New England, especially New Hampshire, is known for its warm and inviting fall foliage colors.
But a notable publication is saying you don’t have to drive all the way to the White Mountains. Portsmouth is one of the best New England towns fall foliage.
Yankee Magazine ranked the five best coastal New England towns to visit during peak fall foliage and Portsmouth was the New Hampshire pick.
“When tree branches are bedecked with scarlet, vermillion, and saffron leaves, it seems a brisk autumn day can’t get any more spectacular,” Yankee Magazine said. “But pairing this fiery elegance with a striking venue on the coast that showcases harbors, lighthouses, and parks fronting azure waters accentuates the drama.”
Portsmouth, New Hampshire — ‘waterfront views and abundant foliage’
Yankee Magazine picked Portsmouth because of how brick roads juxtapose with the bright leaves on the ground.
“Its compact size along the swift-flowing Piscataqua River makes walking ideal for experiencing the season’s amber and red foliage amid historical venues,” the magazine said.
The publication highlighted Strawbery Banke, a living history museum in Portsmouth where you can see the changing leaves as well as people portraying Puddle Dock residents. You can find it at 14 Hancock St.
“The Portsmouth Historical Society leads numerous walking treks, including to the 17th-/18th-century North Cemetery and Point of Graves Burial Ground, both a nexus for fall colors,” Yankee said. “Wander on your own, soaking up the waterfront views and abundant foliage at Prescott Park, Peirce Island, and Four Tree Island.”
You can find Prescott Park and Peirce Island at 105 Marcy St. and on Peirce Island Road, respectively. Four Tree Island is accessible via the Four Tree Island Causeway on Peirce Island, a gravel walkway that is 100 feet long.
When is peak fall foliage for Portsmouth?
The Visit NH website said that peak fall foliage happens on the Seacoast around Oct. 20 through Oct. 31.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Rin Velasco.
