It’s that time of year—crisp, sunny days followed by cool nights—creating long-lasting fall colors across New Hampshire. Nature bursts into magnificent shades of red, orange, and gold throughout the Granite State, and the Lakes Region is one of the most spectacular areas to explore during this season.
We live in a special part of the country, and the following are some of the best locations and attractions to visit in New Hampshire and the Lakes Region during fall foliage season:
Squam Lake was recently named the best place to look at foliage in New Hampshire by USA Today (09/13/25) and recognized by Yankee Magazine as one of the top six calming places in New England to celebrate fall foliage without huge crowds. Visitors can explore the woodlands and trail networks that dot the hillsides, visit the Squam Lake Natural Science Center, or book a 90-minute naturalist-led pontoon boat cruise. The fiery colors of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. Dining options include Walter’s Basin, a popular lakeside restaurant and bar, and the historic Common Man Restaurant.
The Conway Scenic Railroad is a great way to see the fall foliage by train. Wind your way through White Mountain Cliffs and over trussels, rivers, and valleys. After the scenic ride, the restaurant shops and pubs in Conway Village are vibrant in the fall.
Sandwich – Located between Squam Lake and the forested foothills of the White Mountains, it lights up with spectacular foliage, surrounded by historic homes, artisans, and white picket fences. There are plenty of hiking trails and the Foothills Restaurant and Bar, rated five stars by Travel Advisor – great food, a beautiful, unique setting, and an outdoor patio.
Waterville Valley – It doesn’t get any better than the U-shaped mountain range surrounding and cradling the valley. Enjoy lots of hiking trails and a good selection of eateries.
Drive The Loop – Lake Winnipesaukee – Begin your journey in Alton, follow Route 11 to Gilford, off to Weirs Beach, Meredith, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Tuftonboro, and ending in Wolfeboro. The foliage is spectacular, with so much to see in the quaint lake towns and villages. For foodies, there’s a multitude of eateries, cafes, pubs, and fine restaurants to enjoy. The entire loop is approximately 63 miles.
Lake Winnipesaukee Railroad – This train ride from Meredith provides a different, vintage point of view. The fall colors and the diverse array of scenic views surround Lake Winnipesaukee. A ticket booth is located on the boardwalk at Weirs Beach.
Mount Major and West Rattlesnake Mountain – The Mt. Major trail is a moderate hike of 4.7 miles that takes about 3 hours to complete. With amazing views of the “Big Lake”, however, the trails and parking area are extremely crowded this time of year. The West Rattlesnake Mountain hike in West Sandwich is a short hike and great for children. It is only 0.7 miles away, and it has magical views of Squam Lake and lots of open ledges and picnic areas.
Mount Washington Boat Cruise – the Mount Washington Boat provides narrated scenic cruises and is the best way to see the “Big Lake” and the islands as the fall colors explode throughout the villages and mountains beyond.
Gunstock Mountain Resort – Take a scenic chair lift ride, navigate the zip lines, enjoy spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee, and view the myriad of all the fall colors of the mountains beyond.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area on the Kancamagus Highway – Rated 4.8 on Google with 1.3 million reviews. Indulge yourself in the great scenery, cascades, swimming holes, and trails around a pond with beautiful gorge and waterfall views along the Swift River. You will also want to visit Sabbaday Falls along the river and highway; there is so much to see.
Artist Bluff in Franconia – At the entrance of Cannon Mountain, there is a scenic hike looking over Echo Lake and the Franconia Ridge Mountains, but it is very busy and crowded on weekends during the fall season.
Lower Falls – Rated 4.8 on Google, enjoy waterfalls, potholes, major swimming holes, natural rockslides, and crystal-clear water.
Jackson Falls / Lower Jackson Falls Kancamagus – Beautiful cascading waterfalls. Rated 4.8 on Google. Wonderful walking trails to the golf course along waterfalls. The foliage is spectacular. Jackson Village is gorgeous in the fall.
Panoramic Overlook on the Kancamagus Highway – Rated 4.8 on Google. Has amazing views overlooking majestic mountains.
Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch – Rated 4.8 on Google, with 6.8 million reviews. Features waterfalls, a covered bridge, unique formations, and great trails.
The Basin – Located in Franconia Notch, you will see well-maintained walking trails to view crystal clear waterfalls that flow into a 30-foot diameter basin, with 15-foot-deep pools created by the ice age.
Franconia Notch State Park Aerial Tramway – The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is the first passenger Tramway in North America and offers the best views you will find in the Lafayette, Lincoln, and other majestic mountains, observation towers, and a walking trail at the top of the inspiring mountains.
From scenic drives around Lake Winnipesaukee to mountain hikes, train rides, and waterfalls, New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and the White Mountains provide some of the best fall foliage experiences in New England. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, peaceful boat cruises, or small-town charm, this region is a must-visit destination during autumn.
This article was written by Frank Roche. Frank is president of Roche Realty Group located in Meredith, NH, and can be reached at (603) 279-7046. Please feel free to visit www.rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.
