What a difference a week makes. Fall foliage is flourishing right now in many regions of the state. Time to get out and enjoy this annual ritual. If you haven’t yet experienced a drive along Route 113 in the Lakes Region, I highly recommend it. And if you have, then you already know why this is one not to miss.
Our route begins in the Lakes Region town of Ashland and our first stop is at the Squam Covered Bridge. Built in 1990, the bridge spans the Squam River as it flows into Little Squam Lake. This is a beautiful spot to check out the color that’s starting to take shape here.
We headed down Route 3 to Holderness and Route 113, the leaves along the way have turned brilliant shades of yellow, orange and peach. The next stop on our trip is at West Rattlesnake Mountain. It’s been several years since I hiked this trail but the views are just as awesome as I remember. It’s about a mile hike up to the summit – and took us about 25 minutes or so. Bring a snack and enjoy the foliage while sitting on the big slabs of rock at the top.
Continuing on toward Sandwich – be sure to keep an eye out for some surprise photo opps. We found several including this one that was too perfect not to stop. Once in the charming town of Sandwich, follow Route 113 east. This route is a really nice drive boasting lots of fantastic fall color and cool rock walls lining the roadside.
The next stop on our trip was the Sandwich Creamery. Follow 113 to 113A. From there take a left onto Wing Road, then a right onto Hannah Road. Follow that and the signs to Sandwich Creamery and you’ll come right to it. It is off the beaten path a bit but that just means more time to see the sights. It’s located in a peaceful setting complete with farm animals. Take time to relax and enjoy what we came for: locally produced ice cream! They also make their own cheeses and offer various dairy products. A cool fact – you’re on the honor system here – leave your cash or check in the slot and make change if need be.
After the creamery get back on 113A heading back to Sandwich – take your first left onto Fellows Hill Road enroute to Durgin Bridge. This quiet country road offers some fantastic photo opps. As if the foliage wasn’t enough the trees open up to incredible mountain backdrops. These were just too good to pass up we had to stop.
Before too long though, we arrived at Durgin Bridge. Built in 1869, this is the fourth bridge at this site. It spans the Cold River and you’ll find there’s easy access to the river below. Take a few minutes and enjoy the quiet calming sound of water all around you.
From Durgin Bridge follow Foss Flats Road to 113 and make your way to downtown Tamworth and the Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm. It’s located just beyond the village area on Cleveland Hill Road. This was my first visit here and such a treat! Take a walk on the grounds of this historic homestead – it’s beautiful. There’s a so much to see and explore on this working farm – from the cows, sheep, goats, pigs and more! Be sure to spend some time inside the museum and take a step back in time, to the way of life of Tamworth’s country doctors. Be sure to check their calendar of events for the interactive events for all ages held throughout the year.
Not far away was our next stop – the Great Hill Fire Tower. Take Great Hill Road, which is the first left hand turn on your way back to downtown. Follow that road about 3 miles, turn right to stay on Great Hill Road. You’ll see a small parking area on the left and also a narrow dirt road that goes off to the right. It is driveable, so you can drive up to the gate and walk to the tower from there. It’s a little less than a mile in and out. The tower, which is now inactive, offers up some incredible views. On a clear day you can see the Squam, Ossipee and Sandiwch Ranges, and into the town of Tamworth.
From here we made our way to White Lake State Park. Set along the shores of White Lake – during the summer it’s a fabulous swimming spot. Walk along the water, if you have time try the footpath around the lake. Or come and enjoy the setting sun like we did – what a picture perfect way to end the day.
Don’t wait to catch all the beautiful color we saw along this route and throughout the Lakes Region. With many areas at or near peak the color won’t be around too much longer! And just a reminder to follow all our fall travels on Facebook and Instagram!
