Each year 3 to 4 million people visit New Hampshire to see the fall foliage. Following are some tips to avoid some of the crowds and have a great hike.

Hike Mid-Week

True any time of year, but especially helpful during foliage season, the majority of tourists and visitors come on the weekends. Hiking on a weekday, especially Tuesday through Thursday, will help avoid people on the trail and also on the road.

Start Early

Another tip that’s true any time of year, but is especially helpful in the fall. The earlier you can start your day, the fewer people will be out. The roads get crowded and hiker parking lots fill up. The earlier you can hit the road and the trail, the better.

Go North

A lot of visitors are coming up from Boston and other points south, so the farther north you hike, the fewer people you’ll run into.

Avoid the Kanc

The Kancamagus Highway is THE destination for leaf peepers. Avoid any hikes that start here, and avoid needing to drive the Kanc to get to your hike. Also, if you can avoid Lincoln and Conway (both ends of the Kanc), you’ll avoid the worst of the traffic.

Avoid Franconia Notch

Artists Bluff and the “the Franconia Loop” (the hike to Franconia Ridge and Mts. Lincoln and Lafayette) are OVERRUN with people. These hikes are posted all over social media, and hey, I get it, they’re gorgeous! But unless you like waiting in line during your hikes, skip these for now.

Try Lower Elevations

A lot of people think they need to be above the leaves, but some of the best photos are among the foliage. You don’t have to hike 4000-footers to get great foliage photos. Sometimes being up high actually mutes the colors as you’re farther away and the leaves blur into each other.

Be Patient

Understand that there will be more people than usual on trail and on the road. Plan accordingly and be patient. Getting mad about it won’t make for a fun hike.

Get Out There

Take lots of pics and have fun.

What are your tips?

Got any tips to share? Comment and let me know!