Fall foliage fuels New Hampshire’s economy

On Tuesday, Nancy and I thought we would take in a change of scenery and head over to the coast to get in our last taste of summer. The weather turned out to be perfect with temps in the low 80s with a nice breeze.

Ogunquit, Maine, is a perfect retreat for long walks on the beach, followed up with a walk along the Marginal Way to Perkins Cove, the home of New England's best lobster chowder. The foliage was starting to show its colors, and the village and beaches were packed with tourists; it literally looked like summer. License plates from all over New England, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

New England is such a popular draw during the fall foliage season. You can see the progression of traffic heading up I-95 to all of the coastal towns and all of the cars parading up I-93 to the Lakes Region and the White Mountains to catch the foliage. In Lincoln, this past week, the traffic was bumper to bumper heading through town and off to the Kancamagus Highway.

For the 2025 foliage season, New Hampshire foliage tourism remains a major economic driver, despite the drought challenges that have affected the colors timing and vibrancy. The financial impact for New Hampshire is huge. The New Hampshire division of Travel and Tourism is predicting that approximately 3.7 million visitors would spend an estimated $1.8 billion in the Granite State.

WMUR reports noted large crowds scattered throughout the White Mountains, with crowded trailheads full of hikers. The popular Artist’s Bluff trail in Franconia Notch is one example. Too many hikers on one small trail, looking more like Newbury Street in Boston

This influx of tourists significantly boosts revenue for local businesses, especially the hospitality sector. Restaurants in the Lakes Region were packed, the new sun deck at T-BONES was full, Bernini Italian Pizzeria and Wine Bar was full of patrons. Patrick's Pub & Eatery, Ellacoya Bar and Grill, The Breeze, Steaks & Seafood, Fratellos Italian Grille, and The Common Man restaurants, and many others were all enjoying record fall foliage crowds.

Many visitors take in our local farmstands like Beans and Greens in Gilford, Moulton's Farm and Picnic Rock in Meredith, and Stone

Mountain in Belmont. Children love the corn mazes and orchards for pick-your-own experiences. Additionally, the local country fairs, pumpkin festivals, visits to our local craft beverage producers, and tax-free retail outlets all have a positive impact on our local economy.

On Sept. 23, I attended the grand opening of the Lake Estate on Lake Winnisquam with PK Zyla and Nancy Williams of Roche Realty Group. Together, we listed and sold this spectacular 34-acre site with 3,312 feet of shorefront on Lake Winnisquam to Dan & Elaine Dagesse.

The Dagesses, together with their general managers and minority investors, Ed and Patti Rocco, created and developed a magical luxury resort on the shores of New Hampshire's third-largest lake.

This spectacular 114-room hotel offers every possible amenity and was built in response to the demand for luxury accommodations and increased tourism in the Lakes Region. I drove by the resort this weekend, and the multitude of cars in the parking lots was a good indicator of our fall visitor impact.

I’ve talked with a number of businesses up north in the Lincoln area who report their profit peaks during the fall foliage season. The fall season also creates thousands of seasonal and full-time jobs. Its reported tourism activity generates nearly 50,000 jobs annually in New Hampshire, with the highest level occurring during the summer and fall.

The fall tax revenue from visitor spending directly contributes to state coffers through rooms and meal taxes, which fund public services and programs. Also, New Hampshire's tax-free shopping is a major draw for out-of-state visitors who are incentivized to spend more on goods while enjoying the fall scenery. Have you been to North Conway recently? The inns, restaurants, and outlet malls are packed with tourists.

There’s no question the fall tourism season showcases what is often called the “New Hampshire advantage,” attracting visitors who may consider relocating or investing in the state, contributing to ongoing economic growth beyond their initial visit. Look at how many initial tourists have decided to purchase second homes, condominiums, and retirement homes in the Lakes Region.

Outdoor recreation in New Hampshire has expanded exponentially. The industry now accounts for 4.5% of the Granite State’s workforce, generating $1.5 billion in wages and ranks ninth in the country for outdoor recreation as a percentage of the state’s GDP.

As you can see, the fall foliage season has a tremendous impact on New Hampshire’s economy, supporting businesses across the state. Before the vibrant colors fade, take time to soak in the beauty — this truly is one of the best times of the year. With perfect weather and breathtaking scenery, now’s the time to get outside and enjoy all that fall in New Hampshire has to offer.

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This article was written by Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.