An estimated 6 million annual visitors voyage to the White Mountains of New Hampshire for their spectacle of fall foliage. The vast mountain range is part of the Appalachia family and makes up about one quarter of New Hampshire.
USA Today recently included the White Mountains on its list of “10 best places to see fall colors in the United States” in 2024. Also on the list are the Berkshires, Massachusetts (9) and Stowe, Vermont (7). With 7 million acres of forest, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula ranked as the best foliage destination in America for 2024.
How to admire the fall foliage at New Hampshire’s White Mountains
With over 800,000 acres there’s a plethora of ways to admire the stunning fall foliage in New Hampshire. The leaves tend to reach their peak color in early October before falling off.
By car
Smack down the middle of the white mountains is a 35-mile highway known as Kancamagus. Take your vehicle for a drive on this road for breathtaking views of the mountains dressed in yellow, red, and orange leaves ablaze!
By train
The North Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire is a scenic passenger car that’s operated foliage tours since it rebranded in 1974. There are trips taking place all fall, ranging from the 5.5-hour Mountaineer to the shorter 1-hour Conway Valley Train.
On foot
The White Mountains have 580 unique trails for hiking. Some lead up to the peak, Mount Washington. As the tallest peak in the northeast, the 6,288-foot elevation is not for the faint of heart. Across the 580 trails there are different paths to match different skill levels!
When will the fall foliage peak in New Hampshire?
According to this New Hampshire fall foliage map, the best time to catch the leaves at peak in the White Mountains is October 5-10.
Local experts forecast this year’s foliage will have an earlier peak, still displaying a mesmerizing assortment of bright, rich colors! The concentration of color is a sign of healthy trees, which is largely due to the consistent rain with bouts of sun we’ve experienced this summer in New England.