New Hampshire and Vermont are known for Fall colors in USA. And you will understand why once you witness the gorgeousness.
New Hampshire is a small state to the north east of the USA and it’s White mountain national park truly feels like a vibrant painting of colors. It’s neighboring states like Vermont and Maine are also known for fall colors (in fact all of the New England region). Depending on how much time you have to explore and definitely how greedy you are to absorb all the colors with your eyes, the trip is highly customizable 🙂
Two day itinerary synopsis:
Day 1:
Start early from Stamford, CT.
Jacob’s ladder scenic highway , HWY 20, Russell, Massachusetts
Ash field, MA
Wigmam Western summit, Mohawk trail
Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
Smugglers notch
Stowe
Day 2:
Start early to White Mountain national park, NH
Cog railway
Mt Washington summit
Kancamagus pass
Kancamagus highway (HW 112)
Head back
Day 1:
We started from Stamford, CT with destination as Jacob ladder’s scenic highway (HW 112). On the way, we passed small towns and trail parks and we could already spot colors (mostly in yellow because of Aspens).
After few pit stops, we entered Jacobs’ ladder scenic highway.
The next destination was Mohawk trail and we passed through a small town called Ash field. Fall just started and the community just had its fall festival. We stopped by Ash field lake to relax by the riverside and enjoy our food. You can grab your lunch from Ash field lake house as well if you haven’t packed food. We could feel the community spirit and fall festivities all the way long.
We continued on 112 to Mohawk trail. The path is rustic and thick. It is rather remote but gorgeous path but we didn’t get the opportunity to hike due to tight schedule. You may have to pack food for the trip as the place is remote and we didn’t see notice much restaurant presence.
If you have time, you can drive to Wigmam western summit which is surrounded by forest. We had to head directly to Smugglers notch to reach before sunset.
Smugglers notch drive is totally worth your drive. You must plan to reach way before sunset. Days are shorter in October and cloudy days make it even narrower duration so plan your arrival wisely.
Plan your stay at Stowe. This cute little town is the closest town to Smugglers notch and home for skiers. There are multiple cottages and hotels in between Smugglers notch and Stowe. I would say it is expensive but per the demand for fall colors and as a vacation destination, you can expect that from such places.
Where to eat: Stowe has good number of restaurants and bars but Picassio stands top with its great ambiance, food and live music. Almost all restaurants do not take reservations so you have to show up and wait for your turn. We headed to Sunset bar and grill and the food was decent and pricing was reasonable.
Day 2:
We started early to White Mountain national forest since we booked our train ride with Cog railway services for 8:30 AM. Please make sure to book your appointments way before your travel. The reservations are usually full way ahead especially on peak days. Plan to reach at least 20 min before the schedule else they will release your bookings to public or sometimes they deny you to board.
The travel is a great experience as the rail takes you up to Mountain summit at 35% gradient. As you go, the fog makes it almost zero visibility. The on board staff explains the history of the railway along the way, which sometimes can be annoying especially if you want to enjoy the nature in silence.
Once you reach the summit, you will see the whole White Mountains National forest at birds view point. Watching fall colors from that elevation and clouds on top of it is what you will want to do all day. You will have to about 1 hour to explore the summit before you take return train to the railway station. Make sure to keep an eye on time and rail. Chances are you will have to head back on your own if you miss the train. You can reach Summit via road also.
Where to eat:
There is restaurant within railway station but if you want other options, Stinley restaurant in the White mountains hotel is a great option. Again, all these restaurants do not take reservations or take to – go options and you have to show up there for reserving spot.
Head to Kancamagus pass. You will pass Crawford notch national park on the way and the views only get better. You may want to stop by at Crawford notch for a while and enjoy narrow waterfalls that are by the road.
Head to Kancamagus pass via lower falls scenic area. This is comparatively less crowded and have best view points on the way. The road and the drive was perfect. Once you pass the scenic route, you will join Highway 112 and turn towards HW 112 west. The whole stretch is called Kancamagus highway.
Once you pass the highway, you will join a small town called Lincoln. This is also a good boarding option if you want to make adjustments for your itinerary and start your exploration of forest from South unlike us from North.
Our trip to New Hampshire ended here once we joined HW 5 from Linclon. The drive back to Stamford was about 5 hours.
The itinerary can be used for people starting from New York or New Jersey but the start and end timing may stretch.