As autumn arrives, Exeter, New Hampshire, transforms into a playground of color where fiery maples and golden birches challenge you to keep pace. The Annual Fall Foliage Walks here offer an accessible way to experience this seasonal spectacle without demanding expert skills. Trails vary in length and difficulty, ranging from easy 2-mile loops with gentle elevation to more moderate 5-mile treks that let you climb into vantage points commanding views of the Squamscott River. The terrain is diverse—underfoot shifts between soft leaf-covered forest floors and compact gravel paths winding through early colonial forest stands.

Come prepared: sturdy hiking shoes with good traction handle the slick leaf carpet and occasional muddy patches that the brisk fall rains encourage. A layered approach to clothing is smart since the forest canopy can shelter you from wind while letting sudden sun bursts warm your skin. Hydration packs or bottles are key; nearby water sources wink at you, but don’t always invite direct drinking.

In these walks, the trees don’t just stand still; they seem to lean in, their branches waving with stories of past seasons. The gentle river dares you forward, rushing beneath rustic wooden bridges with a playful splash. Whether you’re moving at a measured pace or picking up momentum, the air is crisp and charged, a reminder that this forest is fiercely itself.

Among the highlights is the Quannacut Cove trail, a 3.7-mile route with an elevation gain close to 600 feet, offering sweeping views over the vibrant sea of reds and yellows from its summit overlook. Expect moderate climbing and a few steeper stretches where roots grip the trail like the hands of an old friend guiding you upward.

Timing your hike for mid-October into early November brings the peak colors. Get an early start to avoid afternoon shadows and catch soft morning light filtering through the canopy, casting dynamic patterns that shift as the day advances.

Post-hike, Exeter’s charming town center welcomes you with local cafes serving hearty fare—perfect to warm up and reflect on the day’s discoveries. Parking is ample around the riverfront park areas where many trailheads begin, but weekends during peak foliage can fill quickly, so plan accordingly.

The Annual Fall Foliage Walks in Exeter are not just hikes; they’re a chance to engage with an environment that commands respect and offers quiet reward. Whether it’s your first hike this season or part of a yearly tradition, these trails offer a practical, accessible route to feel the pulse of New England’s autumn heart.