New Hampshire Fall Road Trip: The Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary

Planning a New Hampshire fall road trip is one of the best ways to experience the state’s stunning foliage. With winding mountain roads, covered bridges, and charming small towns, New Hampshire is packed with incredible spots to explore in autumn.

This 5 day New Hampshire fall road trip itinerary takes you through some of the state’s most scenic areas, including the White Mountains and Dixville Notch.

You’ll drive along colorful byways, stop at waterfalls and overlooks, and visit the cutest towns in New Hampshire that feel straight out of a postcard.

Whether you’re flying into Boston or Portland, this route makes it easy to enjoy the best fall road trip through New Hampshire without feeling rushed.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

Good to Know Before Your New Hampshire Fall Road Trip

📅 Best time for a New Hampshire fall road trip

Peak foliage usually happens between late September and mid-October, but it depends on elevation. The northern areas like Dixville Notch and the White Mountains turn first, while southern regions hold their colors a little longer. Aim for the first two weeks of October for the best chance at vibrant leaves.

🕒 How long does it take?

This 5-day New Hampshire fall road trip itinerary covers about 500 miles total. Daily drives are short (1 to 3 hours), so you’ll have plenty of time to explore without rushing.

✈️ Where to start your trip

The route is designed to start from Boston since Logan Airport has the most flight options. If you’re flying into Portland, Maine, you can easily adjust as it’s only about 1.5 hours to Lincoln.

🚗 Car rental tip

You’ll need a car for this trip, and something comfortable for mountain roads is ideal. I recommend booking early to get the best rates! Check out Discover Cars to find the best deals.

🏨 Crowds and accommodations

Fall is peak season in New Hampshire, so book hotels well in advance. At popular stops, try to arrive early in the day to beat the leaf-peeping crowds. Also, try to avoid weekends if you can, or plan to spend it at Dixville Notch, which is less popular than the White Mountains.

Day 1: Boston to Lincoln (via Portsmouth and Meredith)

Your New Hampshire fall road trip starts in Boston, but there’s no need to rush straight to Lincoln. The drive only takes about 2.5 hours if you go directly, but I’d recommend turning it into a relaxed travel day with a couple of scenic stops along the way.

First up is Portsmouth. Just an hour out of Boston, this historic seaport is the perfect place to stretch your legs and grab a coffee.

The waterfront at Prescott Park looks beautiful in the fall, and the cobblestone streets downtown are full of little shops and cafés. If you’re hungry, Row 34 is a great spot for fresh seafood.

Next, continue northwest toward Meredith. This lakeside town on Lake Winnipesaukee is picture-perfect in autumn, with colorful trees reflecting off the water. It’s certainly one of the best places to visit in New Hampshire in the fall!

You can also stop for lunch here and enjoy the views. Lago is ideal for a sit-down meal, or keep it casual with a quick bite at 48 Main Cafe & Creperie. Afterward, take a short stroll along the boardwalk before heading back to the car.

From Meredith, it’s about an hour’s drive to Lincoln. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and settle in for the next two nights.

RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain is a lovely choice if you’re after mountain views and spacious rooms. For a more budget-friendly stay, Kancamagus Lodge is a great option with easy access to the Kancamagus Highway.

Day 2: Kancamagus Highway and the Northern Loop

Today is all about soaking in the fall colors along one of New Hampshire’s most iconic drives. The Kancamagus Highway, or “the Kanc” as locals call it, stretches for 34 miles between Lincoln and Conway, and it’s absolutely stunning in October.

Start early to beat the crowds and make your way east from Lincoln. There are plenty of stops worth pulling over for, you can find them all in my ultimate guide to driving Kancamagus Highway in the fall!

Some of my favorite stops are Sabbaday Falls, which is a short, easy hike to a pretty waterfall, and Rocky Gorge Scenic Area with its stone bridge and river views. Don’t miss CL Graham Overlook for sweeping views of the White Mountains covered in fiery foliage!

Instead of retracing your route on the Kanc, I’d suggest making a northern loop back to Lincoln. The Kancamagus Highway is usually really busy, especially in the afternoon, so instead of sitting in traffic for hours, do a little detour.

As a bonus, this way you can check out some other great places to visit in the White Mountains!

Once you reach Conway, take some time to explore North Conway’s charming Main Street. This little mountain town is full of cute shops, bakeries, and coffee spots.

Cathedral Ledge nearby is worth the quick drive for panoramic views, and Diana’s Baths is an easy walk to a series of cascades tucked into the forest.

Continue west through Bartlett and Bretton Woods, where you’ll catch sight of the historic Mount Washington Hotel set against a backdrop of colorful peaks.

