A Guide to Lakes Region Foliage Drives

When the crisp air of fall rolls in, the New Hampshire Lakes Region transforms into a painter’s palette of fiery reds, golden yellows, and rich oranges. While summer draws crowds to the water, autumn is a quieter, equally breathtaking season to explore the region. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy shoulder-season tourism, few experiences beat a leisurely foliage drive around our iconic lakes.

Here’s your guide to three of the most scenic loops: Lake Winnipesaukee, Newfound Lake, and Lake Wentworth.

1. Lake Winnipesaukee Loop

Route: Meredith → Center Harbor → Moultonborough → Wolfeboro → Alton → Gilford → Laconia → Meredith

New Hampshire’s largest lake offers a 75-mile loop drive that’s stunning in any season, but in fall it’s magical.

Best Stops Along the Way:

• Meredith: Start with coffee and a stroll along the Meredith Sculpture Walk, set against the lake with fall foliage in full display.
• Moultonborough: Detour to Castle in the Clouds — its 28 miles of trails and sweeping lake vistas make it a fall favorite. Afterward, refuel with a hearty meal at a local favorite like Anika’s Pizza, perfect for warming up after a crisp autumn hike.
• Wolfeboro: Known as “America’s Oldest Summer Resort,” Wolfeboro’s tree-lined Main Street is even more charming in autumn. Stop at Bailey’s Bubble for an ice cream cone, even in cool weather.
• Scenic Overlook (Route 11 in Alton): This roadside pull-off gives panoramic views of the lake framed by the Belknap Mountains awash in color.

Pro Tip: Go midweek to avoid summer-like traffic. Bring layers — the lakeside breezes are brisk in October!

2. Newfound Lake Drive

Route: Bristol → Hebron → Bridgewater → Alexandria → Bristol

At 2,691 acres, Newfound Lake is one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the state, and its surrounding hills explode with color in late September through mid-October.

Best Stops Along the Way:

• Wellington State Park (Bristol): One of the best public beaches in NH, offering lakefront views with fiery foliage backdrops.
• Hebron Common: A quintessential small-town New England green — picture-perfect in fall.
• Newfound Lake Inn (Bridgewater): A historic spot for a cozy lunch or dinner overlooking the water.
• Local Farms: Just off Route 3A, you’ll find farmstands selling fresh apples, pumpkins, and maple products.

Pro Tip: For an extra adventure, drive up to Cardigan Mountain State Park (Alexandria). The short but steep hike to the bald granite summit provides one of the most spectacular 360° foliage views in the region.

3. Lake Wentworth Loop

Route: Wolfeboro → Pleasant Valley Road → Governor Wentworth Highway → back into Wolfeboro

Smaller and quieter than Winnipesaukee, Lake Wentworth is tucked right next to Wolfeboro and offers a peaceful foliage drive with less traffic.

Best Stops Along the Way:

• Wentworth State Park: A lovely spot for picnicking or photographing the shoreline framed with autumn leaves.
• Sewall Woods Conservation Area (Wolfeboro): Stretch your legs on the network of trails surrounded by hardwood forest.
• Wolfeboro Center: Return to town for a hot cider at a café or a visit to the Libby Museum of Natural History.

Pro Tip: This drive is short, making it ideal for an afternoon outing paired with browsing Wolfeboro’s shops or grabbing dinner by the water.

Whether you choose the grand sweep of Lake Winnipesaukee, the quiet clarity of Newfound Lake, or the intimate charm of Lake Wentworth, a foliage drive through New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is pure autumn magic. Pack your camera, plan a few roadside stops, and let the vibrant scenery guide your journey.