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TEN NH FOLIAGE DRIVES
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THE KANC ~ Perhaps the most famous of all scenic foliage drives in New England, the Kancamagus Highway ( called the 'kanc' by the locals) is a gently curving stretch of 34-mile byway that cuts through the heart of the pristine White Mountain region of NH. With spectacular autumn color, there's no doubt the Kanc lives up to its legendary reputation. Start your journey in Conway, NH at the Saco River Station, and head west towards Lincoln. Take a break at the Rocky Gorge Scenic area and have a picnic lunch next to the stunning Upper Falls. <Kancamagus Highway> |
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MOOSE ALLEY ~ Route 3 from Pittsburg, NH to the Canadian border is called Moose Alley for a reason. This beautiful region of the Great North Woods is home to a population of more than 6,000 moose, and you will definitely see them when visiting. This is the place to be if you want to see NH's gentle giants. Surrounded by the stunning orange, yellow, and bright red hues of NH's fiery foliage season, this route definitely ranks at one of NH's top ten foliage drives. Remember to bring your camera, drive slow, and don't get too close to the moose. <Moose Photos> |
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THE WATERFALL TOUR ~ Although nothing quite compares to the raging rapids of spring melt, NH's waterfalls are still quite impressive during foliage season. Take a picnic break at the base of Sabbaday Falls near Conway, view the 64-foot drop of Glen Ellis Falls near Pinkham Notch, get a bonus view of Mt. Washington from the apex of Thompson Falls at Wildcat Ski Area, and don't forget to include the Flume Cascade in Franconia Notch when planning your waterfall tour. |
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THE COVERED BRIDGE TOUR ~ Because New Hampshire offers more than 60 covered bridges, it may be hard to choose which ones to catch when plotting your foliage and covered bridge tour. We recommend starting at the Flume Bridge in Franconia Notch, then seeing the Sentinel Pine Bridge in Lincoln and Clark's Bridge in North Woodstock, before journeying over Lost River Highway towards Bath. Bath is home to not one, but three covered bridges; Bath, Bath-Haverhill and Swiftwater. The Bath-Haverhill Bridge is the oldest covered bridge still in use in New Hampshire today. <NH Covered Bridges> |
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THE NOTCHES ~ New Hampshire is home to three distinct and visually impressive "Notches"; Franconia Notch (former home of the Old Man on the Mountain), Crawford Notch (near Mount Washington) and Dixville Notch (home to the world-famous Balsams Resort). Take a tour of all three during foliage season to behold their breathtaking beauty. <Franconia Notch> |
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THE LAKES REGION ~ Combine stunning foliage with quaint villages, pristine lakes and spectacular shopping, and you have the whirlwind Lakes Region foliage tour. Take exit 23 from I-91 and travel along Route 104 to Meredith. Enjoy this little village nestled on the banks of Lake Winnipesaukee before resuming travel along Route 25 to Center Harbor. Cruise around Squam Lake to Sandwich, before continuing along Route 25 into Tamworth. <NH Lakes Region> |
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SOUTHERN BEAUTY ~ To start your tour of Merrimack region foliage, start on Route 101 in Auburn and head south onto the Route 28 bypass. Stop at the Massabesic Audobon Center for some great walking trails and a chance to see nesting ospreys. Head towards Chester on Route 121, briefly visit Route 102, and jump back onto Route 121 to view the eastern shores of Lake Massabesic. <Merrimack Valley> |
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MONADNOCK ~ The Monadnock region of southern NH offers bright colors, gently rolling hills and breathtaking views of famous Mount Monadnock. Start your trip in Milford, enjoy Route 101 through Peterborough and into Dublin. Turn right to Harrisville, take Route 137 back to Peterborough and Route 101. If you're feeling adventurous, try hiking to the summit of Mount Monadnock for a completely different perspective of foliage season. <Monadnock Region> |
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COASTAL BEAUTY ~ Although New Hapmshire's seacoast is small, it is mighty when it comes to foliage season. We recommend Route 1A north from Rye Harbor to Route1B towards Portsmouth. Another great tour in this region is Route 4 in Durham. <NH Seacoast Region> |
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SUNAPEE ~ Home of Dartmouth College, the Lake Sunapee - Upper Valley region tour offers great scenery and the longest two span covered bridge in the world. Starting in Claremont, NH, drive along Route12A towards West Lebanon. You will be meandering along the edge of the Connecticut River, with views of Vermont on the other side. Be sure to keep your eyes out for all four covered bridges along this route. More info about the Dartmouth - Sunapee Region. |
