New Hampshire packs a lot of lures into a convenient location, from the summit of the Northeast's tallest peak to its 18 miles (28.96 Km) of mesmerizing seacoast, which is the shortest coastal state in the US. The natural attractions in New Hampshire provide a wealth of outdoor activities in addition to the numerous locations to explore specifically for leaf peeping. The fiery fall colors in the White Mountains are magical! Visitors come from around the world in September and October to see the area's yearly display of color. While it may appear as though the beautiful hues of fall are tinted on the scenery, the early weeks of this season are marked by a change in color. There are only a handful of places in the world where fall is as breathtaking, and every year, New Hampshire attracts millions of tourists to witness the hue show that takes place during the special weeks of weather there, the variety of trees that go through this transformation, and the rugged terrain. Here is a guide to visiting the White Mountains in the Fall.
Feast Your Eyes On The Most Splendid Spots In The White Mountains
Drive The Wonderful Kancamagus Scenic Highway
Driving the 34-mile (54.74 Km) Kancamagus Highway is the most memorable of all the great trips tourists can experience while in New England in the fall. The picturesque road links the cities of Conway and Lincoln while cutting through a vast bewitching forest. A kaleidoscope of hues will be visible to the visitors in both directions, as far as their eyes can see. It is guaranteed that the Kancamagus Scenic Highway is worth the effort since it is frequently rated as one of the top places in the world to watch fall foliage. Traversing this splendid highway will be the best part of tourists’ visit to New Hampshire. They can start their day early if they want to enjoy leaf-peeping in New Hampshire while avoiding traffic and crowdedness because the parking lots at the views fill up quickly!
- Duration: The entire trip will take around an hour, but tourists are advised to take extra time to stop at the many panoramas along their way for an unforgettable experience.
Walk The Artist Bluff Trail In Franconia Notch State Park
This little rocky ledge overlooks Echo Lake and perches barely above a sea of wonderful trees. One of the most famous fall picture locations in New Hampshire is due to its distinctive scenery and accessibility. A mild side-trip to Bald Mountain's top may be added to the Artist Bluff Trail, a circuit that offers a higher vantage point. Tourists can take the trail from the main entrance, or they may choose a shortcut, which is situated just across from the marvelous Echo Lake parking lot.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.5 miles/2.41 Km
- Other trails: Franconia Ridge, Baldface Mountain Loop, Arethusa Falls, Tuckerman Ravine & Mount Washington, Welch-Dickey Loop, and other trails.
Kayak In The Magnificent Echo Lake
The cute tiny lake located below Artist Bluff is called Echo Lake. It is actually a fantastic area that is encircled by the exceptional Mount Lafayette, the ski resort of Cannon Mountain, and the notch where the wonderful Franconia and Kinsman ranges meet. Spending an hour or a full afternoon next to the lake is ideal. Tourists can swim or rent canoes and kayaks. They can also spend time snapping pictures on the pier and relaxing embraced by the outstanding pebble mountains. If they choose Echo Lake State Park as one of their stops, tourists can also walk several hiking treks that start there, including a lovely route around the lake.
- Entrance fee: Echo Lake State Park’s entrance fee is $4 per person
- Opening schedule: June through October from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Although the park is always accessible for amusement, it is not staffed overnight or during the off-season.
Tips For Enjoying The Fall Foliage In The Marvelous White Mountains
Plan Your Trip Ahead
Even while many of the White Mountains attractions open throughout the best time of the foliage, it is also during these periods that visitor traffic is at its highest! For those places that are not to be missed, tourists must make reservations in advance. The same applies to hotels; while unplanned excursions are always enjoyable, there is no assurance that a location will be available at short notice during the peak of fall colors. Campsites and a few state parks in the White Mountains also require prior booking. Additionally, tourists are advised to check the weather before visiting the fabulous White Mountains to ensure that they will have the best memorable time.
Take Less Traveled Road And Visit The White Mountains During Weekdays
There is little doubt as to why the jaw-dropping Kancamagus Highway is a well-known location for excellent foliage! There are several hiking routes, covered bridges, natural areas, and picturesque panoramas. Weekends are often busier in the White Mountains because tourists are looking for the finest places to view the bewitching fall foliage. It is better to schedule their visit during the middle of the week since they could occasionally have a scenery, road, or trail to themselves. They shall also consider exploring one of the less traveled roads on the map to escape some traffic along the highway.
- Least crowded roads: Routes in the Lakes Region and some side streets in smaller towns, including Sugar Hill, Franconia, Jackson, Littleton, and Eaton.