There’s something magical about October in New Hampshire. The Lakes Region transforms into a painter’s canvas — fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep ambers reflected across still mountain lakes. Whether you’re arriving from Boston, Portland, or anywhere in New England, a weekend drive around Lake Winnipesaukee is the perfect escape. From charming harbor towns to mountain overlooks, this route captures the essence of fall in New Hampshire.
Start your adventure in Alton or Meredith, depending on your direction of travel. Both offer excellent access to the lake and the perfect entry point into the weekend.
Grab a coffee from a lakeside café in Alton Bay and take a slow walk along the boardwalk. The crisp morning air carries the scent of pine and wood smoke, and the harbor’s glassy surface reflects the vibrant hills beyond.
Follow Route 11 north through Gilford toward Laconia, taking time to stop at Ellacoya State Park for a quick picnic and some lakeside photos. Continue to Weirs Beach, where the boardwalk buzzes with off-season calm — a great place to grab ice cream or explore vintage arcades before tourist crowds return next summer.
Arrive in Meredith, where the waterfront glows under twinkling lights and shop windows display autumn décor. Enjoy a cozy dinner overlooking the harbor, then stroll along the Mill Falls Marketplace boardwalk as the sun sets behind the distant ridgelines.
October’s beauty truly shines on the backroads around Center Harbor, Moultonborough, and Ossipee — where mountain peaks meet winding lakefront roads, and every curve offers another postcard view.
After breakfast in Meredith, head north along Route 25 toward Moultonborough. Make a stop at Castle in the Clouds, a century-old estate perched high above the lake with breathtaking vistas and trails lined with golden birch leaves. The drive up Ossipee Mountain Road offers some of the most dramatic color in the region.
Continue into the village of Moultonborough, where you can explore small country stores, antique shops, and roadside farm stands brimming with pumpkins, maple products, and apple cider donuts.
Follow Route 109 north toward Center Sandwich, a quintessential New England town framed by white steeples and rustic barns. From here, head toward Ossipee along Route 16B and Route 16, winding past rolling farmlands and mountain foothills painted in full autumn color.
Stop at Ossipee Lake for a short hike or scenic picnic — its calm waters mirror the towering Ossipee Range, one of New Hampshire’s hidden gems. The lake’s surrounding forests are a riot of orange and red this time of year, and you’ll often find locals fishing or paddling one last time before winter.
As the sun dips lower, take Route 28 south back toward Wolfeboro, affectionately known as “the oldest summer resort in America.” In October, it’s quiet, cozy, and alive with fall spirit. Stroll through the historic downtown, enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant, and take in the reflection of colorful trees dancing on the evening lake.
Your final day is all about relaxation, exploration, and soaking in the small-town charm of the Lakes Region.
Before heading home, hike Mount Major in Alton for one last panoramic look at Lake Winnipesaukee. The moderate climb rewards you with one of the best foliage views in New England.
Take a slower route back through Tuftonboro and Melvin Village, where local farm markets pop up along country roads. Pick up some locally made maple syrup, handcrafted pottery, or seasonal jams — the perfect souvenirs of your weekend adventure.
End your road trip with a quiet sunset along the Meredith docks or one of the many public access points around the lake. Watch as the sky fades from orange to indigo and the lights from lakeside homes begin to twinkle in the distance.
Book early: October weekends fill fast around the lake, especially during peak foliage.
Bring layers: Evenings can drop into the 40s, while days may still reach the mid-60s.
Keep your camera handy: Every turn offers a new view worth stopping for.
Visit midweek if possible: You’ll avoid the heavier traffic while still catching peak colors.
Drive the loop: Combining Routes 11, 25, 109, 16, and 28 gives you a complete circle around the heart of the Lakes Region.
There’s no better way to experience autumn in New Hampshire than behind the wheel, windows down, and the scent of pine and foliage drifting through the air. The Lakes Region isn’t just a destination — it’s a journey of winding roads, warm local smiles, and unforgettable views.
Discover more travel ideas, attractions, and seasonal guides at LakeWinnipesaukee.net, your local hub for exploring the best of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region.
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