On the Road: Fall in Vermont and New Hampshire

I was lucky enough to spend several glorious fall weeks in the upper Connecticut River valley area of New Hampshire this October. The recreation opportunities were awesome, the scenery was glorious, and even the restaurant and farmstand options were impressive!

A quick hike up French’s Ledges (above and below right), stone walls along dirt country roads, and kayaking Crystal Lake.

A view of fall foliage and reflections right outside of Ludlow along VT 100, accented by passing storm clouds.

Biking along the Northern Rail Trail out of Lebanon - probably the best rail trail I’ve ever biked! It made for a perfect running path, too.

The rail trail followed the Mascoma River all the way to Mascoma Lake, where the fall leaves were really showing their stuff.

One of my Airbnbs was located on an apple orchard, and just a short walk along the Connecticut River to get maple creme doughnuts at Mac’s Maple. Bella rejoiced in all of the local apple stands and the amazingly large Honeycrisps we found at the Woodstock Farmers Market. Other great finds included the Norwich Farmers Market (one of the biggest in Vermont) and My Brigadeiro in Hanover, with its incredible array of pastries and sweets.

The best kayaking of all was at Grafton Pond, with few houses and even fewer people. On this gorgeous fall morning, I had the entire pond all to myself.