We’re back again, Boston.
🍁What’s red, gold, and worth sitting in I-93 traffic for? New Hampshire Fall. (And it’s juusttt about time for you to grab a flannel and chase it north).
👀 What’s on tap today:
The science behind why N.H. fall foliage hits different
Leaf-peeping methods ranging from “cute” to “chaotic”
The roads and (hiking trails) less traveled
Up first…
RAKE IN THE VIEWS
Your roadmap to peak season
🌳 There’s an art to leaf peeping in N.H. Go too early and you’re staring at green. Go too late and it’s stick season. Time it just right, though, and you’re basically stepping into a live-action Bob Ross painting. We put together the ultimate guide to making sure your fall photos (and your weekend getaway) are as swoon-worthy as your Pinterest mood board.
When to go
⛰️ Cold nights + sunny days = extra pigmented leaves, which makes New Hampshire a gold mine for fall color chasing. But here’s the thing: peak season doesn’t hit all at once. Up north, the Great North Woods usually pop first with fiery reds and blazing oranges by late September.
⏱️ A week or so later, the White Mountains and Lakes Region start flexing their golden hour, with colors sweeping into the southern part of the state closer to mid-month. So if you happen to miss the window in one spot, just head a little south — peak season can last nearly a full month if you play your cards right.
Where to go
🚞 The Kancamagus Highway gets all the Instagram love, but ask any local and they’ll tell you: the real magic is in the backroads. Quieter routes and state parks deliver the same vibrant colors without the bumper-to-bumper caravan of tourists. So grab a thermos, roll down the windows, and just drive — every turn is postcard worthy.
Things to try:
Route 302 through Crawford Notch (the Kanc’s cool, less-crowded cousin)
Milan Hill State Park (yes, you can sleep in a yurt)
Lake Winnipesaukee loop (peak foliage plus shoreline views)
How to see it
🍎 Some people want to lace up their boots and earn the view, others want to sip cider while someone else handles the steering. And some of us? We’d rather yeet ourselves through the treetops on a 50 mph zipline. Whatever your fall personality, N.H. has an option that matches your vibe (and your comfort level with heights).
Things to try:
Ride a scenic train or hop on a gondola like the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway for a no-sweat leaf show
Hike up Mount Crescent or Sabbaday Falls for classic lookout points (and photo ops)
Strap in for the zipline at Bretton Woods for maximum adrenaline and views
🌟 Whether you want to hike it, drive it, ride it, or soar over it, New Hampshire is the fall color capital. Start planning your trip at VisitNH.gov — peak season waits for no one.
QUICK QUESTION
🗳️ How are you leaf peeping this year?
ONE LAST THING
🍁 Did you know New Hampshire has more than 4.7 million acres of state parks and forests?
Translation: you’re never more than a scenic drive away from a new leaf-peeping spot.
— Written by Tori Waltz, Studio/B, Boston Globe Media’s branded content studio (The editorial team was not involved in the creation of this B-Side Extra Edition)
🍂 Thanks for reading! We’re on our way to see how many cider donuts is too many (for research).
💜 Special shoutout to today’s sponsor, Visit NH, for sponsoring this extra B-Side send and reminding us why fall is New England’s best season.