New Hampshire fall foliage is expected to peak by late September this year! If you’re planning a trip to catch the state in its cascade of color, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about New Hampshire’s fall foliage—like the best vantage points and how long it’ll last. Find our full New Hampshire fall foliage guide below!
When is peak foliage in New Hampshire?
The northernmost part of New Hampshire will peak first and is estimated to reach peak foliage on September 26. The southernmost part of the state will reach peak nearly a month later, around October 20. Each region of the state will hold its peak for approximately one week, before the leaves begin to fall.
The White Mountains are estimated to reach their peak from October 5-October 10, 2024. The map below indicates when each part of the state is expected to peak:
Scenic fall foliage drive in New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway offers a nearly 35-mile route through the central northern part of New Hampshire. You’ll pass the scenic White Mountains on this route and (passengers!) will get to enjoy the stunning leaves en route. It travels from Lincoln to Conway and regarded among the “best fall foliage viewing areas in the world.” The byway is about a 2.5 hour drive from Boston and offers dozens of historic stopping points en route.
Picturesque fall foliage train rides
Leave the driving up to someone else and board one of New Hampshire’s famous fall foliage trains that both travel through the White Mountains.
- Conway Scenic Railroad: tickets start from $24
- Mount Washington Cog (world’s first mountain climbing cog): tickets start from $94
Entrances to both railways are about 2.5 hours from Boston by car. Those without a car can board the Concord Coach bus which travels to Northern New Hampshire. Tickets start from $36 for the 3.5 hour bus ride.
Best spots to see New Hampshire’s fall foliage
The White Mountains are certainly the most picturesque spot to admire New Hampshire’s fall foliage, and maybe all of New England! The maple, birch, and beech trees all transform around the same time, basking the range in colors ablaze! However, the southern part of the state is much closer to Boston, and often underrated as a foliage destination. Here are some of the most underrated spots to catch New Hampshire’s foliage, all within 2 hours of Boston:
- Monadnock State Park: an underrated leaf-peeping destination that inspired Robert Frost, Henry David Thoreau, and more (2 hours from Boston)
- The Appleway Scenic Byway: travel through Southern New Hampshire and enjoy a scenic foliage drive complete with corn mazes and apple farms en route! (begins 45 minutes from Boston at 268 Mammoth Road, Londonderry)
Getting There
Car offers the most flexibility for traveling to New Hampshire for foliage, but if that’s not an option, Concord Coach bus offers $67 round-trip travel from Boston to the White Mountains. If visiting Southern New Hampshire, the Amtrak Downeaster travels to Exeter, Durham and Dover from North Station with tickets starting at $19 for the 1-hour trip.
Where to stay for foliage views
There’s an abundance of lodging options to complete your fall foliage excursion! Here are some of the top spots, that offer a direct view, right from your room!
- Omni Mount Washington Resort offers a sublime view of Mount Washington, part of the White Mountains
- Lumen Nature Retreats: stay within the foliage at this new glamping ground at the heart of the White Mountains
- Kailaśa Chalet: a private mountaintop chalet just 10 minutes from the Kancamagus Scenic Highway
Get ready to plan your trip to one of the world’s top foliage destinations! New Hampshire fall foliage will begin to peak starting from September 26 and lasting right through Halloweekend!