Up for a hike? Check out Winslow State Park and Black Mountain Forest for a fall trek through the sparkling foliage. Once you reach New London and views of the towering Mount Kearsarge come into view, you’ll be in awe of its majestic sea of color and inspiring foliage. The fiery autumn colors set against these royal blue waters is a true sight to behold.Ĭontinuing east on Route 11, you will pass scenic overlooks with views of Otter Pond, Little Sunapee Lake, and Pleasant Lake. Once you hit the Route 11 junction, turn north back toward Lake Sunapee where you can stop and grab lunch on the harbor. Begin in Newbury, heading north along Route 103 where you’ll be treated to remarkable views of Mount Sunapee. Photo by: along the Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway, a half-hour-long route that reveals a kaleidoscope of fall color sprinkled along mountains, lakes, riverways and farmlands. But don’t let the fun stop there! Book a lakeside cabin or cottage to make the most of fall in the Lakes Region. When you’re ready, make your way back towards Alton via Route 28. Keep on Route 25 towards Moultonborough, before taking Route 109 past Cow Island to the historic town of Wolfeboro-the oldest summer resort town in America. Head north towards Meredith before jumping on to Route 25 through the gorgeous lakeside town of Center Harbor. Make a stop and explore the Weirs’ boardwalk, restaurants, public beach, and family-friendly activities before continuing along your tour. Start your Lakes Region Tour in Alton, following Route 11 towards Gilford and Weirs Beach. In the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, it’s not long after the dog days of summer before the fall foliage takes center stage-decorating lakeside towns and bodies of water with a striking display of autumn leaves. Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, Photo by: Denis Tangney Jr If you’re tuckered out after all that foliage viewing, why not book a dreamy stay at a nearby inn or bed and breakfast? Once you’ve refueled, head north on 137 before turning west on Route 101 to start your return to Keene. Consider grabbing some lunch or snacks for a picnic before hitting the road again. From there, take Route 124 South for 12 miles-taking in unbelievable views and naturally scenic vistas, including the iconic scene of Mount Monadnock’s colorful reflection in Perkins Pond.Ĭontinue on towards the quintessentially New England town of Jaffrey-a perfect place for a pit stop to explore local shops, sugar houses, and farm stands. Start in Keene and head down Route 101 towards the town of Marlborough. This Scenic Foliage Loop Drive leads you through the Monadnock Region, delivering brilliant views of quaint farmlands framed by vibrant hues of gold, amber, and rust colored leaves along the way. Mt Monadnock, NH, Photo by: Denis Tangney Jr If you want to keep cruising from there, check out some of the other divine scenic drives in the Merrimack Valley. Continue on and you’ll be treated to brilliant views of Mount Kearsarge over in Wilmot while passing through Salisbury. As you ride along scenic backroads that meander through southern New Hampshire, be sure to allow yourself extra time to make stops and explore the romantic downtowns and scenic vistas dotting the drive.Īs you head onward, be sure to look for the state’s oldest surviving covered railroad bridge-the Contoocook Covered Railroad Bridge. When you hit the junction of Route 103 to 127, hop on and head north toward Warner and Webster. Next, you’ll pass through the striking village of Hopkinton-once the state capital of New Hampshire. Take Route 202 in Hillsboro and travel northeast along the Contoocook River, where you will be treated to dazzling foliage views framed by reflective waters. The 30-mile Currier & Ives Scenic Byway guides you through the Merrimack Valley and the charming towns of Henniker, Hopkinton, Warner, Webster, and Salisbury. Get ready, because this drive is about to take your breath away. New England Covered Bridge, Henniker, NH, Photo by: Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission Make stops to wander into the forest for perfect leaf-peeping hikes, or venture off to find other unique ways to experience New Hampshire’s magical foliage. A journey that takes you through winding backroads carving through rural landscapes, tunnels of electrifyingly bold-colored leaves, and majestic autumn sights all around the Granite State. Leaf-Peeping Routes Loaded With All the Fall EssentialsĮmbark on a journey this season.

Alton woman jumps off bridge 2021