We celebrate the magnificent wonders of nature with great respect during the foliage season in New Hampshire. We have a lot of fun along the way. We think you will too. Foliage season train tours, boat cruises, or hot air balloon flights provide excellent ways to celebrate the colorful leaves and magnificent countryside. There are also plenty of hiking trails and biking trails across the region to help you fully immerse yourself in the foliage. You can always take in the landscape and scenery in the comfort of your vehicle. Here are some of the best fall foliage in & around the lakes region to explore and enjoy in the granite state.
Fall Foliage: by Train
Hobo & Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad: There are several unique foliage train tours in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. The Fall Foliage Special offers guests three seating options: Coach, First Class, and Presidential Class. The four hour tour begins in Meredith Station in the late morning and takes passengers north over the Ashland Summit to the historic 1869 Ashland Railroad Station and stops for a hot lunch of roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and butternut squash. The trains run rain or shine.
Fall Foliage: by Car
Lake Winnipesaukee Loop: There are 97-134 miles of foliage, water, and quaint villages to enjoy (depending on the roads you choose) as you drive around Lake Winnipesaukee this fall. The Fall Foliage Scenic Drive provides travelers with photographic moments on every mile of the trip. Roast turkey, apple cider, and beer from the local breweries are never far away while passing through Meredith, Laconia, and Wolfeboro.
Kancamagus Scenic Byway: New Hampshire has over 1,000 miles of designated scenic and cultural byways. The 34.5 mile drive along route 112 in Northern New Hampshire lays claim to the very best place to view fall foliage in the entire country! You will be awestruck by the majestic beauty of the White Mountains, the Swift River, waterfalls, and the gorge. It is a 45+ mile drive north of Moultonborough. It will be worth the trip. Be aware that the “Kanc” is a well traveled road, especially during foliage season. Be patient with fellow travelers. Relax and enjoy the view. Take care to pronounce the name “kank-ah-mah-gus'' correctly when talking with locals. You will make friends faster when you speak the language of the land.
Fall Foliage: by Boat
Foliage Cruises: Emerge yourself in the splendor of the colors of fall aboard a foliage cruise. The M/S Mount Washington offers Sunday foliage cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee. The Squam Lake Natural Science Center offers a variety of 90-minute cruises. The Discover Squam tour is available daily from May 21st - October 14th. Ticket prices are $27 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $23 for children 0-15.
Fall Foliage: by Hot Air Balloon
Hot Air Balloon Trip: A&A Balloon Rides in Salem, NH (a short 60+ mile drive south of Laconia) offers leaf peepers a birds eye view of the spectacular New Hampshire landscape and foliage. The 3 hour Sunrise Flight is available through November 14th for $300. Your ticket price includes champagne, cheese & crackers to celebrate the flight!
Fall Foliage: Hiking, Biking, Fairs & Festivals
Sandwich, NH: You can enjoy the colorful and lush foliage of fall by foot or car in the town of Sandwich. The town is located between Squam Lake and the foothills of the White Mountains. There are many area hiking trails winding through the terrain and overlooking foliage and wildlife: including boardwalk trails, family-friendly walks, and challenging hikes (where leaf peepers who enjoy scrambling over mountain ledges will find their perfect fall foliage hike). The Sandwich Fair will be open to visitors from October 8-10, 2022. You, your friends, and your family can enjoy the friendly competition of a tractor pull and a delicious turkey leg at the fair and then unwind with a picturesque country drive on your way home.
Waterville Valley, NH: Fall foliage is celebrated with warmth and fervor in the “Fall Foliage Capital” of Waterville, NH. You can take in the vibrant colors while hiking and mountain biking on one of the five mountains that make up the valley. Or take it down a notch and stay low in the valley with a Historical Trolley Tour on Sundays (it’s free). Waterville Valley Resort celebrates the season with a Fall Foliage Festival Oct 8-10, 2022: including live music, a 5k race, 1.6k fun run, ski swap, and tent sales.
The team at Maxfield Real Estate looks forward to helping you find your perfect home. Foliage season, natural wonders, and breathtaking adventures are waiting for you to discover and enjoy in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Contact us today!
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