New Hampshire fall foliage road trip
I had always dreamed of taking a New England road trip to see the fall foliage. I began my trip in Vermont in early October. After spending a couple of days in Vermont, I headed for New Hampshire.
My first stop was Dixville Notch State Park and I set out hiking the Table Rock Trail. The trail was fairly steep and two miles roundtrip with 800 feet of elevation gain.
The payoff was incredible though with these amazing views of Lake Gloriette and Dixville Notch. It was even more stunning with the fall colors popping.
Lake Gloriette was also breathtaking from down at road level.
After leaving Dixville Notch, I headed south and passed some gorgeous scenery on my way toward Lincoln.
Once I arrived in Lincoln, I began the 34.5-mile scenic drive on the Kancamagus Highway that goes all the way to North Conway.
There are many great places to stop along The Kanc, New Hampshire’s Route 112, as it runs through the White Mountain National Forest.
Some places to get out and hike or enjoy the view are the Lincoln Woods trailhead, Otter Rocks, Hancock trailhead, CL Graham Wangan Overlook, Sugar Hill and Chase Sabbaday Falls. The hike to Sabbaday Falls is an easy three quarters of a mile with 100 feet of elevation gain.
Also check out Falls Pond, Rocky Gorge and Lower Falls. There are so many great places to stop so make sure you allow several hours at least to explore The Kanc. I enjoyed a nice Italian dinner at Vito Marcello’s in North Conway to end my day.
My second day in New Hampshire, I drove through Crawford Notch State Park and stopped at Silver Cascade as I headed to Franconia Notch State Park.
The entire drive was incredible as I made my way to hike the Artist Bluff Trail in Franconia Notch State Park. It is a fairly steep hike with around 200 feet of elevation gain in a mile roundtrip. You are rewarded with beautiful views though!
In the afternoon, I took a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad that departs from North Conway. If you need a quick snack before hopping on the train, check out Mystic Sugar Bakery next door.
There are several excursions, and I went on the Mountaineer, which lasts four to five hours and takes you through the Mount Washington Valley and over Crawford Notch.
I recommend sitting in coach. It’s the most affordable and the only section where you can open the windows for fresh air and to take photos without anything in your way. You also get the best views headed toward Crawford Notch sitting on the right side of the train.
The train passes by the Omni Mount Washington and makes a stop at Crawford Notch before turning around at Fabyan.
Back in North Conway, I did a little shopping on the main street. Zeb’s General Store has all sorts of snacks and gifts. I wrapped up my day with dinner at Tuckerman’s.
My last day in New Hampshire was also my birthday. I treated myself to breakfast at White Mountain Cider Company and headed to Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park.
My hike through Flume Gorge was 2.5 miles with almost 500 feet of elevation gain. It’s a really cool hike and reservations are recommended.
Flume Gorge a natural gorge at the base of Mount Liberty with walls of granite that are up to 90 feet tall. There are lovely views to take in all along the hike.
Where are your favorite places for fall foliage in New Hampshire?
