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 “Ultimate fall colors bucket list: 10 US destinations you need to see.”
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 late 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 fall foliage map, the best time to catch the leaves at peak is mid to late October, right before Halloween.
Local experts forecast this year’s foliage will have a late and simultaneous peak, displaying a mesmerizing assortment of bright, rich colors! The concentration of color is a sign of healthy trees, which is largely due to the non-stop rain with bouts of sun we’ve experienced this summer in New England.