A Golden Escape: Scenic Fall Drives in NH
Hop in the car and go for a scenic fall drive in New Hampshire, while making stops to shop and enjoy the foliage
New Hampshire at the peak of the fall season is like stepping into a Hallmark movie, with winding roads full of golden hues and apple orchards with the ripest Granny Smith apples waiting to be picked. From historical sites set on landscapes with foliage surrounding them to coastal lookouts and hotels perfect for a warm cup of apple cider, there’s no shortage of destinations worth visiting this time of year. Put on your favorite sweater and get ready to drive scenic routes filled with a kaleidoscope of the brightest reds, oranges, yellows and greens. Here are six roads to explore for a quintessential fall road trip.
West Side Road, North Conway
Get out of the car, take a walk across the serene Swift River Covered Bridge and soak in the colors reflected in the water below. Photo by Bill Crnkovich
Beginning in Glen and passing through Cooks Crossing into Hilltown and then North Conway, West Side Road takes drivers on a scenic journey. In the distance, Echo Lake State Park and the two rock ledges of Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge loom, surrounded by colorful trees. At the top of the 700-foot-tall Cathedral Ledge, visitors can take in the view of the Saco River Valley and embark on a challenging 3-mile loop. Toward the Conway side of the road, the historic Swift River Covered Bridge crosses the Swift River and the Saco River, surrounded by the changing leaves. Walk through and even grab a seat at a picnic table for lunch.
After a long day of driving and hiking, Cathedral Ledge Distillery offers handcrafted spirits and tastings, distilled right in their barn. Spirits include a Bottled in Bond bourbon, Blueberry Infused vodka and more.
In the distance behind the lake, the family-owned White Mountain Resort and Hotel is perfect for a night’s rest in the surroundings of the state forests. Cozy up by the roaring fire pit or grab bathing suits to watch the sunset over the mountains in the jacuzzi.
Portsmouth & New Castle Scenic Route
Climbing to the top of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse will reward you with stunning views of the ocean and shoreline.
Photo by Doug Lemke
New Hampshire isn’t all mountains. The 8-mile Portsmouth and New Castle Scenic Loop brings riders along the coastline to take in the ocean views. Starting in Portsmouth, walk the cobblestone streets into shops filled with coastal crewnecks and alpine forest- scented candles. Local restaurants serve up the freshest ingredients, like Mamma Luca’s with hand-made pastas and pizzas. Prescott Park has gorgeous gardens and paths for walking along the water before hitting the road.
The winding road crosses over small bridges to Shapleigh and Goat Island with views of the Piscataqua River. Once over the bridges, lies New Castle — New Hampshire’s smallest town.
Explore history by stopping at the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, open for guided climbs on Sundays for views of sailboats passing by at the top. On the peninsula of New Castle Island sit Fort Stark and Fort Constitution, historic defense sites used all the way through World War II.
The vast grounds loop through old mine command buildings and concrete structures once occupied by soldiers.
New Hampshire Coastal Byway
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and the New Castle coast can be seen from Odiorne Point State Park in Rye. Photo by Wangkun Jia
Blending stunning views of the New Hampshire coastline with the mountains, the New Hampshire Coastal Byway runs 18.5 miles from Seabrook to Portsmouth. If you drive straight through, the trip will take about an hour. Yet, why not stop at the coastal New Hampshire towns along the way?
Starting in Seabrook, take a fall stroll along the white sands of Hampton Beach, where the crowds are small and the shore is peaceful. In North Hampton, cool-weather flowers, including roses, dahlias and English perennials are in full bloom before the end of the season at Fuller Gardens.
Driving farther up the coast, Rye should be the next stop to stretch the legs or take a quick bike ride in Odiorne Point State Park. Nestled inside the park, the Seacoast Science Center showcases the dynamic Gulf of Maine’s wildlife with interactive exhibits, where guests can hold sea stars and other organisms.
By the end of the scenic drive, visitors will reach Portsmouth, full of charming boutiques and a buzzing culinary scene. For history buffs, Strawbery Banke Museum is a living history museum showcasing life in the area from 1695 to the mid-1950s.
Route 25, Meredith
Downtown Meredith takes on a rosy glow in the wake of an autumn thunderstorm. Photo by Michael D. Wilson
Connecting Meredith and Lake Winnipesaukee, Route 25 is an east-west state highway blending the beauty of the mountains and lakes. New Hampshire’s largest lake, at roughly 72 miles long, Lake Winnipesaukee is the perfect spot for boating, kayaking, or walking along the shore. Mount Washington Cruises offer sunset dinner dance cruises and daytime narrated tours along the lake, perfect for those who want to sit back, relax, learn history and take in the fall views.
Along the route and near Lake Winnipesaukee, Moulton Farm has been open since the 1890s and practices sustainable agriculture. The smell of freshly baked apple pies wafts from the farm kitchen’s bakery, where delicious fall desserts are sold alongside breakfast quiches, breads and cookies. For more sweet fall treats, Cider Bellies Doughnuts serves everyone’s favorite cinnamon sugar cider doughnut; customers can catch the scent of these in the early mornings. Enjoy doughnuts on Moulton Farm for some of the most amazing New Hampshire views.
U.S. Route 3, North Woodstock
U.S. Route 3 offers unparalleled fall foliage with White Mountain views. Photo by Winston Tan
While driving along the infamous Kancamagus Highway, veer off to the intersection of U.S. Route 3 through the White Mountains region. One of the longest highways in the state offers unparalleled views of the fall foliage with the White Mountains as the scene’s backdrop. And of course, there’s an abundance of stops along the way, from mountain trails ready for hikers to amusement parks perfect for a family vacation.
Along U.S. Route 3, Clark’s Bears is a family establishment that has been around since the 1920s. The theme park’s main attraction is the iconic bear show, which began with Edward M. and W. Murray Clark training bears for work that evolved into a family tradition. In the arena, guests will watch the bears have fun and do tricks, with their amazing caretakers carrying on the family’s legacy.
For a unique shopping experience, the Christmas Loft, open year-round, brings visitors through endless rooms of holiday décor, from tree toppers to nutcrackers and sparkling lights. Just looking at the store’s villages and rooms will leave guests in the holiday spirit.
Ridge Road, New Durham
Top of the Ridge Farm Bed & Breakfast offers stunning foliage views of Mount Washington and beyond. Courtesy Photo
This back road in New Durham winds through the town, offering a quiet, sweeping route. Along 6 acres on the road is the Top of the Ridge Farm Bed & Breakfast, a restored 1760 farmhouse. This adults-only escape is perfect for relaxing and taking in views of Mount Washington while reading a book on the spacious lawns. Rooted in creating authentic experiences, the bed and breakfast offers a homemade gourmet breakfast and cooking classes inspired by the owners’ Italian roots.
For those looking for adventure, the Prospect Mountain Trail, just minutes down the road, is a little over 3 and a half miles long. The route starts in the deep forests and climbs to the summit for panoramic views.
