New Hampshire Fall Foliage Drive

Quaint villages graced with green commons, white town halls, and covered bridges: southwestern New Hampshire is dominated by the imposing rocky summit of Mt. Monadnock and the brilliant colors of autumn. Kancamagus Highway is another classic foliage route, but for more solitude and less traffic, try this more accessible route that peaks a few weeks later than the state's far north.

The Granite State is the second-most-forested state in the nation; by mid-October the colors of the leaves of its maple, birch, elm, oak, beech, and ash trees range from green to gold, purple to red, and orange to auburn. Routes 12, 101, 124, and U.S. 202 form a loop around Mt. Monadnock. Start on the picturesque Main Street in Keene with a stop for coffee at Prime Roast Café; for New Hampshire–made products, take a walk on Main Street or detour west on Route 9 to reach Stonewall Farm for something more pastoral.

Best Time to Go

The best time to view foliage in southern New Hampshire is generally early October, but it can vary by up to four weeks. For updates about leaf changes, visit the Foliage Tracker page on the website of Visit New Hampshire (800/386–4664 www.visitnh.gov).

Planning Your Time

Expect to travel about 55 miles. The journey can take up to a full day if you stop to explore along the way.

From Keene, travel east on Route 101 through Dublin. In Peterborough, browse the local stores like the Peterborough Basket Company—the country’s oldest continuously operating basket manufacturer—whose attitudes and selections mirror the state’s independent spirit. If you need a bite to eat before continuing on your journey or later for dinner, stop by Harlow's Pub, a convivial spot in Peterborough's scenic downtown.

Then turn south on U.S. 202 toward Jaffrey Village. Just west on Route 124, in historic Jaffrey Center, be sure to visit the Meeting House Cemetery, where author Willa Cather is buried. One side trip, 4 miles south on U.S. 202, leads to the majestic Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, one of the best places in the region for foliage viewing because evergreens offset the brilliant shades of red.

Heading west on Route 124, you can take Dublin Road to the main entrance of Monadnock State Park or continue along to the Old Toll Road parking area for one of the most popular routes up the mountain, the Old Halfway House Trail. All the hiking trails have great views, including the area’s many lakes. Continuing on U.S. 124, head southwest on Fitzwilliam Road to Fitzwilliam. If you have time, pop into Bloomin’ Antiques to browse their selection of fine art and unusual antiques.

Need a Break?

Bloomin' Antiques. Fine art and unusual antiques. 3 Templeton Tpke., Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, 03447. 800/386–4664; www.bloominantiquesnh.com.

Harlow's Pub. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, this friendly tavern with a patio overlooking Peterborough's scenic village center serves creative comfort fare and local craft beer. 3 School St., Peterborough, New Hampshire. 603/924–6365; www.harlowspub.com.

Stonewall Farm. A working dairy farm with a dramatic setting amid fields and forests, Stonewall is open daily and presents an active schedule of events, including maple sugaring and seasonal horse-drawn hayrides. Walking and snowshoeing trails lace the property, and a farm shop sells organic produce, gourmet snacks, and the farm's own luscious Frisky Cow Gelato. Young children love the discovery room, and the interactive greenhouse is geared for all ages. 242 Chesterfield Rd., Keene, New Hampshire, 03431. 603/357–7278; www.stonewallfarm.org.