When the apple cider flows like wine (don’t worry, it’s still juice) and the leaves change like…well, fall leaves, it’s just about the best time to take some fall drives in New Hampshire. With some of the best fall foliage views of any place in New England, it’s easy to see why the roads here are packed with traffic every year when autumn comes around. But, despite a little bit of traffic, we highly recommend hopping in the car for one of these New Hampshire scenic drives to enjoy nature’s best show when autumn colors are at their peak.

1. The Sawyer Highway
New Hampshire 118, NH-118, Warren, NH, USA
kaszeta / Flickr
If you're looking for a new story to tell after recounting your trip along the Kanc one too many times, you'll want to take this road. The Sawyer Highway is really Route 118 and it runs from Warren toward Woodstock. Take the time to pull over and enjoy the fall scenery in New Hampshire, or simply glide on through.
2. Route 26
New Hampshire 26, NH-26, Colebrook, NH, USA
gods-art / Flickr
The Northern Woods offer some of the most peaceful and thought-clearing moments you can have this time of year in New Hampshire. You'll start your trip in Colebrook - home to Beaver Brook Falls - and make your way toward Errol for nearly 22 miles of stunning fall foliage.
3. The Kancamagus Highway
Kancamagus Highway, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH, USA
catchesthelight / Flickr
Yes, yes. We know. This is perhaps the most popular drive during the fall in New Hampshire, but we assure you it's for good reason. Also known as Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway winds through the White Mountain National Forest for unbelievable views of the state's foliage.
4. Route 153
New Hampshire 153, NH-153, Farmington, NH, USA
dougtone / Flickr
From Farmington to Conway, Route 153 will take you through small towns and towering trees. The nearly 50-mile trip should take about an hour and 20 minutes as you pass ponds and lakes along the eastern border of the state.
5. The Connecticut River Byway
chensiyuan / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Head to the western border of New Hampshire to enjoy this beautiful drive along the Connecticut River Byway. Not only is this part of the state stunning in terms of foliage, it also features impressive mountain views that go all the way to eastern Vermont. And, of course, the Connecticut River is a beauty any time of year.
6. Route 4A
Nh Route 4a, Nh Rte 4a, Enfield, NH, USA
heipei / Flickr
Why take I-89, which runs parallel, when you can take this beautiful route instead? The 30-mile route between Lebanon and Andover is somehow shorter in mileage than the interstate but takes about a few minutes longer. But the 45-minute drive is totally worth those views on this lesser known of many New Hampshire scenic drives.
7. Route 124
New Hampshire 124, NH-124, Jaffrey, NH, USA
dougtone / Flickr
New Hampshire is full of various regions and areas, all unique but equally as beautiful. The Monadnock Valley, where you'll find this drive, is just one example. The drive through the mountains from Jaffrey to Marlborough is just about 13 miles, but this 20-minute drive will stun you. You can even make it a loop by jumping onto route 101 heading east.
8. Mount Washington Auto Road
Mount Washington Auto Road, Mt Washington Auto Rd, New Hampshire, USA
Hotsh0t24 / Flickr
And, of course, who can forget the incredible drive up Mount Washington? This one will cost money but the famous Mount Washington Auto Road has views that you just can't get anywhere else. Make your way through the trees for incredible views down the mountain and then enjoy things from the summit.

It must be a relief to have this resource! no more googling “scenic drives near me” for you! What are your favorite spots to see fall color in New Hampshire? We’re partial to the ones that are close to home, but we’re also always looking for new adventures, so feel free to share what you know! Not sure where to catch the best colors these days? You can find out when the leaves will change color in New Hampshire with this interactive fall foliage map!

If you’re ready for some scenic drives and looking to go for some longer road trips, take a look at our ultimate road trip packing list, it’ll have you on the road and ready ASAP!

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More to Explore

Things To Do In Fall In New Hampshire

Meghan Byers | September 08, 2022

What are the most beautiful places to visit in the fall in New Hampshire?

Not sure where to see fall foliage in New Hampshire? The entire Granite State is bursting with color in autumn, so you’ve got plenty of options. Any of the scenic drives mentioned above are great places to start, but you can also take in the views on foot with a New Hampshire fall foliage hike:

  • The Belknap Range Trail in the Lakes Region will take you to three different mountain peaks with gorgeous fall views
  • There are so many trails in the White Mountain National Forest that are especially beautiful this time of year as well. You can also take a scenic foliage cruise or train ride!

 

What’s the best time of year to see the New Hampshire fall foliage?

  • Each year is a little different, but in general, the leaves really start turning in New Hampshire in mid to late September and reach their peak in early to mid-October. The colors will move from north to south and you can visit the official New Hampshire fall foliage tracker to see current foliage reports from specific regions.

 

What are some other things to do in the fall in New Hampshire?

Fall is a fun-filled time of year in New Hampshire, with all kinds of activities and festivals to enjoy as the weather gets cooler and the leaves change colors:

  • Apple picking is a must-do, of course, – luckily, there are plenty of apple orchards in New Hampshire where you can pick your own and even grab some apple cider donuts.
  • Visit a pumpkin patch while you’re at it and don’t forget to check out a pumpkin glow!
  • Harvest and fall festivals are also great ways to celebrate the season.
  • If you’re brave enough, check out Spooky World in Litchfield, one of the best and scariest Halloween attractions in the northeast.

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