Fall in the Lakes Region Fall is a magical time around Lake Winnipesaukee. As the days cool and the foliage ignites into vivid hues of red, orange, and gold, the entire Lakes Region of New Hampshire becomes an autumn playground. Whether you’re chasing leaf-peeping vistas, casting a line, seeking spooky fun for Halloween, or discovering quaint towns along the shoreline, there’s no shortage of things to do. Below is a full guide to embracing fall on and around Winnipesaukee — with suggestions, highlights, and insider tips. 🍂 Foliage & Scenic Beauty When & Where to See It In the Lakes Region, fall colors typically begin to show by mid-September and often reach their peak between late September and early October. The reflections of color off the lake’s water amplify the effect, making lakeside views especially dramatic. How to Experience the Colors Scenic drives / leaf-peeping loops: The Winnipesaukee Scenic Foliage Loop (about 134 miles) lets you trace the lake shore through towns like Alton Bay, Wolfeboro, Moultonborough, Meredith, and back toward Alton. Take your time—stop for photo ops, cider donuts, or a local café. By boat / cruise: The M/S Mount Washington departs from Weirs Beach in Laconia for narrated scenic cruises. There are also shorter “mail boat” runs like the M/V Sophie C., and special fall or haunted-themed cruises. By train: The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad offers foliage tours along the lake rim, departing from points like Meredith, Laconia, and Weirs Beach. On foot: Trails on Gunstock Mountain (Gilford) offer a mix of hiking or chairlift-up views with sweeping panoramas of the lake below. Belknap Mountain is a moderate climb with excellent lake sightlines, while Mount Major (from Alton Bay) rewards hikers with 360° views of islands and fall color. Also, smaller hikes like Red Hill (Center Harbor) or trails within the Lakes Region Conservation Trust lands are great for shorter walks. See more hiking ideas at Explore Here. Alternative views: For something different, you can book a scenic flight from Laconia to see the patchwork of color from above. Castle in the Clouds: In Moultonborough sits this historic estate, atop a ridge with dramatic overlooks. Its 5,500-acre grounds, carriage trails, and waterfalls make it a favorite foliage destination. 🎃 Halloween & Seasonal Festivities As summer winds down, the region leans into all things autumn. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and farm festivals are common around towns near the lake. Moulton Farm near Route 25 often hosts fall-harvest events, cider donuts, and pumpkin picking. Weirs Beach and the surrounding region host haunted boat cruises, ghost tours, craft fairs, and weekend festivals throughout October. Local event calendars often feature live music, art walks, and seasonal markets well into fall. Some towns decorate historic districts or hold Halloween parades. Check with local chambers or visitor centers in towns like Meredith, Wolfeboro, or Laconia for up-to-date listings and family-friendly events. 📍 Towns & Places to Visit Around the Lake Around Lake Winnipesaukee, you’ll find a dozen or more charming towns, each with its own character and attractions. View the full list and detailed profiles on the New Hampshire Towns page. Laconia / Weirs Beach: This is a hub for cruises, lakeside walking, and pier activities. Great for family outings, events, and nightlife. Meredith: A perfect blend of dining, boutique shopping, galleries, and shoreline views. The downtown area is picturesque with public docks and walking paths. Gilford: Home to Gunstock Mountain Resort, which transitions from summer hiking and zip lines to spectacular foliage views in fall. Alton / Alton Bay: The southern tip of the lake, known for its scenic drive and as a jumping-off point for Mount Major, one of New Hampshire’s most popular hikes. Wolfeboro: Often called “America’s Oldest Summer Resort,” Wolfeboro shines in fall with its historic downtown, coffee shops, and scenic boat docks surrounded by color. Moultonborough: Visit Castle in the Clouds, explore carriage trails and waterfalls, or enjoy quiet forested roads ideal for leaf peeping. Center Harbor: Between Meredith and Moultonborough, this town offers calm, small-town charm, great views, and access to the Red Hill Trail. Other nearby towns: Belmont, Holderness, Gilmanton, Sanbornton, and Tuftonboro fill in the interior areas close enough for side trips, each with local flavor, nature access, and scenic backroads. It’s fun to hop between these towns on your scenic drives — stop for lunch, browse local shops, sip cider, or visit a lakeside art gallery. 🎣 Fall Fishing on Winnipesaukee Autumn can be one of the best times to fish on Winnipesaukee. As water temperatures drop, many species become more active, feeding ahead of winter. The lake supports salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, perch, and more.Find more local fishing resources at Lake Winnipesaukee Fishing. Hotspots & Tips Anglers often find success around Paugus Bay, Alton Bay, the ledges near Three-Mile Island, and areas around Little Bear Island. In Wolfeboro, anglers mix deep-water trolling with shoreline casting depending on weather and water temps. Pumpkin Point (Alton Bay) is known among locals as a reliable spot for smallmouth bass or rock bass. Always check current fishing regulations with New Hampshire Fish & Game for season dates and catch limits before heading out. Techniques Use jigs, spoons, crankbaits, or live bait depending on your target species. Focus on transition zones where warmer, shallower waters meet deeper basins. Early morning and late afternoon often produce the best bites. Fall is a great time to hire a local fishing guide — they know which parts of the lake are hitting each week and can help you navigate regulations and boat access. ✅ Suggested Itinerary for a Fall Weekend Here’s one possible layout for a 2–3 day fall escape around Lake Winnipesaukee: Day 1 – Arrival & Scenery Arrive via Gilford, Laconia, or Meredith. Take a Mount Washington cruise in the afternoon from Weirs Beach. Dine lakeside and stroll the boardwalk as the sun sets over the water. Day 2 – Hiking, Towns & Foliage Drives Start early and hike Mount Major for panoramic lake views. Drive the foliage loop through Alton → Wolfeboro → Moultonborough → Meredith, stopping for photos, local markets, and small-town cafés along the Scenic Foliage Drive. Visit Castle in the Clouds in the afternoon and explore the estate trails. In the evening, enjoy a haunted cruise or seasonal event in Wolfeboro or Laconia. Day 3 – Fishing & Relaxation Rise early for a morning of fall fishing near Paugus Bay or Alton Bay. Have brunch in Wolfeboro or Meredith, where lakeside restaurants offer spectacular views. Take the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad in the afternoon for a relaxed leaf-peeping ride. End your trip watching the sunset reflect across the colorful lake — a perfect finish to a New Hampshire fall getaway. 🍁 Local Tips & Notes Timing: Peak foliage varies by year, but late September to early October is typically prime viewing. Crowds: Weekends can be busy — consider weekday visits or quieter towns like Center Harbor for serenity. Events: Check local listings and town websites for harvest festivals, fairs, and Halloween events. Local farms: Don’t miss fresh cider, apples, and baked goods — many farms offer corn mazes and hayrides too. Photography: Early morning light and calm water create the best reflections of color. Be flexible: Foggy mornings and cool evenings are part of the charm — bring layers and enjoy the crisp air. 🍂 The Magic of Autumn at the Lake Fall at Lake Winnipesaukee is a celebration of nature and community. The dazzling colors mirrored in the water, the quiet rhythm of small towns preparing for winter, and the crisp air filled with the scent of pine and apples — it’s New Hampshire at its best. Whether you’re a leaf-peeper, angler, hiker, or festival-goer, the Lake Winnipesaukee region offers one of New England’s most vibrant fall experiences. Take your time exploring, let the scenery slow you down, and savor the season before the snowflakes arrive. For more local guides, scenic routes, attractions, and seasonal updates, visit LakeWinnipesaukee.net — your year-round companion to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
