GETTING TO THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
The two closest airports to White Mountain National Forest are:
- Burlington International Airport
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (often cheaper)
Best time to visit New Hampshire for fall color
Fall color in New Hampshire is weather dependent and varies from year to year. A general rule of thumb is to visit between late-September to early-October for the best fall color in the White Mountains.
Since most folks (us included) plan trips months in advance, it’s hard to know exactly when to visit the White Mountains for fall color, as such — I personally suggest planning your trip for the first week of October.
At worst, you might show up too early, but too early is better than too late because you’ll still see fall color, even if it’s peppered between green leaves.
But if you show up too late, you’ll find the trees barren. Leaves become more delicate when they change color, and all it takes is an unexpected rainstorm or a terribly windy day to blow them off the trees.
We used this foliage tracker religiously in the days leading up to our trip.
Experiencing Fall Color in New Hampshire (Helpful Hiking Tips)
You’ve probably heard it said that experiencing fall in New Hampshire is a bucket-list worthy item. I know I have, so my husband and I finally decided to see what all the fuss is about.
We’ve experienced fall color all over the world (Kyoto, Japan still remains a personal favorite), but nothing prepared us for the breathtaking beauty of fall in New Hampshire, specifically the White Mountains.
Every year, millions of visitors flock to this corner of the world to experience a forest alive with exhilarating shades of rusty oranges, deep reds and vibrant yellows.
So put on your cozy sweater, grab a cup of coffee and let’s discuss the absolute best spots to catch fall in New Hampshire. I’ll explain exactly why this world-renowned destination should be your next trip!
Albany Covered Bridge
If there’s one thing New England is best known for (outside of striking fall color), it’s definitely charming covered bridges capable of evoking feelings from simpler times.
Which brings us to one of the best spots for fall color in New Hampshire, the Albany Covered Bridge. This is actually one of the most photographed bridges in the state, and you can see why.
The bridge was constructed in 1858 and restorations throughout the years have kept it in great condition. In fact, cars are allowed on the bridge.
We chose to cross by foot in an effort to explore both sides of the river and couldn’t believe all the fall color surrounding us. Every shade of orange, yellow and red made an appearance and we found ourselves smitten.
Location: Albany Covered Bridge is located six miles west of Conway, New Hampshire.
Artist’s Bluff at Franconia Notch State Park
Artist’s Bluff is nestled into Franconia Notch State Park and reaching the viewpoint requires a hike.
The trail is rated easy/moderate and meanders through a dense forest for 1.5 miles, gaining 400 feet of elevation before opening up to a giant rock formation ripe for exploration.
The views from the top prove that this is one of the best spots to see fall color in New Hampshire.
A sea of yellow engulfs the edges of Echo Lake as the majestic White Mountains loom in the distance.
You can even spend an afternoon at the lake if you’d like. There’s kayaks, canoes and pedal boats for rent and a lovely beach to rest on. Just know that the temperatures are on the chillier side during autumn in New Hampshire, so bring a warm jacket.
We saw a lot of families with children on the trail, so this is a great activity if you’d like to stretch your legs and have children in tow.
Flume Covered Bridge
Built in 1871, the Flume Covered Bridge has withstood the test of time and seems like it’s straight out of a fairy-tale.
A vibrant red coat of paint gives this bridge a fighting chance for attention amidst the colorful forest that surrounds it. The whole scene feels like it was made for a calendar photo!
If you’d like to spend time exploring this area, continue down the inviting trail for a two-mile nature walk that passes through waterfalls, more covered bridges and a dense forest.
Location: The Flume Bridge is located east of Route 3 (Daniel Webster Highway) in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Take the Flume exit from I-93, park in visitor lot.
