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Things To Do in NH in Autumn
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items Fall time is some of the most picturesque time to visit New Hampshire! There is no shortage of things to see and do in NH in the fall. If you are here the end of September, the water of the lakes may even still be warm enough to go for a swim.
If you’re planning to come to NH for the beauty of the leaves changing colors, be sure to check out this map to see what the estimates are for peak foliage dates!
Check the Peak Foliage Map!
From October 1st to the 4th, 2026, the Deerfield Fair is a worthwhile choice for the New England Fair experience. The fairgrounds are expansive and there is no shortage of things to see, food to eat, and events to watch.
Deerfield Fair (Kids 12 & Under Free Admission)
Growing up, I went to this fair every year with my family and a group of their close friends.
Lancaster Fair (Labor Day Weekend)
There are so many orchards to pick from to go apple picking!
Go Apple Picking
This one brings you out to the seacoast, pack a picnic and a sweater and check out Odiorne Point State Park. Here you will find spectacular views of the ocean, a playground, a rocky beach area for exploring tidal pools, and walking trails amongst mil...
Odiorne Point State Park
This link will lead you to the Hike Safe website so you can learn more about hiking safely in NH.
Go Hiking
If you have a day to kill, hop on one of these scenic train rides! Tickets are limited so buy ahead of time if you are planning to take a train ride.
Train Rides
The Flume is particularly special in the fall with the backdrop of all the foliage!
Flume Gorge
If giant pumpkins and small town fare is appealing to you, make time for the Goffstown Pumpkin Regatta in October!
Pumpkin Regatta | gmsp
In downtown Laconia in late October, hundreds of pumpkins will be carved and lit for display! There are great restaurants in the area and vendors there for the event.
Laconia Pumpkin Festival
This is THE fall foliage route. Check it out mid week if you can. Leaf peepers flock to the area to see the foliage on the weekend.
Kancamagus Scenic Byway: The Kancamagus Highway – Kancamagus Visitor Information
Sawyer’s in Gilford, NH makes their own ice cream and often has seasonal options!
Sawyer's Gilford
Take a day trip to North Conway in the White Mountains! There’s plenty of shops, restaurants, and a great playground for the kids right in the heart of North Conway. Check out the link 🔗 for more of what North Conway area has to offer!
North Conway, NH
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is open until November 1! Take a walk through the wooded trail to visit all the animals and exhibits. Go early or late for the best animal views.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Open until November 1, the auto road will take you up to the summit of Mount Washington. Bring a jacket, as the weather is often much different up top than at the bottom of the mountain!
Climb the Iconic Mt. Washington Auto Road
Enjoy a hike at Locke’s Hill to views of Lake Winnipesaukee. On clear days the planes coming in and out of Laconia Airport will feel like they are right overhead! This home requires some elevation gain but my toddlers have done this hike with minimal...
Lockes Hill, Gilford- NH Family Hikes
Don’t forget to carve or paint your pumpkins! I like to do ours the weekend before Halloween so they don’t start rotten too soon.
Follow the link for the best pumpkin patches in NH