We know that New Hampshire is the best state to be in when it comes to Fall. Carving pumpkins with family, corn mazes, haunted houses and breweries are just some of the reasons to love this season.
There is no better feeling than wearing a flannel outside in perfect sunny weather, as the brisk Autumn air smells of pumpkin spice, campfire, baked apples and cinnamon.
As nights start to get colder, it’s a great time to start planning a few different activities that you and your family can enjoy. By compiling this 2022 NH Fall Activity Guide, we hope to spread awareness of local small business throughout New Hampshire so you and your family can plan less and enjoy each other more.
1. Pumpkin/Apple Picking
Nothing is better than the feeling of picking out your own pumpkin to take home and carve, or apples to make a delicious pie! Check out the locations we “picked” for you below.
Riverview Farm: The Franklin family has owned this Plainfield, NH farming property for over 40 years. Not only is there apple picking, but blueberry picking and raspberry picking as well. Riverview is widely known for their beautiful seasonal wreaths that are hand made with locally sourced material. Sounds interesting? Sign up for a “wreath making” class yourself!
Stone Mountain Farm Stand is located in Belmont, New Hampshire and is a high-density apple orchard. Unlike traditional apple orchards, high-density trees focus on growing the fruit, not the tree.These are usually planted three feet by eleven feet and can fit up to 1,300 trees per acre! After apple picking and awed at the FORTY different apple varieties grown, don’t forget to head to the farm stand that offers pumpkins, gourds, and local honey.
Mack’s Apples is a National Bicentennial Farm that dates back to 1732 when John Mack came to Londonderry, New Hampshire from Ireland.
2. Spoooooky Haunted Houses
Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, Fall is the season for all things Spooky! We gathered some of the scariest haunted houses in New Hampshire and listed them below. Good luck!
Spooky World Set on more than 80 acres, Spooky World presents Nightmare New England and the Haunted Hayride, which is New England’s Largest Haunted Attraction. Horror Fanatics from across the country travel to visit this haunted house every year for thrills, chills, screams & fun!
Haunted Overload is another haunted house located in Lee, New Hampshire on Demeritt Hill Farm. Here, they allow you to choose out of “3 levels” of fear – Day Haunt, Fright Night Lite, and Haunted Overload. Day haunt being perfect for the whole family, while Haunted Overload takes the screams to the extreme!
The Salisbury Woods – Haunted Farm and Trail: Located in Salisbury, New Hampshire, this haunted house is scaring people for a good cause. Fundraiser for local education, arts and community organizations, including the Salisbury Parent Teacher Group, MVMS Parent Teacher Organization, MVHS Music Boosters (MUBO), and the Salisbury Fire Explorers.
3. Best Fall Foliage Views
It may seem overwhelming to plan the best place to go to see the New Hampshire fall foliage. That’s why the Foliage Tracker flink should be saved on your computer AND phone.
Franconia Notch: Get the highest possible view of the surrounding fall colors in New Hampshire and beyond.
Kancamagus Scenic Highway is one of the most iconic areas if you’re in search of a scenic and unforgettable drive. The 34.5-mile drive is a recognized National Scenic Byway, offering natural beauty in addition to travelers’ rich history.
Albany Covered Bridge: The Boulder Loop hiking trail can be accessed from the parking lot for the bridge.
4. Corn Maze Family Fun
Collins Farm Corn Maze and Adventure Trail is a 13 acre farm in Bath, New Hampshire designed for families of all ages. Previously voted the #1 Corn Maze in New Hampshire, this corn maze has hidden checkpoints and trivia. There is also a “haunted” corn maze if you’re feeling spooky!
Beans & Greens Farm: Located in Gilford, New Hampshire and open year round, this family owned farm seems to have everything. The corn maze is open every day from 10am to 5pm (weather permitting)and if you’re feeling brave there is the Haunted Night Maze. Before leaving, head to the farmstand where there’s a bakery, gift shop, and produce.
Coppal Hill Farm: Every year, Coppal Hill Farm in Lee, New Hampshire has a maze theme encompassing something that would be seen in your own backyard. For example, this year the maze is in the shape of a giant praying mantis! By correctly answering different trivia questions (geared toward a wide range of ages), you eventually make it through the maze and back to the barn farmhouse.
5. Local Wineries/Cideries/Breweries
With so many small breweries, wineries, and cider houses popping up throughout the state, it can be hard to choose which ones are worth driving to. Below is a list of four locations with a little bit of everything.
Butternut Farm Cider House: With our official state beverage being apple cider, we obviously had to include a Cider House! This Cider House located in Farmington, New Hampshire has everything to offer. From dry to sweet, there is a perfect batch to suit anyone’s taste buds. Especially when you can sip your way through a cider flight and discover each unique flavor.
Haunting Whisper Vineyard and Distillery: What a perfect name for this time of year! Haunting Whisper is located in Danbury, New Hampshire and is both a winery and distillery! This includes a variety of wines as well as rum, whiskey & brandy. You can even visit their 75 acre property to enjoy the scenery while enjoying their drinks.
Henniker Brewing Company: Tucked away in the woods of Henniker, New Hampshire this brewery has been crafting great beer since 2012. We love the fact they are a kid and dog friendly location so you can bring the whole family! They even have free live music every first and third Friday of the month from 7pm – 9pm.
Canterbury Ale Works : One of their slogans says it all, “A little out of the way, a lot out of the ordinary!”. Located in Canterbury, New Hampshire, this unique and wood fired British/Irish inspired Brewery & Tasting Room is a place everyone needs to go at least once. Bring your kids, your dog, and your fun hat! The coolest part? This is a one man, one barrel, wood fired, British inspired nano-brewery nestled in the heart of rural New Hampshire.
When it comes to Fall, New Hampshire is the perfect place to enjoy this charming season. While many people would love to capture the essence of Fall in New Hampshire even once. We’re lucky enough to experience it everyday.
Have a wonderful and colorful Fall season and remember to stay safe!
Did we miss any important Fall events happening in New Hampshire? Write to us! We’d love to know your favorite Autumn activities so we can include them in next year’s article.
*Please note that many establishments throughout New Hampshire have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. Please check with individual businesses and organizations for the latest information before making travel plans.* Would you like your business featured on The Concord Sentinel? Contact: mike@concordsentinel.com
