Leaf Peeping in New Hampshire

New Hampshire was in full color mode, and like Vermont, the peeps had foliage fever.  This is a busy (read crowded) time of year and we saw many no vacancy signs on the Inns and B & B's.  

No problem, though, with RV parking for a few days.  We found another gem tucked away in the little town of Bethlehem, the Apple Hill RV Park, another half price Passport America park.  The website said the rate was not honored on the weekend which is pretty standard, so arriving on a Thursday we were pleasantly surprised to receive 3 nights of discounted parking.  We have found that owners have options whereby managers and camp hosts usually stick by the book.

Our site at Apple Hill

We are well-situated in the White Mountains, primo foliage country, and near all the National Forests and Scenic Byways. We chose a 100-mile loop drive that combined the White Mountain Trail, including the Crawford Notch and the Franconia Notch, as well as the Kancamagus Highway, and were not disappointed...well maybe just a tad that the skies were gray and overcast, not the best for photos. These notches are steep, narrow gorges cut through mile-high mountains, often by rivers.

There was lots of traffic and thankfully many scenic pull-offs, as we tend to drive slowly and gawk.  All the NP campgrounds were closed, but roads, for the most part, were not barricaded and we even saw a few campers in residence. Fortunately, the day use areas were open for viewing.

One last tidbit before the photos.  Back at 1000 Islands Winery our map was highlighted by a New England native who warned us to beware of moose on the roadways. We have seen nary a moose and now I know why.  Overheard at the little town of Bethlehem market at the check-out counter:  It has been so warm that all the moose are dying and the ticks are multiplying!