Summer might be over, but autumn is an even better time to get outside! As we get nearer to peak fall foliage in the Granite State, make plans to hit the trails with friends and family to enjoy the last few weeks of beautiful, crisp weather. The best hikes are the ones that provide constant beauty and this one is great for that. It’s a wonderful hike with a beautiful view in New Hampshire that you’ll want to repeat every year.
The Artists Bluff trail is about 1.5 miles leading to an extraordinary overlook in Franconia Notch State Park.
Sarah Hines / alltrails.com
Artists Bluff is about 2,368 ft high which means the hike is steep, but the shorter distance makes it a bit easier on the legs despite some rocky uphill portions. The views of Echo Lake and Cannon Mountain at the top are totally worth it.
Aviv Blacksea / alltrails.com
You can do it in just about any season, including winter, but we think that the best time is right now when fall foliage is about to pop.
Aviv Blacksea / alltrails.com While all ages have found this trail fun, it’s a bit steep so smaller kids might need help from an adult.
To do it, head to the Echo Lake Beach parking lot on Profile Road, just off of I-93. You’ll then walk across the street where you’ll find the Bald Mountain Trailhead.
Tony Nunes / alltrails.com
Start on the Bald Mountain Trail before taking the fork in the path, staying right for the quickest version of this hike that gets you to the view sooner.
Nicole Anderson / alltrails.com
The shorter distance of this trail means you can be back where you started in about 20 to 30 minutes, while the hike to the view take closer to an hour depending on the size of your group and experience in hiking.
Mike A / alltrails.com
Paul Cohen / alltrails.com
Another way to enjoy these views is to veer left on the trail to get to Bald Mountain.
Amy Lemelin / alltrails.com
This version of the hike provides views of I-93, which is actually more majestic than you’d expect!
Michael Muller / alltrails.com
You’ll also be able to see ski slopes on Cannon Mountain.
Michael Muller / alltrails.com
You can’t go wrong at any time of day, but we love this hike around sunset. The view at golden hour is especially beautiful in the fall when the colored leaves truly light up.
Erik Eskelund / alltrails.com
Google Maps
For more places to see fall foliage on full display in New Hampshire, check out this article. It’s got 8 of the best places to see the season unfold before your eyes.
Sarah Hines / alltrails.com
Aviv Blacksea / alltrails.com
While all ages have found this trail fun, it’s a bit steep so smaller kids might need help from an adult.
Tony Nunes / alltrails.com
Nicole Anderson / alltrails.com
Mike A / alltrails.com
Paul Cohen / alltrails.com
Amy Lemelin / alltrails.com
Michael Muller / alltrails.com
Erik Eskelund / alltrails.com
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