We are heading into the first weekend of Fall 2020 and the colors are already starting to pop! Looking to check out the Fall foliage this weekend? Here are 7 ideas to soak in the colors of early Autumn.
Cook Interpretive Trail - Wilmot
View Point, Cook Interpretive Loop Trail, Wilmot, NH
A 1.2-mile loop trail located in Wilmot that takes you to an amazing view of Mount Kearsarge. The viewpoint provides a pretty spectacular foliage lookout, take a seat on the bench and enjoy! If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can pick up the Pleasant Lake High Trail off of the Cook Interpretive Loop Trail. You’ll be rewarded with more colorful views looking out at Pleasant Lake.
Clark Lookout - New London
View of Lake Sunapee from Clark Lookout Trail, New London, NH
Easy to access! Located right off exit 12 of I-89. Park at the park and ride on 103A. Cross 103A to Davis Hill Road to access the Clark Lookout trailhead. Rated an easy .4-mile (one way) walk. You’ll be rewarded with outstanding views of Lake Sunapee—a great spot to take in the Fall foliage and have a picnic at the same time. Note...the colors are just starting to change around Lake Sunapee, this is the perfect spot for leaf peeping during most of the autumn season.
Visit Muster Field Farm - Sutton
Muster Field Farm, Sutton, NH
We talk about Muster Field Farm a lot, probably because it’s one of the most picturesque locations in our region. During autumn not only will you be able to take in the beautiful fall foliage, but you’ll also enjoy the late summer and early fall blooms of asters and sun flowers in their gardens. Bonus…visit the farm stand and pick up a peck of apples or enjoy local squash, leaks and eggplant harvested from the farm.
Route 114 to Route 103 Loop Drive
Main Street New London, the starting point of the scenic drive
One of our favorite scenic drives that’s even prettier in the Fall. This route will take you on winding country roads through quaint New England villages and past beautiful lakes and ponds. Make sure to take your time and stop for a quick snack or lunch. Our picks include Sweet Beet Market and the Village Café in Bradford. If you want lunch with a view, sit outside overlooking Todd Lake at the Appleseed Restaurant. In Newbury you can pick up some great sandwiches and amazing cannolis at Marzelli Deli or enjoy lunch looking out over Newbury Harbor at Bubba’s Bar and Grille. This route will take you through the towns of New London, Sutton, Bradford, Newbury and Sunapee.
View the Driving Route Map
You can start anywhere on this loop! Our starting point is Main Street, New London. Make sure to click on the points of interest in the map legend for a description of each place.
Potter Place and the Rail Trail - Andover
View point along the Northern Rail Trail, Andover, NH
Visit Potter Place in Andover and pick up the Northern Rail Trail. Head in either direction, the foliage along the trail never disappoints! The trail is great for walking, jogging or cycling. There's plenty of parking and the historic railroad station is also pretty cool. If you're coming from I-89, make sure to enjoy the foliage along the way on NH Route 11.
Scytheville Park, Elkins
Scytheville Park, Elkins, NH
During early Fall, when you are waiting for the colors around the larger lakes to change, head on over to Scytheville Park. A short walk from Pleasant Lake will take you to this quiet park set on the banks of Cascade Brook. The colors always seem to change a little earlier here than around Lake Sunapee. There’s a Park and Go Market just down the road in case you need snacks or refreshments.
Pick Your Peak
Lake Solitude from White Ledges, Mount Sunapee
Even during the first few days of fall, a hike up either Mount Kearsarge or Mount Sunapee will reward you with pops of red, orange and yellow. Out of all the trails, our pick for this time of the year goes to the Andrew Brook Trail on Mount Sunapee. Save enough time to sit at the top of White Ledges and enjoy the view looking down at Lake Solitude. Check out our list of hiking and walking trails here.
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