one of our favorite places to do this is in the Hampton/Hampton Falls area. It’s convenient to get to from areas like the seacoast, Manchester, and northern Massachusetts.
How to Spend Your Day:
- Visit Applecrest Farm
- apple picking
- cider donuts
- farm activities
- Stop at a nearby brewery
- Explore the Seacoast if you have time
We’ve been going to Applecrest Farm Orchard for years now and it only gets better and better. Between pick-your-own, the farm market, and the creamery, you can easily spend a few hours just taking it all in. If you’re up for it, you can also give their corn maze a try.
As a bonus, if you visit during one of their fall festivals, there’s live music during the afternoon hours. It’s everything you could possibly want in one place.
Pro Tip:
While Applecrest is known for their apples, cider donuts, and other baked goods, another thing we recommend trying is their peanut butter. They make it right onsite and offer different kinds like honey-roasted and dry-roasted. Try to grab it early though because they frequently sell out.
Afterwards, we recommend stopping at one of the nearby breweries. One of our favorites is Smuttynose Brewing, but other great options are Hobbs Brewing Company, Throwback Brewery, and Fat Hen Brewing Company in Exeter.
Best Time to Visit:
We’ve found that the best apple picking is from mid-September to early October.
We try not to go too early in the season, otherwise you end up picking apples in 80 degree weather which doesn’t exactly scream fall.
However, if you wait too long, many of the orchards will have been picked over by mid-October.
How Much Time Should You Spend?
This is an easy day trip, so an overnight isn’t needed, depending on where you’re coming from.
You probably want to plan for around 3-4 hours for visiting the orchard and another 1-2 hours for a brewery. If you head further towards the coast, plan on a full day.
4. White Mountains
The White Mountains have become synonymous with fall in New Hampshire, and we’ve spent many years doing pretty much everything there is to do here.
Whether you’re hiking one of the many trails, riding the Cog Railway, or taking a gondola to the top of one of the mountains, there’s so much to see and do.
How to Spend the Weekend:
- Drive the Kancamagus Highway
- Sabbaday Falls
- Rocky Gorge
- Lower Falls
- Albany Covered Bridge
- Hike Cathedral Ledge
- Visit Diana’s Baths
- Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad or Hobo Railroad
- Walk Around North Conway & Lincoln
- Explore Bretton Woods & Ride the Mt. Washington Cog Railway
- Visit Some Local Breweries
Best Time to Visit:
Since it’s all about the foliage in the White Mountains, the best time to visit will be anywhere between mid-September and early October.
Keep in mind that foliage can vary even in different parts of the mountains. Columbus Day weekend was always a busy weekend for fall foliage visitors, but in Bretton Woods, we’ve found that it sometimes ends up being just a little past peak by then. This is because it sits at a higher elevation than North Conway.
Pro Tip:
If you want to visit both North Conway and Bretton Woods, we recommend visiting in late September. You’ll have a better chance of seeing nice foliage colors in both places.
How Much Time to Spend:
We highly recommend spending a minimum of two full days in the White Mountains, but you could easily spend more than that.
If you strictly want to take a drive through the Kancamagus Highway and visit the North Conway area, two days is fine. If you want to explore more than that, we recommend three or four days.
Where to Stay in the White Mountains:
→ Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain: Located at the opposite end of the Kancamagus Highway from North Conway.
→ Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa: Historic resort hotel in Bretton Woods
→ Fairfield Inn & Suites North Conway: Centrally located hotel North Conway, close to the Kancamagus Highway
5. Deerfield & Pawtuckaway State Park
The Deerfield Fair in Deerfield, New Hampshire is one of the most popular seasonal fairs in the state. It takes place in either late September or early October.
Many New Hampshire residents make their yearly trek here to explore the different food stands, farm displays, and to take in the live entertainment.
A visit to the fair is a great way to celebrate the fall season, but it’s even better if you combine it with a stop at Pawtuckaway State Park, one of the most underrated parks in the state. It’s only about 25 minutes from the fair, and it’s one of our favorite places for hiking and kayaking.
