15 Best Places to Capture Fall Foliage in New Hampshire
If you live in New England or are in search of amazing fall foliage, New Hampshire is your state! New Hampshire’s foliage typically begins in early September and peaks in mid-September to late October. Sometimes fall foliage can be noticed as early as late August. Looking to explore more of New Hampshire and capture the greatest fall foliage scenes? We compiled a list of 15 of the best locations to photograph fall foliage in the Granite State:
#1 – Frankenstein Trestle (Crawford Notch, NH)
The Frankenstein Trestle is one of the most beautiful spots in New Hampshire. It is located in Crawford Notch State Park in the White Mountains. It’s a unique spot along the old Maine Central Railroad. The trestle is named after Godfrey Frankenstein, a German-born painter who lived in Crawford Notch during the 1800s and painted there.
Hiking to the ironic trestle is a must for anyone exploring Crawford Notch. The most popular trail is the 4.9-mile Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop, which includes the trestle and the iconic Arethusa Falls.
#2 – Hairpin Turn on the Kancamagus Highway (Lincoln, NH)
The Kancamagus Highway needs no introduction. It is a 34.5-mile scenic drive along NH’s Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire which is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing areas in the country. The Hair Pin turn can be found right by the Hancock Overlook and Hancock Notch Trailhead.
#3 – Lower Falls Scenic Area (Albany, NH)
Lower Falls is another popular spot along the Kancamagus Highway. The falls are a beautiful spot where the Swift River drops over smooth rocks. In the summer, the falls are a popular spot for swimming, tanning, and picnics. In autumn, the foliage makes the falls look spectacular.
#4 – Sabbaday Falls (Conway, NH)
Sabbaday Falls is yet another beautiful spot along the Kancamagus Highway to catch fall foliage. The falls can be reached via an easy 15-minute walk. The fall is spectacular and has a 45-foot total drop. There are also handmade wooden rails and stairways surrounding on side of the falls which makes them easy to view and photograph.
#5 – Table Rock (Dixville Notch, NH)
Table Rock in Dixville Notch is one beautiful spot to capture the fall foliage of New Hampshire. To get to the top of Table Rock, visitors follow the Table Rock Trail which is about 1.5 miles. From 750 ft high up, visitors see beautiful landscapes and breathtaking foliage in Dixville Notch.
#6 – Flume Covered Bridge (Lincoln, NH)
Flume Covered Bridge is one of the most photogenic covered bridges in New Hampshire and really shines during the fall. The covered bridge goes over the Pemigewaset River. The bridge can be seen before visiting Flume Gorge.
#7 – Artists Bluff Trail (Franconia, NH)
Artists Bluff Trail is another glorious spot to capture New Hampshire foliage. The trail to get to Artists Bluff is 1.5 miles and it is definitely a popular trail. From the top of Artists Bluff, visitors enjoy sweeping views of Franconia Notch State Park and Echo Lake.
#8 – Cannon Mountain (Franconia, NH)
Fall foliage looks amazing from the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain. To get to the summit, visitors can take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram during the fall months. The tram ride itself is a whole lot of fun and the view from the top is just amazing. Fun Fact: on a clear day you can see the mountains of four states and Canada!
#9 – Flume Gorge (Lincoln, NH)
Flume Gorge has always been one of the most popular places to visit in the White Mountains. In the fall, the gorge is just all the more spectacular! The Flume is a natural gorge extending approximately 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The Flume Gorge loop is approximately 2 miles and takes about an hour and a half to complete. Along the gorge, you will see beautiful falls, streams, and paths.
#10 – Silver Cascade (Harts Location, NH)
Silver Cascade in Carroll County is a 250-foot cascading roadside waterfall where fall colors truly shine! The cascade can be viewed right off Highway 320, near Harts Location in New Hampshire.
#11 – St. Matthew’s Chapel (Sugar Hill, NH)
St. Matthew’s Chapel in Sugar Hill is a great spot to capture fall foliage. The chapel was built in 1893 and makes for a great photo spot.
#12 – Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth is a great port city on the Piscataqua River. The city is home to some great restaurants, shops, museums, and galleries. In the fall, the trees in the city make it a magical place to be and photograph.
#13 – Arethusa Falls (Crawford Notch, NH)
Arethusa Falls is widely regarded as one of the best scenic waterfalls in all of New Hampshire. The falls are nearly 200 feet tall and can be accessed via the Arethusa Falls Trail which is about 1.5 miles (one way). The falls are spectacular by themselves, but in autumn they shin all the more with red, orange, and yellow leaves. Totally worth the hike!
#14 – Hollis, NH
Hollis is a beautiful town in Hillsborough County, NH. The town center is well worth exploring and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Hollis Village Historic District. There are plenty of beautiful farms and backroads to photograph in the fall!
#15 – Henniker Covered Bridge (Henniker, NH)
The Henniker Covered Bridge spans the Contoocook River. The covered bridge was built in 1972 and serves as a footbridge for New England College.
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