Fall in the Sunapee, New Hampshire area is the perfect mix of seasons—cool, crisp mornings and evenings paired with sunny, warm days. It’s an ideal time to enjoy changing foliage, explore local farms, and take in the views around Lake Sunapee and the surrounding hillsides.
Enjoying the Best of Fall
🍎 Pick Apples & Sip Cider at Local Orchards
Fall in New Hampshire isn’t complete without a trip to the orchard. Around Sunapee, you’ll find plenty of spots to pick your own apples, sip fresh cider, and stock up on seasonal treats:
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Gould Hill Farm & Contoocook Cider Company – A classic New England orchard paired with a tree-to-glass cidery offering creative, small-batch ciders.
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Riverview Farm – A Plainfield favorite with apples, pumpkins, late-season berries, and a welcoming farm stand.
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Patch Orchards – Family-owned in Lebanon, with pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, maple products, and homemade cider donuts.
☀️ Take the Sky Ride up Mount Sunapee
Weather permitting, the Sky Ride to the summit of Mount Sunapee offers sweeping views of the foliage. From the top, you’ll see rolling hills and fiery treetops stretching as far as the eye can see.
🛳️ Leaf Peep on a Lake Sunapee Cruise
Ninety-minute cruises on Lake Sunapee are a favorite way to enjoy the season, with both daytime and dinner cruises running through much of October.
🥾 Hike Clarke’s Lookout
A longtime local favorite, Clarke’s Lookout offers a short hike with a big reward: a spectacular view of both Lake and Mount Sunapee.
🎃 Browse Spring Ledge Farm
This New London staple celebrates fall with pumpkins galore, farm-grown produce, and homemade goodies. Their farm stand is the perfect place to gather seasonal flavors and flowers.
🍺 Pumpkin Beer and Cider Tasting at Hoptimystic Brewing
Hoptimystic Brewing in Enfield serves “Deep ’N Cider,” crafted with local apples from Cross Winds Farm. It’s a refreshing way to toast the season, with both beer and cider options to enjoy after a day of leaf peeping or apple picking.
⛲️ Celebrate at Hay Day at The Fells
In Newbury, The Fells hosts its annual Hay Day Fall Festival each October. Families enjoy music, games, garden tours, crafts, and activities on the beautiful historic estate grounds—making it a favorite fall tradition.
🚙 Join a Fall Foliage Drive from New London
Each autumn, community groups organize scenic foliage drives starting in New London, including routes that showcase the brilliant colors around the lakes and hills. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy peak foliage without the hiking boots.
The fall color window is shorter than you might expect—late September to mid-October is typically peak season in the Sunapee area. In just 7–10 days, the trees can shift from golden yellow to fiery red to bare branches. Plan your trip accordingly!
For the best fall getaway, stay with us at THE LODGE, or choose one of our unique vacation rentals: Tiffany Hill Treehouse, Soonipi Casa, or King Hill Cottage.