No matter which region of the White Mountains you travel this fall, you will be surrounded by incredible foliage. However, sometimes it’s best to spend a few extra minutes taking the leisurely route off the beaten path. You may discover a town you’ve never heard of, or a road you’ve never driven. Grab a map, and your camera and check out these scenic routes on your hunt for fall foliage!
Want to add in some extra stops along the way? We've got a fun idea! Pull some inspiration from our regional fall itineraries to mix and match your adventure. We'd also recommend checking out some of the best restaurants in the White Mountains as you travel town to town.
NORTHERN WHITE MOUNTAINS
Starting in Twin Mountain, head north on Route 3 to Whitefield. Stop to take pictures at the historic Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa and if you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat at their Harvest Tavern restaurant. Continue north to Lancaster, and if you’re traveling during the weekend, stop at Weeks State Park to tour the historic estate or to climb the old stone fire tower. Once in Lancaster, don’t forget to stop at Fuller’s Sugarhouse to stock up on all of your favorite maple products.
As you begin to head south on Route 135, get your camera ready for the Mt. Orne Covered Bridge that spans the Connecticut River and connects Lancaster to the state of Vermont. You will head through the town of Dalton, and on the way to Littleton, consider a stop at Moore Reservoir which is known for boating, fishing, and foliage watching. Park the car when you get to Littleton and take a walk along the town’s historic Main Street and peruse the many shops and restaurants. There are great photo opps down by the Riverwalk Covered Bridge, at the Pollyanna statue at the Littleton Public Library, or the umbrella covered Pollyanna Gateway.
Getting on to Route 302 in Littleton will bring you to the town of Bethlehem and to one of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire properties, Bretzfelder Park. Enjoy the foliage from its picturesque pond and beautiful white pine forest.
NORTHWESTERN WHITE MOUNTAINS
Your route begins in North Woodstock and travels up Route 3 to the start of Franconia Notch State Park. Make time to walk through the breathtaking Flume Gorge; this is one of the most beautiful Attractions in the White Mountains.
Route 3 will merge with I-93 from this point onwards. We'd recommend pulling off at the many picturesque points of interest in Franconia Notch, such as the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, the Old Man of the Mountain Museum and Memorial Park, and the New England Ski Museum.
Just north of the park lies the small town of Franconia and Robert Frost's former home, the Frost Place. Here, you can soak in the views from the porch or walk the network of trails for an immersive experience in the changing leaves. Heading out onto Route 117 will lead you to the idyllic New England town of Sugar Hill. While there, enjoy views of Cannon Mountain and Mt. Lafayette (the Franconia Range). Take a break from the road and grab a late breakfast or early lunch at Polly’s Pancake Parlor or a big block of famous aged cheddar from Harman's Cheese & Country store!
Take Route 302 south to Lisbon and make sure you have your camera ready for stunning mountain views and beautiful foliage. Continuing south will bring you to the town of Bath where you can see the foliage surrounding the Bath Covered Bridge and the Swiftwater Covered Bridge. Head east on Route 112 which will bring you into Kinsman Notch where you can get some excellent fall foliage shots from Beaver Pond and Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves.
WESTERN WHITE MOUNTAINS
Started heading west on Route 25 from Rumney to Wentworth and Warren; scenic foliage views of Carr Mountain and Mount Cube are waiting! Along the way, this winding route will lead you through beautiful New Hampshire countryside, farms, and lovely foliage.
If time allows, why not take a hike up Stinson Mountain for an even better view of the foliage? Or, stop to take pictures at one of the White Mountain's most curious tourist attractions, the Redstone Rocket in Warren.
Take Route 25C from Warren to Piermont and stop to take photos at Lake Tarleton and Lake Armington. From there, take Route 10 south to historic Orford where you will find the picturesque, colonial “Ridge Houses” on the hill on Main Street. Continue your scenic route back to Wentworth on Route 25A.
EASTERN WHITE MOUNTAINS
Taking Route 113 south from Conway. Your first stop will be the town of Madison which brings you by the iconic Madison Boulder, a 5,000 ton glacial erratic that is 23 feet high and 37 feet wide!
Continuing on Route 113 you will pass Silver Lake which affords you beautiful foliage views. Next you will come to Chocorua where you can pull over at Lake Chocorua which has an incredible view of Mount Chocorua (one of the most photographed mountains in the world). The next town you will come to is Tamworth, which is home to the historic Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm. Learn about 19th century farming in New Hampshire, visit the farm animals, and walk their trails.
Connect with Route 25 east to West Ossipee and visit the Whittier Covered Bridge which spans the Bearcamp River.
NORTHEASTERN WHITE MOUNTAINS
Starting in Jackson, head north on Route 16 and travel through beautiful Pinkham Notch. Stop in at the AMC’s Joe Dodge Lodge to get information about local hiking trails, take in the foliage from Pinkham Notch, or grab something for your scenic drive in their gift shop.
Continuing up Route 16, plan on taking a quick 1-mile walk in the woods to visit Thompson Falls for an amazing photo opp. Bring a picnic lunch while you're at it! A drive along Route 16 will keep you in awe, with towering views of Wildcat Mountain, Mount Washington, Mount Madison and Mount Adams dominating the landscape.
Gorham is the next town you will come to as you arrive at the intersection of Route 2. There will be great foliage views of the White Mountains and the Androscoggin River as you drive through town. As you head east on Route 2 you will come to Shelburne, which is a charming New Hampshire village with beautiful rolling fields and old farms. It’s the perfect backdrop for your fall photos, so get ready for some posing!
After that, retrace your route until you reach North Conway. Have a late lunch or early dinner in town, or head to Settlers Green for a round of outlet shopping. If you'd rather stretch your legs, you can always choose to take Route 153 south for a short hike up Foss Mountain to enjoy some extra foliage views.