How to Spend Your Day:
- Hike to the Pawtuckaway Fire Tower for foliage views
- Walk around Pawtuckaway Lake
- Rent a kayak
- Pack a picnic or enjoy lunch at a local café on the way home
- Spend the afternoon at the Deerfield Fair (if your visit lines up with fair weekend)
Kayak rentals usually aren’t available past the end of September, but you can bring your own if you have one. Otherwise, you can get some great views of the foliage from the many hiking trails within the park and around the lake.
Pro Tip:
We recommend purchasing entry to Pawtuckaway State Park in advance. You can do this through the New Hampshire State Parks official website here. There’s only a certain number of day use passes available each day, and it’s not unusual for them to sell out, especially over a nice weekend. We’ve seen people who didn’t make reservations in advance get turned away at the entrance.
Best Time to Visit:
The Deerfield Fair begins on the 4th Thursday after Labor Day and only runs for 4 days. If you want to combine these two activities, there’s a very narrow window. However, you can always them separately.
How Much Time to Spend:
If you’re visiting the park and the fair, a full day is the perfect amount of time. However, if you have a chance, we highly recommend spending a full day at Pawtuckaway.
6. Lake Sunapee
While many people flock to the mountains to see the foliage, we think some of the nicest views are around many of New Hampshire’s lakes, including Lake Sunapee.
A lot of times Lake Winnipesaukee gets most of the attention, but Lake Sunapee has some great things to see and do during foliage.
We love that Lake Sunapee is a little closer to us than some areas of Lake Winnipesaukee and it offers the same experience on a slightly smaller scale.
How to Spend Your Day:
- Explore Sunapee Harbor
- Take the Sunapee Cruise
- Hike at Mount Sunapee
- Visit The Fells Historic Estate
Best Time to Visit:
Fall is one of the best times to visit Lake Sunapee, especially from late September through mid-October, when the hills are usually showing off their fall colors. If foliage is your priority, aim for early to mid-October, but keep in mind that peak color can vary from year to year.
How Much Time to Spend:
If your drive to get to Sunapee is 2 hours or less, a full day is all you need to visit the lake and The Fells. If you want to get some hiking in as well, you’ll probably want to spend a full weekend.
Where to Stay Near Lake Sunapee:
→ The Inn at Pleasant Lake: Lakefront inn a short distance from Lake Sunapee
→ Mountain Edge Suites: A little further away, but it offers more amenities
7. Lakes Region
We love visiting Lake Winnipesaukee in the summertime, but it’s definitely and underrated destination for the fall.
While the summer is all about boating, tubing, ice cream and lobster rolls, the fall is all about scenic drives, foliage cruises, train rides, and festivals.
It’s an ideal place to visit in the fall because there’s still plenty to do, and there’s lots of restaurants, and shops to explore.
How to Spend Your Day:
- Visit Castle in the Clouds
- Drive the Squam Lake Scenic Drive
- Cruise on the MS Mount Washington
- Ride Gunstock Mountain Scenic SkyRide
- Visit Prescott Farm
- Ride the Winnipesaukee Railway
Best Time to Visit:
Any time from early September to early October is a great time to visit Lake Winnipesaukee. Earlier in the season, you may not see foliage yet, but there’s still plenty to do.
How Much Time to Spend:
If you want to pick and choose your activities, you can easily visit Lake Winnipesaukee as a day trip. However, if you want to experience everything the area has to offer in the fall, we recommend visiting for a full weekend.
Where to Stay in the Lakes Region:
→ The Lake Estate on Winnesquam: Luxury lakefront resort with a spa
→ TownPlace Suites by Marriott: Excellent location between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam
8. Monadnock Region
The Monadnock Region is a quieter corner of New Hampshire with classic fall scenery. If you want a more low-key experience, consider visiting this area.
Keene is probably one of my favorite small towns in New Hampshire and one you don’t hear much about. It has one of the cutest downtowns with some great shops and cafes.
How to Spend Your Day:
- Hike Mount Monadnock
- Visit Cathedral of the Pines
- Explore downtown Keene
- Grab dinner and a local beer
Best Time to Visit:
Mount Monadnock is another area you can visit any time, but if you want to see the foliage, the best time to visit is early to mid-October.
