The Open Road Travel

Best Place To Stay In New Hampshire In The Fall

North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway is a charming mountain town nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, near the midway point of our New Hampshire road trip. It also has many affordable motels, with rates starting around $129 per night in some cases.

The picturesque village centre features many independent shops, bars and restaurants, including the iconic Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub, and historic buildings. Many places to stay are also within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Local attractions include the Conway Scenic Railroad and Cranmore Mountain Resort. For outdoor lovers, activities such as hiking, climbing, cycling, and swimming are readily available, with popular spots like Echo Lake State Park and Diana's Baths close by.

Additionally, North Conway is a perfect endpoint to the breathtaking 34.5-mile-long Kancamagus Highway, especially remarkable during the fall foliage season. In winter, visitors can enjoy excellent skiing, while summer offers numerous mountain activities and scenic drives, making North Conway a rewarding destination year-round.



Best Hotel To Stay At In Conway, New Hampshire – Residence Inn by Marriott, North Conway

The Residence Inn by Marriott North Conway is a convenient all-suite accommodation in the White Mountains, near attractions including Settlers Green Outlet Village. Guests will appreciate the complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi, and on-site parking. The hotel's relaxed ambience makes it an ideal choice for families and those planning longer stays.

The roomy suites are designed to provide a home-like experience, featuring fully equipped kitchens that include a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, cookware, and coffee maker. Additionally, each room contains separate living and dining areas, premium bedding, air conditioning, a desk, and a 49-inch Smart TV equipped with streaming services. Some suites include a sofa bed or a cosy fireplace to enhance relaxation.

The 10 Best Places To Go In New Hampshire On A Fall Foliage Road Trip

Concord, New Hampshire

We begin our New Hampshire road trip in the state's capital and third-largest city, Concord. It fuses the historic charm of New England with a vibrant downtown full of unique shops, restaurants, cafés, and cultural venues. Notable attractions include a guided tour of the New Hampshire State House (State Capitol), the New Hampshire Historical Society, the picturesque Merrimack River, and many nearby parks and trails with walking paths and opportunities to enjoy nature.

Visiting in the fall is particularly enticing, as the landscape around the city bursts into vivid shades of red, orange, and gold. Scenic drives within the Capital Region, such as the loop from Concord to Loudon to Pittsfield, provide delightful views of wooded hills, farms, and quintessential New England scenery. Seasonal activities like apple picking and cider making further enhance Concord's allure during the fall foliage season.

Meredith, New Hampshire (New Hampshire's Bar Harbor)

Meredith is a charming town located by Lake Winnipesaukee. Widely considered New Hampshire's answer to the iconic Maine resort town of Bar Harbor, on the border of Acadia National Park and Sand Beach, it beautifully blends traditional New England aesthetics with stunning natural landscapes, unique boutiques, art galleries, and dining options.

In the fall, the nearby hills and forests transform into a breathtaking display of reds, oranges, and yellows, making Meredith an ideal hub for enjoying autumn foliage tours and picturesque walks.

Guests can partake in hiking and biking on various trails, discover the waterfront and surrounding natural areas, or experience a scenic journey aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, which provides special excursions during the autumn season. Additionally, seasonal activities encompass apple and pumpkin picking, visiting local farm stands, and savoring regional cider, while the adjacent White Mountains offer even more hiking opportunities and stunning drives for leaf-peeping.

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Not to be confused with Lincoln, Rhode Island, Lincoln is a well-known mountain town in New Hampshire's White Mountains. It serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the area's stunning landscapes, as Lincoln features a selection of accommodation options ranging from big-brand hotels to cozy independent inns.

Among the outdoor attractions is Loon Mountain Resort, which offers activities such as hiking and gondola rides. In addition, Franconia Notch State Park is nearby (more on that later), and the town is also home to various restaurants, shops, and family-friendly activities.

Lincoln becomes especially enchanting during the autumn foliage season when the surrounding trees display vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. It is also a fantastic location to access the scenic Kancamagus Highway. Renowned as one of New England's top drives in fall, it features multiple incredible overlooks and viewpoints.

The Lincoln Woods is an especially picturesque location. The Lincoln Woods Trail meanders along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, allowing visitors to enjoy a serene woodland atmosphere while engaging in activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and observing wildlife. During the autumn months, the forest undergoes a stunning transformation, characterized by vibrant red, orange, and gold leaves, making it an ideal destination for scenic strolls and photography.

Additionally, adjacent trails lead to Black Pond and Franconia Falls.

The nearby Woodstock Inn Brewery also produces some of the best craft beers in the state and serves fabulous food, making it a great place for beer lovers to stop and refresh.

