Planning a trip to see New England’s legendary fall colors? 🍂 New Hampshire is one of the best places in the U.S. to experience the magic of Fall. From fiery red maples to golden birch trees lining mountain roads, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking in October.
This 4-day New Hampshire fall foliage itinerary takes you through the most stunning routes and destinations in the state — from lakeside views at Lake Winnipesaukee, to the scenic Kancamagus Highway, to soaring mountain peaks in the White Mountains. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing road trip, a leaf-peeping adventure, or photo-perfect stops, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable Fall getaway.
Our road trip begins in Boston, then winds through charming small towns, sparkling rivers, and state parks bursting with color. Here’s how to spend 3-4 days in New Hampshire for the ultimate fall foliage trip.
Day 1: Boston → Lake Winnipesaukee → White Mountains
Our trip began with a late-night flight from San Francisco to Boston, landing early in the morning. After picking up our rental car, we were on the road by 9:30 AM, with a quick stop in Andover, MA for breakfast at Caffè Nero. We also stocked up on water and road trip snacks before heading north.
Scenic Drive Along I-93
Driving north on Highway 93, we passed through towns like Windham, Manchester, and South Hooksett. The fall colors had already started to appear along the highway, with vibrant orange and red trees framing our journey. It was the perfect introduction to New Hampshire’s foliage season.
Stop 1: Lake Winnipesaukee – Alton Bay (12:15 PM)
Our first major stop was Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest lake. We reached Alton Bay around lunchtime and were greeted with stunning lakeside views. Colorful trees surrounded charming homes along the shore, and the reflections on the water were picture-perfect. After taking photos and enjoying the scenery, we continued our drive at 1:00 PM.
Stop 2: White Mountain National Forest – Swift River (2:30 PM)
By mid-afternoon, we arrived at the White Mountain National Forest. Driving along the Kancamagus Highway, we stopped at the Swift River in Albany, where golden leaves framed the flowing water. This classic New England scene truly captured the magic of fall in the mountains.
Stop 3: Franconia Notch State Park – Cannon Mountain Tramway (4:15 PM)
Our next highlight was Franconia Notch State Park, home to the famous Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. The gondola ride whisked us up to the summit in just minutes, where panoramic views of the White Mountains revealed endless waves of fall foliage. Driving through the state park afterward gave us even more opportunities to admire the autumn landscape.
Dinner in Lincoln, NH
By evening, we stopped in Lincoln for dinner. Thai 9 offered flavorful Thai dishes, though the wait was long (worth it!). For a quicker bite, GH Pizza was a good option.
Overnight in Bartlett
We wrapped up the day by checking into our Airbnb in Bartlett, NH. Tucked into the mountains, it was a peaceful place to recharge before another full day of leaf-peeping adventures.
Day 2: North Conway → Kancamagus Highway → Conway Scenic Railroad 🚂🍁
We started our morning slowly, enjoying breakfast at Café Italia in North Conway — a cozy café known for great coffee and hearty breakfast plates. After fueling up for the day, we set out to explore one of New Hampshire’s most scenic drives: the Kancamagus Highway.
Stop 1: Saco River Covered Bridge (11:20 AM)
Our first stop was the Saco River Covered Bridge, one of the most picturesque bridges in the White Mountains. Surrounded by colorful foliage and calm river reflections, it made for a perfect photo opportunity.
Saco River Covered Bridge
Stop 2: Swift River Covered Bridge (12:00 PM)
Just a short drive away, the Swift River Covered Bridge offered another classic New England backdrop — red bridge, golden trees, and crisp mountain air.
Stop 3: Scenic Drive Along Kancamagus Highway (12:20 PM)
No fall trip to New Hampshire is complete without driving the Kancamagus Highway. Winding through the White Mountain National Forest, this stretch is famous for its panoramic views and vibrant fall colors at every turn.
Stop 4: Rocky Gorge Scenic Area (12:40 PM)
We made a stop at Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, where the Rocky Gorge Falls Pond Trail follows the Swift River. The sound of rushing water mixed with the rustle of autumn leaves made this spot feel magical.
Stop 5: Sabbaday Falls (1:40 PM)
Next, we hiked the short trail to Sabbaday Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls along the Kancamagus. The layered rock formations and vivid leaves around the falls made it a photographer’s dream.
Stop 6: Bear Notch Road – Bartlett (2:20 PM)
After the falls, we detoured onto Bear Notch Road near Bartlett, another stunning drive lined with brilliant orange and red maples. We stopped for photos several times — it’s that scenic!
Stop 7: Harts Location – Dry River Area (2:50 PM)
We made a quick photo stop near the Dry River Campground in Harts Location, surrounded by dense forests showing peak fall color.
Stop 8: Lunch in North Conway (3:50 PM)
Back in North Conway, we stopped at Cheese Louise — a fun and flavorful spot known for creative grilled cheese sandwiches. Definitely a must-try if you’re exploring the area.
In the afternoon, we boarded the Conway Scenic Railroad, a nostalgic train ride through the fall-colored valleys. Watching the scenery roll by from vintage train windows was such a peaceful way to end the day. Afterward, we wandered through North Conway Village, checked out a few shops, grabbed pizza to-go, and enjoyed a cozy evening at our Airbnb in Bartlett.
