Best Fall Foliage Trips in New Hampshire
See Autumn Colors on These Top Adventures Across the Granite State
Oct 13, 2009
No doubt about it: It’s a colorful time to be in New Hampshire. A simple walk in the woods or a jaunt down a back country road offers glimpses of the autumn-tinged woods. Here are four ways to see New Hampshire’s favorite fall show.
Take a Hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Base yourself at the Appalachian Mountain Club Highland Center in Crawford Notch, to pick up maps, information, and trail lunches to go. There are also a variety of free guided hikes and nature walks, offered throughout the day. There are eight trails that cut through or start from the Center, including the granddaddy of them all: the Crawford Path. This 8.5-mile trail, a popular route to the summit of Mount Washington, is considered the oldest continuously-maintained footpath in the United States. For an easier meander, take the Around-the-Lake trail, circling pretty Ammonoosuc Lake or Lost Pond trail to a mountain pond with views to Mount Washington. Plan on about an hour for the one-mile round-trip, not counting time spent at the pond. For lofty White Mountain views, head to the summit of Mount Willard, leaving from AMC’s Crawford Depot. The 1.6 miles to the 2,800-foot summit will take about an hour and a half (3.2 miles, 2 ½ hours roundtrip). For a half-day to day-long hike, consider the trail to Zealand Falls. The 5.6-mile roundtrip trail traverses gentle terrain across the Zealand Valley before reaching pretty Zealand Falls.
Take a class at the Appalachian Mountain Club
While at the Highland Center, why not take in a special workshop or program? During the month of October, the AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch offers a variety of activities. In addition to guided leaf peeper hikes, there are photo workshops, watercolor and mountain sketching programs, foliage crafts, cooking demonstrations, and more.
Soar in a Hot Air Balloon
For a bird’s-eye view of autumn in New England, take a hot air balloon ride. High 5 Ballooning in Derry, New Hampshire, offers sunrise flights, with sweeping views of the White Mountains, Boston skyline, and Atlantic Ocean. Soar wind currents, above a dazzling landscape painted in autumn hues. The aerial adventure includes in-flight music and a champagne celebration and picnic upon landing.
Ride the Rails
Board the Conway Scenic Railway for a trip through Crawford Notch in northern New Hampshire. The train travels past steep granite cliffs, waterfalls and cascades, and fall colored forests. It also crosses the historic Frankenstein Trestle on its way to the Crawford Depot or Fabyan Station.
Or, hop aboard the historic Cog Railway as it chugs its way up to the summit of Mount Washington. Families particularly enjoy the Hobo Railway, out of Lincoln, New Hampshire, for excursions along the Pemigewassett River.
No matter how you do it, New Hampshire puts on quite a show during the fall season.
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