White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire's White Mountains)

Spanning over 550,000 acres, White Mountain National Forest is New England's largest National Forest and the easternmost National Forest in the nation. New Hampshire also has over 1,000 miles of designated scenic drives and cultural byways, which helps make this one of the best regions in New England to view fall foliage. This area hosts a diverse range of tree species, such as Eastern white pines, firs, hemlocks, limber pines, oaks, silver birches, and spruces. It is also home to six designated wilderness areas, making it a popular spot for those travelling through New England to admire the autumn foliage.

The region offers numerous natural wonders, including New England's tallest mountains, the Presidential Range, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities including hiking, climbing, and winter sports. The 4.3-mile Welch and Dickey Loop Trail is a particularly popular option with hikers of all abilities.

There are also several man-made attractions to visit, such as the Kancamagus Highway and other beautiful fall foliage drives, historic towns, charming covered bridges, and sites associated with intriguing alien abduction tales.

Mount Washington

Mount Washington, recognized as the tallest peak in the Northeastern United States, serves as an amazing destination for both outdoor lovers and sightseers, presenting breathtaking vistas over the White Mountains and surrounding areas. During the autumn season, the nearby forests showcase stunning fall colors, with brilliant reds, oranges, and golds being especially striking from elevated viewpoints and along the mountain roads. Guests have the option to explore various hiking trails, navigate the renowned Mt Washington Auto Road, or utilize the historic Cog Railway to take a scenic train ride to the summit when it is operational.

In winter, the railway operates up to Waumbek Station, while seasoned adventurers can partake in activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, and mountaineering.

Those who need to recover after the mammoth climb can treat themselves to a relaxing night at The Glen House, a stylish, historic property nearby offering rooms for $420 a night.

Albany Covered Bridge

The Albany Covered Bridge is a charming historical structure that crosses the Swift River on New Hampshire's enchanting Kancamagus Highway, in White Mountain National Forest. It serves as a favored location for taking photographs and enjoying a brief walk to the riverbank.

During the fall season, the bridge is especially appealing, enveloped by the vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold from the foliage of the White Mountains. In addition to the bridge, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Lower Falls, Rocky Gorge, and Sabbaday Falls, along with various activities like many hiking trails, scenic drives, photography, and observing wildlife.



For a comprehensive guide on the activities and attractions available in White Mountain National Forest, please refer to the guide we have prepared.

Conway, New Hampshire

Conway is a charming, picturesque town nestled among the forests and mountains of the White Mountains. It serves as an ideal hub for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Saco River. The town boasts a rich history, highlighted by the historic Redstone Quarry, while its covered bridges and rural roads contribute to its quintessential New England appeal.

The autumn season enhances Conway's allure, as the trees turn into a stunning display of vivid reds, oranges, and yellows. Scenic drives and hiking trails offer fantastic chances to appreciate the vibrant foliage, with nearby Black Cap and South Moat providing breathtaking panoramic views. The renowned Kancamagus Highway is also easily accessible, making Conway a superb starting or ending point for experiencing the colourful fall foliage.

Jackson, New Hampshire

Jackson is a charming White Mountain village with a delightful atmosphere recognised for its covered bridges, stunning mountain views, and tranquil environment. The iconic Honeymoon Bridge, painted red and white, is among the most photographed sites in the area. Jackson Falls is a picturesque spot for summer outings.

The numerous outdoor activities include hiking, golfing, and cross-country skiing, with nearby attractions such as Mount Washington Auto Road, which climbs toward Mount Washington, the tallest mountain and the tallest peak in the Northeast at 6,288 feet, and Great Glen Trails. Visiting in autumn is particularly delightful when the forests around Jackson burst into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. Scenic drives through the White Mountains are excellent opportunities to enjoy the fall foliage, and the yearly Return of the Pumpkin People adds a quirky seasonal highlight to the village.



Bartlett, New Hampshire

Bartlett is a tiny town in the White Mountains encircled by lush forests, towering mountains, and the Saco River. It presents a quieter option to the larger resort towns in the vicinity, making it ideal for hiking, scenic drives, and visiting nearby attractions. Notable features include historic covered bridges, one of which has been converted into a unique store, a cidery that makes some of the state's best apple cider donuts, Cathedral Ledge with its 2.8-mile hiking trail from Echo Lake, and the Bear Notch Scenic Area.

Route 302 offers straightforward access to Crawford Notch and the White Mountains region. The village becomes especially enchanting in autumn, as the hardwood forests around it transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating colorful foliage against the surrounding mountains. The scenic roads offer fantastic opportunities for leaf-peeping, with Bear Notch Road providing an especially delightful journey toward the Kancamagus Highway.

