Fall has a way of making us want different things. Maybe it’s a scenic road with nowhere to be, a walkable downtown with a good restaurant waiting at the end of it, or a quiet stretch of forest where the only agenda is to get outside. In New Hampshire, you don’t have to choose.

From the Merrimack Valley to the Lakes Region and the Great North Woods, the state offers distinct ways to experience the season — whether your ideal getaway is rooted in arts and culture, filled with foliage and outdoor adventure, or intentionally far from the crowds.

So as you plan your next fall escape, think of this less as an itinerary and more as a starting point. Pick the region that matches your mood, then leave a little room to wander.

Merrimack Valley

Arts, culture, food, and local flavor are the heart of Merrimack Valley, and the fall season is its pulse. From Queen City to the capital, this region’s blend of urban gentility and rural charm illustrates the state’s colorful spirit. 

Both Manchester and Concord, N.H., are easy to explore on foot, so their historic industrial-era architecture and cultural attractions are a natural part of the experience. In Manchester, the Currier Museum of Art houses a collection of European and American art, including works by Picasso. In another former brick mill building just up the Merrimack River, you can refuel at Stark Brewing Company and Distillery with local brews, classic American fare, and live music. 

Kids of all ages, even retired seniors, will soar with excitement at the McAuliffe-Shephard Discovery Center in Concord, where high-tech space science, astronomy, and aviation thrill everyone with a curiosity for our solar system. On the Merrimack riverfront, the Common Man is a popular New Hampshire hangout that delights taste buds with seasonal ingredients. 

On the way north, follow the winding Enfield Shaker Village Scenic Byway, where mountains of foliage line the route. Stop at Canterbury Shaker Village, where the whole family can discover colonial life and take in its antique car show Oct. 17. And don’t miss the town of Warner, N.H., where the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum’s Harvest Moon Festival on Sept. 26 and Warner Fall Foliage Festival on Oct. 9-11 offer plenty of reasons to linger.

Lakes Region

It’s here — among the lakes and waterways of the Lake Region — where you’ll find the feeling of peace, belonging, and freedom that comes with traveling in New Hampshire in the fall. While there is much to see and do, there is also opportunity to slow down and soak in the pace of the area. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or on your own, it’s easy to find that balance.

Wherever you arrive from, make your way to the Lakes Region Scenic Byway, a 97-mile circuitous route around Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s a choose-your-own adventure of sorts: Drive along the waterfront, then stop wherever the view catches your eye. Play in the popular arcade at Weirs Beach or swim at Wolfeboro. In Meredith, N.H., peruse the shops at Mill Falls Marketplace, sneak in a bite for lunch, then visit Hermit Woods Winery for a quick sample and a bottle of fruit wine for later. On the eastern shore, hike in the Ossipee Mountains in Moultonborough, N.H., where the Constitution Park Loop is an easy 1.7-mile hike through the region’s bright foliage. 

You can slow down without sitting still here, too. On the rails of the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, soak in the region’s scenic vistas and fall color. Make a picnic and pick your own pumpkin at the Moulton Farms market or find your favorite Macintosh and Granny Smith at one of the region’s many orchards. 

Great North Woods

The Great North Woods’ remoteness and vast landscapes allow an enormous sense of discovery, so take advantage of this quiet gem. Known for its camping and RV parks, ATV riding, and expansive forests, this region offers plenty of ways to recharge. 

Rent a two- or four-person ATV at Trail Tow Adventures in Berlin, N.H. — complete with a helmet and trail map — then motor into Jericho Mountain State Park on the marked trails. From the top of 2,454-foot Jericho Mountain, keep an eye out for wildlife and take in the landscape that makes this region a prime destination for back-woods camping, off-road adventures, and mountain biking.

After a morning on the trails, grab a local bite before heading to Jericho Falls, a 22-foot waterfall accessible via a short hike from the parking area. If you need a more far-flung excursion, head closer to the Canada border in Pittsburg, N.H., where Northern Water Guide and Granite State native Nick Proulx offers fly fishing tours and an education in local fish species and fly tying.

Events in the Great North Woods this fall include activities for wildlife and beer lovers, artists, and energetic kids. Find a local crafts bazaar, farmers market, and sculpture walk at the Great North Woods Center for the Arts Fall Fest in Columbia, N.H., Sept. 26. Loon Mountain Oktoberfest gathers beer aficionados from around the region to sample the best IPAs and lagers Oct. 9-11, while Riverfire in Berlin on Oct. 17 has live music, a Halloween costume parade, and Kidz Zone interactive wildlife exhibits.

And when you’re exploring these wide-open spaces, the same spirit of freedom comes with a little responsibility. Visit New Hampshire’s Wildly Responsible program encourages travelers to plan, pack, and prepare; care for others; protect and preserve the places they visit; and, most importantly, go have fun. Simple steps — like staying on marked trails, parking safely, leaving no trace, and being mindful of wildlife — help keep these landscapes wild for the next person who comes along.

Whether you’re after art and food, foliage and fresh air, or a little more solitude, there’s a version of fall waiting for you in New Hampshire.