The air is starting to feel cool and the leaves in some parts of New Hampshire are already showing a hint that fall is on its’ way. While some have had their fill of hot summer days, the approaching fall foliage season provides a reason to get outside and experience New Hampshire’s fall colors and the long dry summer promises a vibrant show.
The Granite State offers many ways to experience the season off the beaten path whether through a hike, a drive, or a weekend stay. A foliage leaf peeping excursion can also be combined with a visit to one of the many state’s attractions. New Hampshire in the fall bursts forth with the colors of nature and adventurous activities to keep the entire family busy.
New Hampshire’s foliage season runs roughly from late-September to mid-October, but this varies widely depending on weather, topography and geography. Just before the season begins, a sneak preview of fall can be found as swamp maples surrounding some ponds and lakes may turn a fiery red, and the deciduous trees of northern New Hampshire may have already begun their transformation. Columbus Day Weekend is often the focal point of fall foliage excursions, but the White Mountains can present earlier colors.
There are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy for a day or weekend.
Here are a few tips for enjoying New Hampshire's fall colors:
TAKE A CRUISE FOR A COLORFUL VIEW
One special place to enjoy the foliage show is Lake Winnipesaukee. It's hard to see foliage while you're driving, so why not take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington and let the captains do the driving (and save the gas). The big lake has amazing color and the juxtaposition of the water and sky can be breathtaking. Sundays in September and October they offer Fall Sunset & Foliage Dinner Cruises from Weirs Beach from 5–7:00 p.m. For more information visit www.cruisenh.com or call (603) -366-5531.
By Train:
TAKE THE TRAIN THROUGH THE TREES OR A LIFT OVER THE MOUNTAINS
Climb aboard one of the region's three sightseeing trains for unique views of foliage: Hobo Scenic Railroad in Lincoln; the Conway Scenic Railroad in Conway, and the world-famous Cog Railway that chugs up Mount Washington from its base in Bretton Woods.
For a different aerial view, take the sky ride to get a bird's eye view of fall foliage. Ski mountains in the area offer trips on their chair lifts and gondolas to the tops of their mountains, where the views can be simply spectacular. Consider the Loon Mountain Gondola in Lincoln; the Wildcat Mountain Gondola in Jackson, and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway in Franconia.
For more information visit www.thecog.com or www.visitwhitemountains.com or call 603-745-8720.
Downtown:
CONCORD: A CAPITAL OF ART
https://www.visitconcord-nh.com/
In a Valley:
SURROUNDED BY FOREST AT WATERVILLE VALLEY RESORT
Waterville Valley is a full-featured resort area, which just happens to be surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes in northern New England. The adjacent White Mountain National Forest features America’s oldest network of hiking trails leading to spectacular views in all directions.
After working up a big appetite with the fall hikes, Waterville Valley offers their 20th Annual Chili Challenge & Brews Event September 29th. For this annual favorite, area restaurants compete in Town Square for the title of best chili. Attendees can sample all of the contestants’ chili, $7.50/adults and $5/children (12 & under) as well as taste hot sauces from New Hampshire-based Jehu Host Sauce.
To complement the brilliant fall foliage, Waterville Valley’s Town Square is hosting a Fall Foliage Celebration October 6th, 2018. The weekend will feature a variety of family activities including free outdoor concerts, children’s games, and pumpkin painting.
For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit www.visitwatervillevalley.com.