Crawford Notch State Park

Crawford Notch State Park showcases a stunning White Mountains landscape characterised by a narrow pass flanked by steep peaks, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. Route 302 meanders through the park and boasts numerous picturesque viewpoints, well-known hikes like Mount Willard, a popular fall hike and 3.2-mile round-trip trail, and breathtaking vistas over the notch and adjacent mountains. Easily accessible roadside attractions include Silver Cascade and Flume Cascade, two of the area's stunning waterfalls, while Saco Lake is a tranquil area for a leisurely walk. Nearby, Sabbaday Falls is an easy walk off the Kancamagus Highway.

The park is especially remarkable during the autumn foliage season, when the trees burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Crawford Notch attracts many visitors looking to enjoy the fall colours, with scenic drives and hiking paths providing stunning views of the landscape. Mount Willard is known for offering one of the best panoramic sights, and the waterfalls, framed by colourful leaves, present excellent opportunities for photography.

Those seeking a little comfort after a hard day of exploration will find the famous AMC Highland Center just a short way north, where bunk rooms start at just $136 per night.

Franconia Notch State Park

The second of New Hampshire's three "Notch" state parks (the third, Dixville Notch State Park, itself known for stunning fall views, is miles from our route), Franconia Notch State Park, is an impressive mountain pass extending for eight miles through the White Mountains' towering elevations.

Franconia Notch features notable attractions such as Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, Lonesome Lake, Profile Lake, Cannon Mountain, and many gorgeous waterfalls and mountain trails. Visitors can engage in a range of activities including hiking, cycling, fishing, swimming, and driving scenic routes, with the Franconia Notch Recreation Path being a favoured route.

Autumn is regarded as one of the prime times to visit Franconia Notch, as the nearby forests transform into a stunning tapestry of red, orange, and gold foliage. Campers will find options like the Hancock Campground a great place to see the sun set over the foliage before enjoying a spot of stargazing.

Artist Bluff

The well-known Artists Bluff Trail is a popular 1.5-mile hike in Franconia Notch and a recommended fall hike, offering breathtaking views over Echo Lake and the vibrant mountains. As the autumn foliage season arrives, the nearby mountains are transformed into a stunning display of red, orange, and gold, making this brief yet steep hike one of the most gratifying viewpoints in New Hampshire during the fall. Hikers wanting a tougher option can tackle Mount Lafayette, an 8.6-mile loop from the trail head with 3,832 feet of elevation gain, though it includes a steep hike to the summit and plenty of steep drop offs; bring your hiking boots for this one. Meanwhile, the parkway has numerous scenic stops and photography spots.

Cannon Mountain

Cannon Mountain is a well-loved destination throughout the year, renowned for its breathtaking views of the White Mountains and exceptional hiking options that include trails leading to the summit and nearby overlooks like Artists Bluff. During the fall, the mountain is enveloped in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, enhancing the beauty of the Franconia Notch landscape; visitors can partake in scenic drives, hikes, and photography sessions.



Meanwhile, winter transforms the area into a hub for skiing and snowboarding at Cannon's extensive ski facilities. However, the notable Aerial Tramway was decommissioned following the 2025 season and will remain closed in 2026 while plans for a new tramway are underway.

Manchester, New Hampshire

As our New Hampshire fall foliage road trip ends where it began, in New Hampshire's largest city, Manchester, it makes sense to explore its many offerings while you're there. Located along the Merrimack River, the city features a unique blend of rich industrial past and a vibrant contemporary cultural atmosphere, with a wide array of dining options, shopping venues, entertainment, and outdoor activities.

The historic Millyard district, once a significant hub for textiles, now showcases museums, dining establishments, and innovative businesses. Notable attractions in Manchester include the Currier Museum of Art, the Zimmerman House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the historic Palace Theatre.

Fall is an ideal time to visit, when the city's parks, riverbanks, and the surrounding countryside are adorned with vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold foliage. Tourists can enjoy leaf-peeping along local trails, around Lake Massabesic, and towards the nearby Uncanoonuc Mountains.

Final Thoughts On The Ultimate Fall Road Trip Through New Hampshire

That concludes our New Hampshire fall foliage road trip itinerary. You should now have all the information you need to drive it yourself, including when to go, how long it takes, the best route, where to stay, and what to see along the way. All that's left is to decide what to take with you and start budgeting and booking everything, so you can look forward to enjoying it all for yourself as soon as possible.

As with any New England Fall road trip, we strongly encourage you to remember that its beautiful foliage means fall is busy season in New Hampshire. Make sure to plan ahead and book your rental car and accommodation early to avoid disappointment.

We also have a selection of other fall road trip guides you may enjoy. These include:

A perfect 5-day New England fall road trip itinerary

The perfect New England fall road trip

The best East Coast fall road trip itinerary

The best Northern California fall foliage road trip

The best places to travel to in the fall

The best Vermont fall foliage road trip itinerary

The ultimate Maine fall foliage road trip



For those with enough time, combining the last two with this trip to create a longer New England road trip: Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, is perhaps the best way to see the New England Fall foliage.