New Hampshire is the premier destination for Fall Foliage leaf-peepers. Our region is one of only two areas in the world (China is the other) where the climate and topography are just right to produce the breathtaking blaze of Autumn colors. Bethlehem is located amid extensive hardwood forests containing a wide variety of hardwood species. Each species provides its own burst of color to the vivid display.

Many factors can affect the exact timing and brilliance of the Fall show. Rainfall, temperatures, wind, and sun conditions all impact the leaves. For an up-to-date foliage report call the New Hampshire Foliage Hotline at 1-800-258-3608.

When should I come?
In general, leaves will begin changing color in mid-September (though you'll see a few anxious ones change in late August!). The transformation continues into early October, with the leaves following a progression of colors.

Foliage Tip: Book your lodging reservations early!! Fall Foliage is a busy season for our motels and inns, so make your reservations as soon as possible. If you are having trouble locating accommodations, contact our Visitors Center for assistance (888-845-1957).

There are more than 20 historic covered bridges within an easy drive of Bethlehem. Below are a few of the closest:

Virtually any road you find in the White Mountains can be described as "scenic" at one point or other. However, the routes below offer particularly special views. Please remember to drive carefully on our highways, as wildlife and tourist traffic can impose additional driving challenges not normally encountered. Enjoy your ride and watch for moose!

White Mountains Trail (Kancamagus Scenic Byway)
Numerous scenic overlooks and covered bridges highlight this heavily traveled route. You can begin this loop tour from Bethlehem by heading East on Rt 302 toward Conway. You'll pass by such sights as the historic Mount Washington Hotel and travel through beautiful Crawford Notch. In Conway, take Rt 112 West (the Kancamagus Highway) toward Lincoln. Dramatic mountain vistas and lovely forests scenes highlight this segment. In Lincoln, take I-93 North. This part of the tour passes through spectacular Franconia Notch and the famous "Old Man of the Mountain". Exit 40 off I-93 will bring you back to Bethlehem.

Prospect Mountain Road Scenic Byway
Located a short distance from Bethlehem, this 1.5 mile auto road leads to the summit of Prospect Mountain in Lancaster's Weeks State Park. Beautiful forests and scenic turn-outs highlight the tour, with a 360 degree panoramic view at the summit. From Bethlehem, take Rt 302 East to Twin Mountain. Turn left onto Rt 3 North toward Whitefield. Weeks State Park is located off Rt 3 between Whitefield and Lancaster.

Sugar Hill - Franconia
The Sugar Hill/Franconia area is a short, scenic drive from Bethlehem. Leave Bethlehem on Rt 142 South. In Franconia, turn right on Rt 118, pass through Franconia Village, and turn left on Rt 117 to Sugar Hill. You can make this an easy loop trip by continuing on Rt 117 to the junction of Rt 302. Turn right on Rt 302 (East) and return to Bethlehem.

Pinkham Notch
This loop drive affords some spectacular views of the Presidential Mountains and surrounding countryside, including Mt. Washington. From Bethlehem, take Rt 302 East to Twin Mountain. Turn left onto Rt 3 North and then right onto Rt 115 to Jefferson. At the junction with US Rt 2, go right toward Gorham. (Special Sidetrip: For a spectacular view of the Presidentials overlooking one of the oldest golf courses in NH, turn left at the junction of US Rt 2 and head ~5 miles to Jefferson. Retrace your route to continue the loop tour.) Follow Rt 2 to Gorham and then turn right onto NH 116. Traveling along NH 116 will take you past the Mt. Washington Auto Road (incredible sidetrip!) and Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. Continue along NH 116 to the junction of Rt 302 and turn right (West). Follow Rt 302 back to Bethlehem, passing through Crawford Notch.

"Moose Alley"
Though you're apt to see moose on any of our roadways, there is a stretch of road north of Bethlehem where moose watching can be particularly fruitful. Best times for moose viewing tend to be early morning or dusk. Please drive defensively, as the moose may dart into the road. Also, please observe the moose from a distance and do not try to approach the moose. They are large, unpredictable animals. To reach Moose Alley, leave Bethlehem on Rt 302 East to Twin Mountain and turn left at the junction of Rt 3 North. Follow Rt 3 North to Pittsburg (~65 miles). Moose Alley is Rt 3 North beginning in Pittsburg and extending to the Canadian border (~22 miles).

Great North Woods
This drive will take you through beautiful, unspoiled forests with ample wildlife viewing opportunities. Begin in Bethlehem on Rt 302 East to Twin Mountain, and turn left at the junction of Rt 3 North. Follow Rt 3 North to Colebrook. In Colebrook, turn right on Rt 26 toward Errol. Rt 26 will take you through Dixville Notch and past the beautiful Balsams Grand Hotel. In Errol, turn right (South) on Rt 16 toward Berlin/Gorham. Much of this route is along the picturesque Androscoggin River. Connect with US Rt 2 West in Gorham and follow Rt 2 to Jefferson. Turn left onto Rt 115 until it intersects with Rt 3 in Twin Mountain. Turn left (South) on Rt 3 and then turn right (West) at the junction of Rt 302. Follow Rt 302 back to Bethlehme.

For more information, please contact the Chamber Visitors Center at 1-888-845-1957 or info@bethlehemwhitemtns.com

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