New Hampshire Fall Highlights

Located in the presidential range of the White Mountains, Mount Washington proudly stands as the tallest peak in Northeastern U.S. This mountain is well known for its erratic weather patterns which have surprised and delighted its visitors for many decades. 

Visitors can snake their way up the mountainside on the Mt. Washington Auto Road in the safety of their own car or via a guided tour and experience the dramatic climate changes, cloud formations, and high winds for a truly unforgettable experience.

If you want an added dose of education on your trip, be sure to book a guided tour with knowledgeable experts that can teach you and your family about the history and ecology of Mount Washington as well as provide legends and anecdotes to keep you entertained throughout the ride.

Make sure to bring your camera, because once at the top of the mountain you’ll be able to snap a shot of the gorgeous White Mountain National Forest that lies below.

 Be aware that this trip is only available between the months of Early May to October 21st, so be sure to arrive before the end of October to enjoy the experience. 

For another relaxing and scenic journey up Mt. Washington, consider hopping aboard the Cog Railway which will take you to the mountain’s summit on a breathtaking three-hour round trip.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is located in the White Mountains in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, 6 miles off Rt. 302. The trip begins at the Marshfield Base Station, and before hopping on board visitors can explore the gift shop, museum, and grab a bite to eat or drink at the Peppersass Bar & Restaurant.

Be prepared to take a step back in time, as the trains are designed to replicate the experience travelers would have had in the early 1900s.

Once at the summit, riders are treated to a one-hour layover where they’ll have time to explore the Sherman Adams Summit Building which is home to the Mount Washington Observatory. You can also step into the historic Tip Top House, which is a former hotel that was restored into a museum in the 1960s.

It is best to book your trip aboard the Mt. Washington Cog Railway in advance, and bear in mind that the railway is open for daily trips between the months of April and November.

The changing fall foliage offers an opportunity for visitors to revel in the magic of autumn in New Hampshire. The leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red and delight the senses of all who witness them.

Taking a leisurely hike is an excellent way to take in the foliage, and there are plenty of opportunities in New Hampshire to do just that. North Percy Peak at The Great North Woods is a great hike for those who are relatively fit and may be looking for a workout. This trail is 4.4 miles to the peak and back and takes about three and a half hours to complete. The effort is absolutely worth it however, as hikers are treated to lookout points with stunning views over the Nash Stream Forest.

Mount Cube, near Wentworth, New Hampshire is another great hike for those interested in experiencing the state’s abundant wildlife. At 6.8 miles total, this moderate trail offers hikers views of the southern White Mountains with plenty of open ledges.

Another great family-friendly option is Odiorne State Park, which is located on the seacoast of New Hampshire in the town of Rye. Visitors are treated to trails that wind through lush vegetation throughout the park and along the coast. The Odiorne Point Loop Trail is three miles total and is moderate in nature, making it great for families with small children.

If you want to get even more of a workout in while you soak up the beautiful fall views, a bike ride may be just the thing you need. Whether you are looking for a more strenuous workout or just want a casual ride, there are plenty of trails in New Hampshire to suit your needs.

The New Hampshire State Parks are a great place to start when looking for trails, and Bear Brook State Park located in Allenstown is a great place for families to explore. The park itself is over 10,000 acres, and offers forty miles of trails that take bikers through marshes, bogs, and summits. While at the park be sure to take some time to enjoy the park museum, fishing, and beaches.

Moose Brook State Park located in the town of Gorham in the White Mountain Region is another great choice for families, and offers a number of different trails that can be used for biking as well as hiking. The cool, clear waters of Moose Brook flow through the park, and there are also warmer, shallow areas that are great for swimming after a long bike ride.

The quintessential fall activity, apple and pumpkin picking offers vacationers the perfect taste of fall in New Hampshire. 

Applecrest Farm located in Hampton Falls is New Hampshire’s oldest and largest apple orchard and offers more than 40 varieties of apples, peaches, cherries, pumpkins and more. According to the farm’s website, early September is a great time for picking, and it offers apples, pumpkins, raspberries, and peaches for picking. While there, be sure to visit the farm market where you can find fresh fruit, as well as hand-pressed cider, honey, as well as old-fashioned cider donuts. 

Appleview Orchard in the town of Pittsfield is another great option for some apple picking fun. The farm offers a number of delicious apple varieties including McIntosh, Honey Crisp, and Gala. It also features a petting zoo with goats, pigs, turkeys, and bunnies for the kids.

After you’re done picking, enjoy some of the farm’s premium gourmet ice cream with homemade waffle cones and brownies, hot coffee, tea, and be sure to soak up the beautiful orchard vistas!

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t delay, and start your fall trip to New Hampshire today!

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