Foliage in Lake Winnipesaukee
One of the best parts of living in or near Lake Winnipesaukee is experiencing the peak of foliage. There’s nothing better than a scenic drive to make your day at the lake special. While boating season is coming to a close, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee. The colors of fall will surround you through most of October.
Each Fall season is different with its peak time. Sometimes you can see hints of fall as early as August. Sometimes it waits until September. Some years are warmer while others are colder and rainier.
But the options available to experience fall season at Lake Winnipesaukee remains the same. Perhaps you want one last boat ride to enjoy the views. Maybe a scene drive is more your thing, or maybe for the more adventurous folk, a hike and bike ride is the best way to see the foliage.
We’ve listed some options below to make your Fall day at the lake extra special!
1. Take a Cruise
M/S Mount Washington is one of the best ways to see the foliage. They offer a Scenic Cruise through most of October. You can find more information on schedules and tickets here: https://cruisenh.com/collections/lunch-cruise-schedule
You can also use your own boat to cruise the lake, or even rent one. Our Boating Guide features many places you can rent a boat. You can view those locations by checking out For Fun and Rentals section in our mobile-ready ebook! Make sure you plan ahead and call for availability.
2. Canoe or Kayak
If you’re not ready to store your Kayak and Canoe for the winter, you can enjoy the autumn colors while kayaking or canoeing Lake Winnipesaukee. This is a great way to take close-up photos of the foliage.
3. Find a Trail
Another great way to enjoy the foliage without being on a boat is taking a hike or finding a bike trail. Check out Belknap Mountain for an easy hike and for great views of Lake Winnipesaukee surrounded by the beautiful colors of fall. Find a bench and enjoy the scenery!
Also check out Rattlesnake Mountain Holderness NH. Walk by oak and maple trees and enjoy the scenic overlooks. Or, driver to Mount Major in Alton Bay if you prefer a more moderate difficulty trail.
4. A Scenic Drive
If you want to see more area, take a scenic drive and enjoy the colors at your own pace. Drive around Meredith, Alton Bay, Wolfeboro, Laconia to not only enjoy the views but to also stop and grab a bite to eat and do some shopping! Lake Winnipesaukee has so many options to keep you busy while enjoying a crisp fall day. Don’t forget to take some fun family photos at the Mill Falls waterfall in Meredith! Keep our ebook handy because we have all your dining and shopping options featured in our guide!
5. A Train Ride
Check out Winnipesaukee’s Scenic Railroad tour. You’ll enjoy all kinds of views of the fall foliage. This is a great way to enjoy the foliage with your family! Kids will love this.