Conway Scenic Railroad Ride
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Day 3: North Conway → Franconia Notch State Park → Lincoln 🍂🏞️
Day 3 of our New Hampshire fall getaway was filled with scenic overlooks, short hikes, and postcard-worthy mountain views. After exploring the Kancamagus Highway the previous day, we spent this one discovering the natural beauty around Franconia Notch State Park.
Morning in North Conway (10:30 AM)
We started our morning with breakfast at The Met in North Conway Village — a cozy coffeehouse serving great lattes and pastries. The downtown area is charming in fall, with colorful trees and mountain views framing the little shops.
Stop 1: Intervale Scenic Vista (11:30 AM)
Our first photo stop was the Intervale Scenic Vista, just a short drive from downtown. This viewpoint offers sweeping views of Mount Washington Valley and the Saco River — an easy, must-see stop for any leaf-peeping drive.
Stop 2: Saco Lake & Mount Willard Trail (12:45 PM)
Next, we visited Saco Lake, a serene spot right by the road with a small walking trail. Across the street is the Mount Willard Trail, a popular moderate hike that rewards you with breathtaking views over Crawford Notch. We made a quick stop at the nearby visitor center before continuing on.
Stop 3: Artist Bluff & Bald Mountain Loop (1:30 PM)
The Artist Bluff Trail in Franconia Notch State Park was one of our favorite stops of the trip. The short, moderately challenging loop leads to a stunning overlook where you can see Echo Lake surrounded by fiery red and orange trees — one of the most photographed fall views in New Hampshire.
Artist Bluff
Stop 4: Echo Lake (2:45 PM)
After the hike, we stopped by Echo Lake Beach for a closer look at the calm waters reflecting the mountains and autumn colors.
Stop 5: St. Matthew’s Chapel (3:40 PM)
A quick photo stop at St. Matthew’s Chapel offered a peaceful view of the small white chapel framed by golden foliage — a classic New England scene.
Stop 6: The Flume Gorge (4:30 PM – Closed)
We arrived at The Flume Gorge just after it closed for the day, so a good tip for fellow travelers — check the Flume Gorge visiting hours before you go! It’s one of the most popular attractions in the White Mountains.
Stop 7: The Basin Waterfall (5:00 PM)
To make up for the missed gorge, we stopped at The Basin, a natural granite pothole waterfall inside Franconia Notch State Park. It’s an easy, short walk and worth visiting for the peaceful river views surrounded by colorful trees.
Evening in Lincoln (6:00 PM)
We ended the day at the RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, where we had a delicious dinner at La Vista Italian Cuisine. The cozy, upscale vibe and hearty pasta dishes made for the perfect end to a long day of exploring.
Day 4: Bartlett → Chocorua Mountain Highway → Boston ✈️🍁
Our final morning in New Hampshire was calm and colorful — the perfect way to wrap up our fall foliage getaway.
Morning in Bartlett (10:00 AM)
We spent the morning enjoying the crisp mountain air and capturing a few last photos around our Airbnb in Bartlett. The views from the cabin were surrounded by brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold — nature’s grand finale before we hit the road.
Breakfast & Coffee in North Conway (11:00 AM)
Before heading south, we stopped for breakfast at Frontside Coffee Roasters in North Conway. The cozy café atmosphere, fresh brew, and mountain views made it a great final stop. We couldn’t resist another quick visit to Cheese Louise for their famous fries, potato sandwich, and creamy tomato soup — the ultimate comfort food for a cool autumn day.
Scenic Drive: Chocorua Mountain Highway (Midday)
On our way back toward Boston, we took the Chocorua Mountain Highway (Route 16) — a beautiful scenic route known for its panoramic views of Mount Chocorua and the surrounding lakes. The golden foliage along the winding road was the perfect farewell to New Hampshire’s fall beauty.
Heading Home ✈️
After a few photo stops along the drive, we returned our rental car and made our way to the airport for our evening flight. Our journey ended with a flight from Boston to San Francisco — hearts full and camera rolls overflowing with autumn colors.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
Mid to late October is typically the peak season for fall colors in New Hampshire. Depending on the weather, foliage starts turning earlier in the north (White Mountains region) and later in the south. Timing is everything! Use a fall foliage calendar to make sure you experience New Hampshire at its most colorful.
🍁 Final Thoughts: Experiencing New Hampshire’s Fall Magic
New Hampshire truly captures the essence of autumn in New England — fiery trees, mirror-like lakes, and scenic byways that look straight out of a postcard. This 4-day fall foliage road trip gave us a little bit of everything: peaceful lakeside mornings, winding mountain drives, hidden waterfalls, and cozy small towns that feel timeless.
If you’re planning a New Hampshire fall road trip, this itinerary is perfect for soaking in the best of the season without feeling rushed. Whether you’re chasing golden reflections at Lake Winnipesaukee, hiking to panoramic views at Artist Bluff, or cruising along the Kancamagus Highway, every stop will leave you in awe of nature’s color show.
So pack your camera, bring a warm sweater, and hit the road — New Hampshire in fall is nothing short of breathtaking. 🍂
Planning a trip to New Hampshire? Experience the beauty of the White Mountains and Kancamagus Highway with a Fall Foliage Tour on GetYourGuide — perfect for scenic drives, waterfalls, and autumn colors.
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