The drive back to Lincoln via Route 302 and Route 3 is another scenic stretch, with plenty of opportunities to pull over and snap photos if the light is good.

Back in Lincoln, end the day with dinner at Black Mountain Burger Co. or Gordi’s Fish & Steak House. Both are great options after a full day of exploring!

Day 3: Franconia Notch and Sugar Hill

This is one of my favorite days on the route because Franconia Notch is just packed with gorgeous fall scenery! Since you’re already staying in Lincoln, you can start early and get to the trailheads before the crowds.

I’d recommend starting with Artists Bluff. It’s a short but steep hike, and the payoff at the top is huge! You can see Echo Lake below, surrounded by mountains covered in fall colors. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the views with a walk along the shore of Echo Lake.

Next, head over to Flume Gorge. This is such a classic stop on any New Hampshire fall foliage road trip!

The boardwalk trail winds through a narrow gorge with waterfalls and mossy rocks, and it’s absolutely stunning when the leaves are peaking. Plan to spend at least an hour or two here. There are so many spots where you’ll want to stop for photos!

Before leaving Franconia Notch, stop at The Basin. It’s a short walk from the parking lot and a cool little spot where swirling water has carved out a smooth granite pothole over thousands of years.

In the afternoon, drive over to Sugar Hill for a slower pace. This tiny village is the kind of place that feels frozen in time, with rolling hills, farmhouses, and country roads lined with vibrant trees.

Stop at Polly’s Pancake Parlor for a late lunch or snack (they’re famous for a reason!) and pop into Harman’s Cheese & Country Store for a taste of local flavors.

When you’re ready, continue north to Colebrook. The drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes and is another highlight of this 5 day New Hampshire fall road trip, especially as you get deeper into the backcountry.

Once you arrive, check into your hotel for the next two nights. You won’t find a lot of accommodations in this area, but that’s part of the charm. Mohawk Cottages is always a solid choice!

Day 4: Exploring Dixville Notch

Dixville Notch is one of New Hampshire’s most underrated fall destinations, and today you’ll have the whole day to enjoy it. This place feels truly remote, it’s the kind of spot where you’re more likely to see a moose than a tour bus.

Start with the Table Rock hike, which is a must-do in the area. It’s short but steep, and the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking!

You’ll be standing on a narrow outcrop with sheer drops on either side, looking out over mountains blanketed in fiery fall foliage and the lake below at the historic Balsams Resort. It’s one of my favorite views in all of New Hampshire!

Afterward, check out Huntington Cascades, a beautiful little waterfall that’s an easy walk from the road. The area around the Balsams Resort is also worth a wander. The lake there is peaceful and framed by colorful trees, making it a perfect picnic spot.

If you want to push a bit further, take a scenic detour north on Route 26 toward Errol. This stretch is gorgeous at peak foliage and a great chance to spot wildlife or simply drive among the colors.

Come evening, head back to Colebrook and make a stop at Black Bear Tavern. It’s cozy, local, and exactly the kind of no-fuss spot you want after a full day of hiking and driving.

Day 5: Colebrook to Boston with Scenic Stops

It’s time to start making your way back to Boston, but don’t worry, the drive south is packed with beautiful stops to make the most of the last day of your New Hampshire fall road trip.

Start with breakfast at Mostly Muffins in Colebrook. This little spot is as local as it gets, and their muffins and breakfast sandwiches are perfect for fueling up before the drive!

You can also grab your muffins to go and head to Beaver Brook Falls, which is just a few minutes away. There are picnic tables and a lovely picnic area there, so you can enjoy your breakfast right by the waterfall for a beautiful, peaceful start to the day.

After that, you’re free to choose how you want to spend your drive south. Here are some great options, depending on how much time you have:

• Littleton: This small town is perfect for a quick stroll along Main Street. Stop by Chutters for a peek at the world’s longest candy counter, or grab a coffee and enjoy the views from the covered bridge over the Ammonoosuc River.
• Bethlehem: Just ten minutes from Littleton, Bethlehem is full of charm with art galleries, antique shops, and a few cozy cafés.
• Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway: For one last iconic New Hampshire view, ride the tramway to the summit. It’s a short trip with huge payoffs! Plan about an hour for the whole experience.
• Plymouth: A classic New England college town where you can stop for lunch. The Last Chair is a favorite if you’re looking for hearty comfort food.
• Concord: This historic capital city is a nice final stop before Boston. Stroll through downtown, grab a coffee, or check out the New Hampshire State House.

From Concord, it’s about 1.5 hours back to Boston, bringing your 5-day New Hampshire fall foliage road trip to a close.