Fall in New England is unlike anywhere else in the country. Bright red maples, golden birches, and fiery oaks line winding roads and reflect across lakes and marshes. It’s a season made for long drives, scenic hikes, and, for many, imagining a new chapter of life here.
If you’re considering a move, autumn is the perfect time to pair leaf peeping with a New Hampshire or Maine home search. Here’s your guide to the ultimate road trip—complete with foliage highlights and nearby new construction communities to explore.
Stop 1: The Seacoast Gateway
Start your trip in Portsmouth, NH, where cobblestone streets and a bustling waterfront set the tone for a quintessential New England fall. Just minutes away, you’ll find new homes in Greenland and Stratham that offer the best of Seacoast living: close to the ocean, highways, and vibrant downtowns.
- Foliage highlight: Cruise down Route 1A from Portsmouth through Rye. This coastal byway runs 18 miles south to Seabrook, with sweeping ocean views, marshes glowing gold, and bursts of fiery maples.
- Home search highlight: Explore Seacoast's new construction communities in Portsmouth, Greenland, Stratham, and Dover—modern homes in highly desirable locations.
Stop 2: Foothills & Forests
Heading inland, the charm of Barrington and Nottingham unfolds. This area is known for winding country roads, lakes, and proximity to Pawtuckaway State Park. These towns sit at the crossroads of privacy and convenience, making them popular for buyers who want more land without sacrificing access.
- Foliage highlight: Hike up to the Pawtuckaway fire tower in Nottingham. From the summit of South Mountain, you’ll see an endless patchwork of reds, oranges, and yellows stretching to the horizon.
- Home search highlight: New construction homes in Barrington and Nottingham offer spacious lots and treetop views—perfect for buyers who love the outdoors.
Stop 3: The Lakes Region
No New Hampshire foliage trip is complete without the Lakes Region. In Gilford, NH, you’ll find sparkling Lake Winnipesaukee framed by mountains that ignite with autumn color. It’s a dream location for four-season living—boating in summer, skiing in winter, and leaf peeping in fall.
- Foliage highlight: Visit Ellacoya State Park for lakeside foliage views, or take a drive around Lake Winnipesaukee for some of the best reflections in New England.
- Home search highlight: New homes in Gilford give buyers access to the heart of the Lakes Region lifestyle with modern designs and plenty of recreational opportunities.
Stop 4: Southern Maine Coast
Cross into Maine, where coastal towns combine sandy beaches with fiery fall backdrops. Wells and Kennebunk are especially stunning in autumn, offering both charming village life and new construction communities designed for today’s buyer.
- Foliage highlight: Take Route 35 inland through Wells and Kennebunkport. Salt marshes, historic bridges, and bursts of fall color create an unforgettable drive.
- Home search highlight: Explore Southern Maine homes for sale in Wells and Kennebunk—coastal living with modern comforts.
Stop 5: The White Mountains
For those with extra time, a trip north to the White Mountains is a must for classic New England foliage. While this region isn’t known for new construction communities, it offers some of the country’s most iconic leaf-peeping roads.
- Foliage highlight: Drive the Kancamagus Highway, a 34-mile route winding through the White Mountain National Forest. Expect panoramic mountain views, covered bridges, waterfalls, and vibrant autumn color.
Why Fall is the Best Time to Home Hunt
- Vibrant communities: Towns come alive with fairs, farmers’ markets, and festivals.
- Move-in ready options: Builders often release inventory homes before winter.
- Less competition in the market: Buyers will often put their search on pause for the holidays.
Plan Your Leaf-Peeping + Home Search Adventure
From Seacoast NH new homes in Portsmouth and Greenland, to the Lakes Region in Gilford, to Southern Maine communities in Wells and Kennebunk, there’s no better way to explore your options than a scenic fall road trip. With every bend in the road, you’ll discover not only stunning foliage but also the possibility of your next home.
