Leaf Peeping in New Hampshire
Fall Foliage Locations, Scenic Driving Routes in New England State
Sep 16, 2009
Nearly every road traveled during New Hampshire’s autumn season is an opportunity for visitors to leaf peep. Amazing fall foliage of brilliant yellow, red, and orange can be seen for miles around. Cascading waterfalls, rapid rivers, native wildlife, and covered bridges may also be spotted along the way. Of the many scenic driving routes of interest in New Hampshire, there are three that are particularly spectacular for fall foliage.
Leaf Peeping Along the Kancamagus Highway
The national byway known as the Kancamagus Highway is a 34-mile route that cuts through the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. One of the most popular scenic driving routes in the New England state, the Kancamagus Highway (route 112) is the perfect destination for those who want to see the radiant fall foliage of New Hampshire. The Swift River, a crystal clear cascading rapid runs along parallel to the drive.
Along the Kancamagus, visitors will find scenic vistas, areas of higher elevation for gorgeous views of the mountains, campgrounds and picnic areas, hiking trails, and many other camera worthy fall foliage opportunities. Travelers can find the start of the route at either end, west in Lincoln, New Hampshire or at the eastern tip in beautiful Conway.
Fall Foliage Along North Conway to Santa’s Village
Another beautiful drive can be found when following Route 16 north from Conway to Gorham, New Hampshire and then turning west on Route 2 toward Jefferson and Santa’s Village. This is a wonderful scenic destination for a family with young children who want to include a visit to either Story Land or Santa’s Village during their leaf peeping trip.
Along the way on Route 16, don’t miss Glen Ellis Falls. Here, after crossing the highway on foot in an underground tunnel, and descending 100 steps, visitors will be treated to an incredible 65-foot cascading waterfall, surrounded by a forest of blazing color.
Turning the corner at the intersection of Route 2 west, an adventure for the visual senses awaits. This scenic driving route hugs the Presidential Mountain Range. With Mount Jefferson, Madison, and Adams looming loftily, Mount Washington (tallest in the Northeast) towers above the rest, standing majestically at an elevation of 6288 feet. The mountain offers a harrowing but exciting auto road for those who wish to experience weather and sweeping views from a dizzying height.
Southerly Leaf Peeping Near Mount Monadnock
A fall foliage drive along Route 124 may begin in Mason, New Hampshire where travelers will find a delicious breakfast at Parker’s Maple Barn. Hopping onto Route 124 heading west, the scenic road trip takes visitors through the town of Jaffrey. Eventually travelers will come to Mount Monadnock, the most hiked mountain in the United States, and second in the world after Mount Fuji in Japan.
From the top of the moderate Monadnock trail, visitors can see Boston on a clear day and the views and leaf peeping opportunities are magnificent. Eventually, the scenic driving route will end in the lovely town of Marlborough. At this point, Route 124 intersects with the heavily traveled Route 101, another beautiful fall foliage destination along the southern part of the state.
New Hampshire is one of the premiere states for leaf peeping and scenic drives during the autumn season. Offering opportunities for visitors to enjoy fall foliage, spectacular views of the White Mountains, and many other exciting destinations, leaf peeping in New Hampshire will be a memorable activity for the entire family.
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