How Much Time to Spend:
If you only plan to visit Keene and Cathedral of the Pines or hike, a full day visit is recommended. If you want to do both, a weekend is probably the best.
There aren’t a ton of hotel options near Mt. Monadnock, so it’s best if you find something a little further out in places like Keene and Swanzey.
Where to Stay Near Mt. Monadnock:
→ The Tartan Fox at Meadmere: Bed and breakfast in a historic building
→ The Bridges Inn at Whitcomb House: Bed and breakfast in Swanzey
9. Upper Valley
The Upper Valley might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about fall in New Hampshire, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
Between the covered bridges, scenic drives, and small towns, there’s plenty to enjoy here over a fall weekend.
How to Spend Your Day:
- Visit the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge
- Drive along the Connecticut River
- Explore Hanover
- Walk around Dartmouth College
Best Time to Visit:
The Upper Valley is beautiful throughout the fall, but late September through mid-October is generally the best time to visit for fall foliage.
The exact timing varies from year to year, so if seeing peak color is your priority, aim for early to mid-October and keep an eye on local foliage reports before your trip.
How Much Time to Spend:
We recommend 2 days for the Upper Valley if you want to experience it without rushing.
That gives you enough time to explore the covered bridges, enjoy the scenery along the Connecticut River, and spend some time in towns like Cornish and Hanover.
You can see a few highlights in a day, but a full weekend lets you slow down and enjoy the area.
Where to Stay in the Upper Valley:
→ Hanover Inn Dartmouth: Located on the grounds of the college with a farm-to-table restaurant
→ Residence Inn by Marriott Hanover: Comfortable hotel close to the college
Tips for Planning Your New Hampshire Fall Adventures
There’s a lot to think about when planning a fall trip to New Hampshire, especially if it’s your first time visiting during foliage season. These are a few things we’d keep in mind before you start planning your trip.
Book Lodging Early for Peak Foliage Weekends
While you don’t need a lot of advance planning for day trips, if you plan to visit the White Mountains, especially in late September or early October, try to book your accommodations early. Bus tours are popular at this time of year, so many hotels tend to sell out on the weekends.
Visit Popular Places Midweek When Possible
Many places get very busy on the weekends in the fall, so try to visit mid-week if at all possible.
Check Operating Hours Before Traveling
Be sure to check operating hours for attractions before heading out. Some places only operate on the weekends in the fall.
Expect Changing Weather
The one thing that’s predictable about New Hampshire weather is that it’s unpredictable. You never know what you’re going to get.
Be sure to pack for varying weather conditions, especially if you’re visiting the White Mountains. It’s not unheard of to get a little snow during peak foliage.
Book Activities in Advance When Possible
There are many activities that are very popular during foliage, especially train rides like the Cog Railway, Conway Scenic Train, and Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Be sure to book these as far in advance as possible to ensure you get the day and time you want.
Planning Your New Hampshire Trip
From finding a place to stay to booking activities and travel insurance, our travel resources can help you plan your trip.
Answering Your Questions About New Hampshire in the Fall
Is New Hampshire a Good Place to Visit in the Fall?
Yes, New Hampshire is a great place to visit in the fall. It offers tons to do and many great scenic driving routes.
Where to Stay in New Hampshire for Fall Foliage?
One of the most popular places to stay for fall foliage is in the White Mountains. North Conway, Lincoln, and Bretton Woods are great options.
What is There to do in New Hampshire in the Fall?
There are many things to do in New Hampshire in the fall. Some of the most popular things are hiking, biking, and visiting the White Mountains.
Our Final Take: New Hampshire in the Fall
Well, there it is, our complete list of ideas for ways to experience New Hampshire in the fall.
As you can see, you don’t need to limit yourself to visiting the White Mountains to fully experience everything the state has to offer.
Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to take full advantage of the season and to start planning your weekends now, before fall is gone again.
If you have any questions about New Hampshire in the fall, feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
Talk soon!
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