What not to miss in New Hampshire!

This was written September 7th 2016

The breeze coming in my window last night turned decidedly chilly by dawn, brrr, I loved it! The cicadae are singing in good form and I’m getting reports from Waaaaay up in Caribou Maine and Canada that branches on some maples are beginning to turn. What has me taking notice is that the swamp maples in southern Connecticut are turning as well and I have to assume they are very stressed. 

What follows are my top 10 places to visit in New Hampshire. You will note this isn’t just my top 10 routes or my top 10 covered bridges. These are many different places that families, couples, and photographers will find ample subjects to “oh” and “ah” over.

1. Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus (or Kanc as it’s known by the locals) is one of New Hampshire’s old grand dames of scenic drives. It also has waterfalls & rivers, a covered bridge, and too many hiking trails to count. (although the forest rangers will be glad to give you a list and sell you a map).

It’s also as old as me! Construction finished on her in 1959 which was when I was born, but I’m still a work in progress, ask my wife. The best time to visit the “Kanc” is usually between 1-12 October but as with all these places, the dates slide one way or the other, depending on the weather.

2. Clark’s Bears

Clark’s Bears is just north of Lincoln New Hampshire on Route 3, (exit 33 off Route 93) and you should be aware that they do close down just after Columbus Day. Also, there is a schedule of different attractions like the bear acts so plan your arrival to take advantage of that. The best foliage time should be in the 1-10 Oct neighborhood.

Clark’s trading post is a great amusement park to visit for families from late spring through mid-October when they close. The last time we were there, you had trained bears, a bad-tempered wildman chasing the train, climbing walls, museum, thrill rides and a lot more.

3. Polly’s Pancake Parlor

This is another of those do n’t-miss spots and I always try to stop at least once during fall foliage season. This is also a four-season attraction so be prepared for great food and great scenery. Are you asking about the scenery? just up the road, you’ll see a multi-directional sign and you’ll have your choice of places to check out. The best foliage is in the 1-10 Oct neighborhood. Oh! The food is great year-round! They suggest you call ahead to reserve your seating, (603) 823 5576 ex 16.

4. Flume Gorge

The Flume is another of those early October destinations because you are up in the White mountains. This area is generally best between the 1st and the 7th of October. You pull off of I-93 and pull into the large parking lot. Now the visitor center doesn’t open until 9AM but for those who want a shot of the Flume at dawn, then you will have to bring your own maps and find the path in. Just be sure that when you come out, go through the visitor center and pay them then. (yes there is a charge to enter the park)

5. Mount Washington Auto Road

For those who like to do it themselves, you can take your car up the Mount Washington Auto Road. This journey takes you up Route 16 at Pinkham Notch to the very top of the mountain. The last time I did this there were no guardrails so if you might be a bit uneasy about driving up. You might consider that! But the view is wonderful! So take a few extra layers because it’s always 10-20 degrees colder or more up on top.

If you are lucky, you might catch some snowliage. Don’t know what snowliage is? Snow and fall foliage in the same shot. I have only been in the right area a couple of times over the years. Seen below is the Cog Rail train With Mount Washington towering above it covered in snow and clouds.

5A. The Cog Rail is also a great way to ascend Mt. Washinton

There are three ways to get to the top. Hiking, driving, and rail. Of the three I prefer the Cog Rail.

6. Conway Scenic Railroad

Take a ride on the Conway scenic railroad and see fall foliage the way it’s meant to be viewed at a leisurely pace.

Lisa and I took the 51-mile ride up to Faybans station and it was great. We did bring our own lunch and saved a little money but the views were great. Call ahead as they fill up and rarely can you arrive and just get on…

7. Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge

Situated at the feet of the Presidential Range, Pondicherry wildlife refuge is a great stretch for the legs and there are several entrances. I find most walks are about a mile or so to get to the lake, so be prepared for both the walk and the spectacular view. You get all the way in and Cherry Pond stretches out in front of you with views of the mountains reflected on the surface of the pond.

8.  Milan Hill State Park

Milan State Park and the Fire tower have been a favorite of mine since I found this several years back. You can find my write-up of the Milan fire tower on my scenic Route 16 through the northern white mountains.

 The views from this tower rain or shine can be very dramatic, yes I said rain or shine but if there is lightning in the area, maybe you should rethink going up three stories on a tall metal tower on top of a hill… 🙂 View some of my different images from the Milan fire tower here.
Check out the park here. Milan Hill State Park

9. Canterbury Shaker Village

The Canterbury Shaker Village is now a museum since the last of the Shaker brothers and sisters have passed away. The cost to wander through the buildings was $12 the last time I was there. (Please check before you go) and what can I say, fall-colored trees and 19th-century period buildings, the combinations are just screaming to be explored!

10. Portsmouth NH

Let’s be honest, what is a visit to the coastal areas of New England if it doesn’t involve a stop along the ocean to view our many lighthouses? Portsmouth New Hampshire is just one such spot. Portsmouth shares its rather short shoreline with Maine and on the northern NH/ME border you’ll find two lighthouses.

Yes, I’m obsessed with the New England fall foliage but I love a good lighthouse as well. (and a great lobster roll!)

From anywhere around Portsmouth harbor, you have two lighthouses that may be visible from the shore. I like to go to Newcastle and Great Island common (gated but they don’t charge once labor day passes) and photograph both Portsmouth lighthouse and Whaleback lighthouse which is really a Maine Lighthouse.

First, we have Portsmouth Lighthouse on the Pisacatua River and here you see the tall ship Mystic passing the lighthouse.

Portsmouth Lighthouse is also known as Fort Point Light, New Castle Light, and Fort Constitution Light. and no matter what, she is sure to please. Check this link for more info on Portsmouth light.  http://www.portsmouthnh.com/listing/portsmouth-harbor-lighthouse/

Next, you have Whaleback Light in the Pisacatua River. (on the Maine side) I was there on a stormy day at Great Island Common and caught some nice waves breaking on the granite tower.

This is one of my versions of the Whaleback Light. http://www.portsmouthnh.com/listing/whaleback-light/ I call this determination for standing up to the ocean all these years.

You may be saying But you left off so many… That’s right I did, but this gets you started and that is the point. I can’t hold your hand through all of New Hampshire. BUT! I can get you started on exploring all the nooks and crannies for the treasures that can be found just around the corner.

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

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