In between summer swimming and winter skiing, tourists descend on New Hampshire for a dose of fall foliage — from the crisp air of the White Mountains to the salt spray of the eastern seaboard. It’s a season usually associated with hikers and car-bound “leaf peepers,” but the chilled temperatures and colorful vistas of New Hampshire in autumn are a runner’s fantasy. This is our guide to the best fall foliage runs in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire is a small state, but long, so temperature, elevation, and peak foliage can vary dramatically from the seaside towns to the hilly villages, to the mountainsides. Though it depends on weather conditions, New Hampshire foliage generally peaks from late September to mid-October, and expires sooner the further north you travel. Interactive Foliage Map
How Do We Choose & Organize The Best Foliage Runs in New Hampshire?
Our routes are chosen to highlight the best fall colors. They can be colorful wooded trails, or routes with nice valley or mountain views. The list below is organized by region, from south to north.
Nashua, Manchester & Concord
Nashua. We love running in Mine Falls Park, which includes several color-coded trails through forest, wetlands, and open fields. Another favorite is the Nashua River Rail Trail, a mainly wooded trail that runs for 12 miles between Nashua, NH and Ayer, MA.
West End Farm Trail. One of our favorite places to run in the Concord area. Gorgeous trail combining farm fields, woods, and an apple orchard.
Bear Brook State Park. The largest developed state park in New Hampshire, with gorgeous trail runs for all abilities. Located 13 miles southeast of Concord.
Derryfield Park & Weston Observatory. This cross-country course is a great run in Manchester in autumn.
Lakes Region
Lake Winnipesaukee & Lake Winnisquam. Favorites in fall include the Cotton Valley Rail Trail in Wolfeboro and the Castle in the Clouds. Around the Lake Winnisquam, the WOW Trail & Winnisquam Scenic Trail, and the Winnipesaukee River Trail are especially scenic in fall.
Mondadnock Region
Keene & Peterborough. Two routes in these quintessential New Hampshire small towns.
North Conway & The White Mountains
In fall, the 8.8 mile Franconia Notch State Park Recreation Path is a gem. Runners can also to sections of the famous Kancamagus Highway. In Bretton Woods, the grounds around the Omni Mount Washington Resort are gorgeous and feature splendid views of New England’s highest peak. See also our routes in Sugar Hill and Bethlehem for some great fall running options.
In the Waterville Valley area, pretty routes in fall include Sandwich Notch Rd. and the roads around Squam Lake.
Merrimack Region & Dartmouth/Hanover
Using Lebanon, near the Vermont border, as an anchor, choose a section of the Northern Rail Trail for a wooded foliage run. A fall running agenda should also include a route around Dartmouth College, one of New England’s prettiest college campuses. There are also numerous additional routes in that area, including some recommended trails from the Dartmouth Outing Club,.
Favorite New Hampshire Fall Road Races
Smuttynose Rockfest, Hampton hamptonrockfest.com
Applefest Half Marathon, Hollis applefesthalfmarathon.com
New Hampshire Marathon, Bristol nhmarathon.com
Bretton Woods Fell Race, Bretton Woods acidoticracing.com/bretton-woods-fell-race
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