Columbus Day weekend typically marks the end of leaf peeping season in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and with the extra day off people tend to flock north to experience the foliage before it’s stripped from the branches. What many people don’t realize is that peak foliage actually happens the last week of September in most of the White Mountains, so if you’re looking to capture peak foliage you’re going to want to head a bit further south Columbus Day weekend. This week we’re going to share some of the best places to capture peak foliage Columbus Day weekend in the Sandwich and lakes region of New Hampshire.

Columbus Day Hikes for Leaf Peeping

Welch-Dickey Mountains, Thornton, NH

4 Miles, Loop Hike
1,800’ Elevation Gain

The uber popular Welch-Dickey Mountains located in Thornton, NH are some of the most hiked peaks in the Whites. You can take in the last bits of fall from either summit but we recommend completing this loop hike counterclockwise as the ledges on Welch are steep and can be dicey when wet. Be sure to get to the trailhead early as the parking lot can fill up rather quickly especially on holiday weekends.

Route: Welch-Dickey Loop Trail (counterclockwise)

West Rattlesnake Mountain, Holderness, NH

2 Miles, Out-and-Back
400’ Elevation Gain

Another super popular hike located in the lakes region is West Rattlesnake Mountain. This short hike is perfect for those who are interested in getting into hiking but perhaps don’t have experience doing so. The Old Bridle Path is well marked and maintained and has recently been updated by the University of New Hampshire. We highly recommend this hike for individuals who are just getting started with hiking, or those who are not necessarily athletic. Be sure to get to the parking lot early as this is another very popular hike.

Route: Old Bridle Path

Flat Mountain Pond, Waterville Valley, NH

9 Miles, Out-and-Back
1,300’ Elevation Gain

Flat Mountain Pond, which abuts the Sandwich Wilderness, is a beautiful place to spend the night Columbus Day weekend. There is the option to stay in the three-sided shelter or tent. This region is less traveled than the previous two recommended hikes, however if you’re planning on spending the night you may encounter other backpackers with the same idea on a weekend like Columbus Day. There is room for two tents and the Flat Mountain Pond shelter sleeps 6-8. Be aware that there is a marshy portion of trail before reaching the shelter that, at times, will require wading (no more than calve height) in order to cross.

Route: Flat Mountain Pond Trail to Bennett Street Trail to Gleason Trail to Flat Mountain Pond Trail

Livermore Mountain, Holderness, NH

5.8 Miles, Out-and-Back
1,000’ Elevation Gain

This out-and-back hike is the perfect way to hit a popular region of New Hampshire without having to contend with the crowds. Livermore Mountain, which is located on the Crawford-Ridgepole Trail, is less popular than some of the other peaks found on this mountain range but it still has some great views and is well worth the hike. The brand new Brooks Fisher Trail up the backside of the range is a guaranteed way to not have to contend with the droves of cars at Cotton Mountain or Morgan-Percival parking lots. From the ridge you can catch glimpses of Squam Lake through the trees and on the summit of Livermore Mountain there’s a perfect spot under an old tree to sit, have a snack, and take in much more expansive views of Squam Lake.

Route: Brooks Fisher Trail to Crawford-Ridgepole Trail

Red Hill, Moultonborough, NH

3 Miles, Loop Hike
1,300’ Elevation Gain

This historic hike located in Moultonborough, NH comes with the added bonus option to visit some of the side trails to the old cellar holes from the former residents, the Cook family and Horne family. Originally referred to as “Red Mountain” on Jeremy Belknap’s 1791 map of the region, this peak was literally named after the color it takes on in the fall. The red oaks and blueberry bushes that cover the forest of Red Hill will be right around peak Columbus Day weekend.

Route: Red Hill Trail to Cabin Trail

Columbus Day Hikes in the White Mountains