Foliage Tour

It is sad to say, but fall is already here; break out your flannels and rain boots. But the beautiful foliage that surrounds us one of the reasons I came to Plymouth State University. Just as quickly as fall has arrived, the leaves will shortly turn their vibrant colors and then fall away leaving barren, cold, empty trees behind. Don't let your only view of the fall foliage be your weekly trip to Wal-Mart. Instead travel these few roads that offer you unimaginable views of the White Mountain foliage.

First, we'll start off easy, and if you do not have a car, this view is only a fifteen-minute walk from campus. Long-boarders love this road, as do joggers, I'm talking about Chaddarin Lane. Go down Langdon Street towards Fox Park Apartments; Langdon turns into Furlough at the intersection off of Fox Park. Continue on just a short way until you reach Parker Street. There, take a left and keep walking on until you come to Mountain View Terrace. Don't let the steep, never ending hill discourage you, you will have plenty of time to catch your breath while admiring the view from the top. From there, you can see our entire campus with the White Mountains framing your view. This next trip takes a bit longer, but is well worth the drive.

If there ever was a road that defines New Hampshire, River Road is the one. Go south on Daniel Webster Highway, and take the right onto River Road. Follow the Pemi River on your right as you drive past sprawling New Hampshire farmlands. This view will give sight of farmers just getting off of their John Deer tractors as they finish cutting their hay. You will even pass the Webster Inn and Tavern, which was erected back in the 1800's as a stop on the Boston and Montreal Stage Coach line. This is also where famed poet Robert Frost spent a good deal of time and even drew inspiration for some of his well known poems from the surrounding landscape.

Continue following River Road, and you will come upon Davidson's Campground; opposite of the campground is Peaked Hill Road on your right. Climb this steep country road until you reach the farmhouses at the top, and you will see why these residents risk the winter driving months. At the top of Peaked Hill is a view unrivaled in the state. Look down upon the valley, and you will see the twisting Pemi set in front of yet another mountain. When you've taken in your view, started to ponder life and decided to head back home, you can either take a right at the end or continue to New Hampton where Route 104 will bring you to Interstate 93. If you're still longing for a scenic route, a good choice would be to follow River Road back to campus.

Start the year off right. Nature is a major part of life at PSU; we snowboard, long board, rock climb, kayak, swim. Any outdoor activity is available here, don't miss out on an essential part of the PSU experience. Break up your weekend routine, and take a trip with a friend. Words do not do these sights enough justice.