Best Fall Foliage Hikes on the Seacoast 

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New Hampshire and Maine are some of the most beautiful places in the world to experience fall foliage. As someone who transplanted here from a region with absolutely no fall foliage, I can tell you- it’s a truly magical gift every year. With such a short season to enjoy the fall colors, it’s always a FOMO moment to get out on the trails and see the sea of oranges, reds, and yellows for myself. Here are my picks for best fall foliage hikes on the Seacoast.

Lindsey Lapointe of Seacoast Hikes and Nature Walks
 This is one of my favorite fall Seacoast hikes- Stonehouse Pond!

Stonehouse Pond

Stonehouse Pond and Forest is located on Route 9 in Barrington, New Hampshire and managed by Southeast Land Trust (SELT). This trail system features 1700 acres of hardwood forest and a gorgeous pond with a prominent cliff face that is easily accessible with a short climb. For a perfect fall foliage family outing, consider taking the 1.4 mile trail of the Locke trail to Ledges Loop. You’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the pond below from the top of the cliff and walk through a thick forest of fall foliage on the way up. Find a detailed trail description in the ebook Seacoast Hikes and Nature Walks and visit SELT’s website for a trail map.

Stratham Hill Park 

Stratham Hill Park is located on Route 33 in Stratham, New Hampshire. It offers over 200 acres of forested land with trails weaving throughout the property. For a short climb, walk the less than a quarter mile from the main parking area to the tower. From here, you can get some of the best views of fall foliage in the area. For those not bothered by heights, climb the tower and enjoy the 360 degree views of fall below. Looking for a longer hike? Walk the 4.1 mile perimeter loop by following the yellow blazes on the trees. If you are worried about getting lost, use the AllTrails app to map your route and read a detailed trail description in Seacoast Hikes and Nature Walks

Little Blue Job Mountain

For views of the area blanketed in gold, take a hike up Little Blue Job Mountain. The trailhead is located in Strafford, New Hampshire on First Crown Point Road. With a total of 1.6 miles for out and back, hikers are privy to a bald summit with 360 views of the fall foliage forest below. For a little more effort, create a 2 mile loop by including Blue Job’s towered peak on the trek. Check out the blog NH Family Hikes for a detailed trail description or use AllTrails to map your hike. You will get some of the best fall foliage on the Seacoast!

Orris Falls

What’s more beautiful than fall foliage and waterfalls together? Nothing! Take a trip to South Berwick, Maine to experience the best fall has to offer. From the Thurrell Road trailhead, visit the falls with an easy 1.8 mile total out and back nature walk. You’ll also be able to get views of a beaver pond and historic remnants of an old homestead. This property is managed by the Great Works Regional Land Trust. Learn more about the hike and property on their website. For a longer trek, add the rest of the Orris Falls Conservation Area to see Balancing Rock, Brown Hill, Spring Hill, and Big Bump in a moderately difficult 3 mile loop. 

dog on Seacoast hike
Find the time to explore a Seacoast hike or nature walk this fall!

There are more

It’s hard to go wrong when looking for a scenic fall foliage hike in Northern New England. Although I consider these the best fall foliage hikes on the Seacoast, the many trails in the region are seasonally impressive and have much to offer. Are you looking for more? Consider checking out our list of other regional trails! Looking for something outside the Seacoast? Go for a drive to see some of my other favorite fall foliage hikes in New Hampshire.