It’s no secret the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (known as the Kanc by locals) is considered one of the best fall foliage drives in the country. With such spectacular scenery around every bend, the accolades are well earned, and with them come the crowds. Every autumn, the Kanc becomes one of New England’s most sought-after leaf-peeping destinations.
The good news? You don’t have to drive the Kanc to experience unforgettable fall foliage. From quiet back roads and river valleys to mountain notches and historic villages, New Hampshire is full of scenic drives that deliver brilliant color, without the crowds. Here are five routes that are well worth the detour.
1. Routes 13, 77 & 114: Amherst to Henniker (28 miles)
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Skip the mountains and explore the rolling hills of southern New Hampshire instead. This drive features scenic farmland, quiet forests, stone walls, and charming town centers that shine during autumn.
Worth the Detour: Begin in Amherst, where the historic town common and white-steepled church set the tone for the drive ahead. Continue through Mont Vernon and New Boston before following Route 114 through Weare’s rolling countryside to Henniker, home to New England College and an incredibly popular photo stop: the Henniker Covered Bridge.
Photo Stop: Henniker’s historic covered bridge is open to foot traffic only. Framed by vibrant fall foliage, it’s a perfect spot to capture the colors of fall.
2. Routes 12/12A: Walpole to Cornish, Along the Connecticut River (30 miles)
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This drive along the Connecticut River proves you don’t have to head to experience spectacular fall scenery. The route winds through rolling farmland, orchards, and some of New Hampshire’s charming villages.
Worth the Detour: Begin in Walpole, where a classic town common and historic Main Street welcome visitors. Stop by LA Burdick Chocolates for one of their famous chocolate mice before heading to Alyson’s Orchard, where pick-your-own apples come with sweeping views of the Connecticut River Valley. From there continue north to Cornish and along the way enjoy rolling countryside awash in autumn color.
Photo Stop: Just before reaching Cornish, you’ll find the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, the longest wooden covered bridge in the country and one of New Hampshire’s most photographed landmarks. Before leaving the area, stop at Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, where sculptures and the formal gardens are worth a stop during this season.
3. Route 113: Holderness to Center Sandwich (19 miles)
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This narrow, winding road travels through some of the most classic scenery New England has to offer: lakeside views, white-steepled churches, stone walls, and working farms, all set against the backdrop of the Sandwich Mountain Range. It's the kind of route that rewards a slower pace.
Worth the Detour: The first stretch hugs the shores of Squam Lake before continuing on to Center Sandwich. Along the way you’ll pass quiet coves, historic farmsteads and colorful hillsides. If you have time, take the short detour onto Sandwich Notch Road, where you'll find some of the densest canopy of color in the region.
Photo Stop: Center Sandwich’s picturesque town common is classic New England. The historic Town Hall, white-steepled church, and mountain backdrop create a postcard-worthy scene.
4. Route 153: Wakefield to Conway (38 miles)
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If you're looking for a scenic drive that flies under the radar, then Route 153 is hard to beat. Winding through forests, along sparkling lakes, and past small villages, this route offers all the beauty of a White Mountains getaway without the crowds often found on the more well-known routes.
Worth the Detour: Starting in Wakefield, Route 153 hugs the shores of Province Lake before meandering through the quiet communities of Effingham and Freedom, where white churches, historic homes, and peaceful farmland capture the essence of a New Hampshire autumn. As you continue north, the scenery becomes increasingly mountainous before arriving in Conway and the Mount Washington Valley. If time allows, enjoy a picnic along one of the many lakes or ponds that line the route.
Photo Stop: The historic Freedom Village common, with its white church overlooking Loon Lake, is a photogenic hidden gem. Farther north, there are numerous pull-offs offering beautiful views as the mountains begin to rise around Conway.
5. Routes 26, 145 & 3: Dixville Notch to Pittsburg (38 miles)
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For a fall drive that feels genuinely remote, head north to New Hampshire’s Great North Woods, where rugged mountains, dense forests, and quiet roads creates one of New Hampshire’s most memorable autumn road trips.
Worth the Detour: Route 26 cuts through dramatic Dixville Notch before opening to beautiful views of Lake Gloriette and the historic Balsams property. A couple of notable stops along the way: the Baby Flume, an 18-foot waterfall located steps from the parking area, and the hike up Table Rock for panoramic views over the notch. Continue to Colebrook, and a quick stop at Beaver Brook Falls for an 80-foot roadside waterfall. Keep heading north to Pittsburg and Route 3, and the stretch near the Canadian border known as Moose Alley. Keep your eyes peeled, especially at dawn and dusk, for one of New Hampshire’s most iconic wildlife sightings: moose.
Photo Stop: The overlook at Lake Gloriette offers one of the state’s most breathtaking fall scenes, where brilliant foliage reflects beneath the towering cliffs of Dixville Notch.
Looking for more ways to experience fall in New Hampshire? Explore Fall in NH for foliage updates, seasonal events, and fall road trip inspiration.
