Fall is one of the best times to plan a hike in New Hampshire. Here are a few spots offering stunning leaf-peeping views.
Fall is the perfect time to explore a new hiking trail. Not only will the views be especially scenic with all the leaves changing colors, but it’s also more enjoyable to hike any distance when it isn’t 90℉ and humid.
That being said, one of the 10 Essentials for Hiking & Camping, according to REI, is to pack extra layers before you set off into the woods. Temperatures and weather conditions change quickly, and it’s better to have a warm jacket and gloves and not need them than it is to need them and not have them.
Another helpful essential? Even if you’re only taking one of the easy-moderate trails, pack extra food and water, a map, a compass, and a first aid kit. It may seem silly to bring these supplies for a hike that will take an hour or less, but it’s never a bad idea to exercise caution and prioritize your safety.
Also, it’s best to arrive early at each location, as parking lots fill up quickly and stay busy throughout the day. Be sure to give yourself extra time to arrive since traffic is also going to increase once leaf-peeping season is in full effect, and have a backup route in mind in case you show up to one of these trails and can’t find a place to park.
Happy hiking!
Black Cap, North Conway
- Easy-Moderate
- 2.4-2.6 miles round trip
- 646 feet of elevation gain
- Family-friendly
- Dogs permitted on leash
- Busy
- Slippery gravel
- Free to park and hike the trail
Black Cap Trail is found within the Green Hills Preserve. It’s a family-friendly destination with a wide, natural path and plenty of places to stop and check out the view before reaching the summit. Black Cap is a combination biking/hiking trail, so proceed with caution as you make your way through.
A few reviewers on AllTrails noted the gravel is slippery here. Make sure you and the kiddos are wearing sturdy shoes and keep an eye on your leashed dogs to ensure they’re on even footing, too. In addition to providing a fun foliage destination for your family, Black Cap is a great place to observe local wildlife.
Artist’s Bluff, Franconia
- Easy-Moderate
- 1.5 miles round trip
- 436 feet of elevation gain
- Dogs permitted on leash
- Busy
- Free to park and hike the trail
One of the most popular fall hiking destinations is Artist’s Bluff in Franconia, and when you look at photos of the area, it’s easy to see why. Located within Bald Mountain, Artist’s Bluff has stunning cliffside views and has become something of a social media sensation because of it. Bearing that in mind, this spot is going to be busy for much of the season, so get there early.
Please note: You are not allowed to park in the Echo Lake Beach lot when hiking this trail. You must park in the designated lot found across from Cannon Mountain.
Wearing shoes with solid traction is recommended as certain stretches of this trail are steep and can become slippery if it’s been raining. Signs clearly mark the path and bring you to the summit, which should only take about 30 minutes to arrive at if you’re traveling at a brisk pace.
Table Rock, Colebrook
- 1.5 miles round trip
- Moderate
- 770 feet of elevation gain
- Dogs permitted on leash
- Free to park and hike the trail
Table Rock is part of Dixville Notch State Park. The 1.5-mile trail is slippery when the weather conditions are damp, so, much like Artist’s Bluff, it’s recommended to wear solid boots with traction to make the trek easier to manage. As you make your way through the woods, you’ll see gorgeous birch and maple trees with leaves in an array of colors.
When you get to the cliff ledge, there are views of the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel (which looks a little like the hotel in “The Shining”) and Lake Gloriette.
Two important notes for this hike: 1. Dogs are permitted on the trail, but some hikers have suggested it may be better and safer to leave your canines at home if you’re traveling all the way to the overlook area. 2. While offering unique views, Table Rock may not be the best destination for those who are fearful of heights.
Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop, Harts Location
- 5.2 miles round trip
- Hard
- 1,650 feet of elevation gain
- Dogs permitted on leash
- $5 to park, free to hike the trail
The Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop is only for experienced hikers who can handle the terrain. This is one of those instances where it’s essential to download a map of the trail and area in advance, as it’s not marked well in certain spots and it can be easy to get lost or confused. You’ll also want to pack a compass, extra food and water, and start early so you can complete the entire loop before the sun sets.
Along the way, there are waterfalls, wildlife, leaf peeping, and cliffside overlooks. Certain sections, like the Bemis Brook Detour, are particularly steep and difficult to traverse. Because of how challenging it can be, this hike is less busy than others on the list, which is a bonus, but it’s much harder to complete than it may seem at first glance.
The trail begins at the designated parking lot for the area, so you’ll hop right out of your car and onto the path.
