Published on August 30, 2023
By Ramsey Qubein
Whether you’re coming from the South, Midwest, or elsewhere on the East Coast, the riches of autumn in New England are always worth the easy drive or quick flight. You can’t go wrong in this neighborhood of the Northeast—each of the region’s six states has its own unique take on fall bliss, with multi-hued leaves, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and so much more to choose from. Here, we offer a state-by-state rundown of fall’s best region to help you decide where to get the most out of this year’s leaf peeping—whether by road, bike, foot, or even boat—plus sublime menus full of fall ingredients, and the cozy and luxe accommodations from which to base your adventures.
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New Hampshire
Mountainous and woodsy, New Hampshire is blessed with seemingly endless parklands for experiencing fall foliage, both on foot and behind the wheel. Make a beeline for the White Mountain National Forest, hopping on the Kancamagus Highway (or the “Kanc” as locals call it). Northern New Hampshire’s claim to fame is this highly scenic 35-mile stretch of Route 112, which erupts with vibrant, changing leaves over multiple elevations. There are no gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and the like—nature takes center stage. Breathe in the fresh air and work on your landscape photography game. Enjoy your picnic lunch at one of the route’s many waterfalls, like “Sabbaday Falls” or “Rocky Gorge.”
Next, beyond the White Mountain National Forest, embark on an oh-so-fall adventure: a cider donut crawl. In Loudon, savor piping-hot cider doughnuts at Meadow Ledge Farm—they’re so good they often command a 45-minute line. In Meredith, get lost in a mega-corn maze, pick your own pumpkins, and try “flavored” cider doughnuts (with various toppings like chocolate drizzle and sprinkles) at Moulton Farm. Alternatively, balance town and forest with overnights in the hip town of Portsmouth, just an hour’s drive from most of the region’s best hiking trails. For starters, summit Mount Kearsage in Wilmot, or explore a portion of the 40-plus miles of trails in nearby Bear Brook State Park.
Where to stay
It should come as no surprise that the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa has ample views of the White Mountains. A fun throwback to the age of New England’s grand hotels that catered to city slickers from Boston and New York (not unlike today), this charming, historic property is this fall undergoing a total renovation of the guest rooms.
If you’re driving to New Hampshire or points further north, check in to the Great Island Inn, an “apart-hotel” occupying a restored historic home just a few minutes from downtown Portsmouth. Sure there’s no pool, no concierge, not even a front desk to speak of, but what you skip in amenities you more than make up for in value, at a time of year when many hotels like to jack up room rates to take advantage of leaf-peepers. It’s cute, it’s cozy, and it’s centrally located for all of your coastal New Hampshire adventures.
Where to eat
In Mount Washington, gorge on breakfasts of maple syrup-drenched buttermilk pancakes and apple betty French toast at the Glen House. Consider a trek up to White Mountain Cider Company for dinner and dessert of warm cider doughnuts and ice cream.
In Portsmouth, book ahead for dinner at Row 34 Portsmouth where you’ll find briny local oysters (don’t miss the umami-rich Row 34 oysters, the most mature bivalves from Island Creek Oyster Farm, Duxbury Bay in neighboring Massachusetts) and the best lobster roll in all New England (yes, you read that correctly).
