Midway into October, the vibrant fall colors have drawn thousands of visitors to New England’s trails eager to capture the beauty of autumn. But the influx of hikers has led to concerns about overcrowding and safety, especially in popular spots in New Hampshire.
State park officials are excited to see so many people enjoying the outdoors, but they urge hikers — both new and experienced — to come prepared and be respectful of nature and others on the trails.
Tamara Breau, who recently hiked New Hampshire’s Artist Bluff Trail, described a chaotic scene caused by overcrowding.
“We saw people pushing each other, going off-trail to bypass crowds,” Breau said. “A few hikers came down from the summit saying they were terrified by how packed it was.”
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Tamara Breau
A crowd of hikers on an Artist’s Bluff trail in New Hampshire.
Crowded conditions aren’t just frustrating, they can be dangerous. On Saturday, heavy traffic on I-93 delayed rescuers trying to reach a hiker who had slipped and injured her leg on the Franconia Ridge Trail.
Oliver Pierson, director of forestry for Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources, highlighted the importance of common sense and communication on busy trails.
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“It’s really about being respectful and enjoying both the scenery and your fellow hikers,” Pierson said.
Fall foliage is a New England staple. NBC10 Boston meteorologist Tevin Wooten tells us what to expect this year based on the summer’s hot and dry weather.
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He also reminded hikers to be well-prepared for changing weather, especially in mountainous areas where temperatures can drop quickly. Pierson recommends packing extra layers, including wool socks, rain gear, a hat and gloves.
As days grow shorter, Pierson encouraged hikers to start their adventures early to ensure they have enough daylight to complete their hikes safely.
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“Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the foliage and get down before dark,” Pierson advised.
In the recent rescue, New Hampshire Fish and Game said the injured hiker had limited cell service and was fortunate that nearby hikers were able to call for help. Park officials, and other hikers, hope to see that same spirit of consideration as more people head out to enjoy the season’s beauty.
“If there’s a line, wait your turn. Don’t try to go off-trail,” Breau said. “If people keep damaging the trails, they’ll eventually have to close them.”
Officials say everyone can enjoy the stunning fall scenery while keeping trails safe by coming prepared and staying mindful of others.
The Green Mountain Club is a resource hikers can use to learn more about what to pack and what to expect, as well as trail options and route updates. You can check out the Green Mountain Club here: greenmountainclub.org/hiking.
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The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, in partnership with the White Mountain National Forest, offers a mountain safety education program called Hike Safe that aims to educate hikers on essential outdoor preparedness. Hikers can support search and rescue operations by purchasing a voluntary Hike Safe card.
Those with a card are not required to repay rescue costs if an emergency occurs in most situations.
The Hiker Responsibility Code was developed and is endorsed by The White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game. You can learn more about the program here: wildlife.nh.gov/get-outside/hiking-safety.
Visit New Hampshire advises all travelers to practice Leave No Trace when they are visiting.
The Mall at Fox Run’s time is coming to a close on January 31, 2026. That’s just a fact, no matter how unfortunate it may be.
This staple Newington, New Hampshire, spot has served up decades of memories for many, including family trips, hanging out with friends, and simply enjoying the latest shopping finds.
But while change can be sad and hard, the area is getting a reset with what will become Seacoast Landing, which, according to Seacoast Online, will be a “revamped commercial hub that would include a big box store, small businesses and restaurants.”
Mall at Fox Run to Make Way for Seacoast Landing in Newington, New Hampshire
The Mall at Fox Run is not just closing, but the whole area will be demolished. It really is the end of an era.
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But where there once was an enclosed building with multiple stores, Atlantic Retail highlights that Seacoast Landing will be an “81 acre premier regional retail destination.” Meaning it will be multiple buildings to access, rather than just walking through to each one inside.
Red Post Realty even noted what’s proposed for the site, including multiple large anchor buildings, retail and office space, a medical building, pad sites, a new internal road network, and an outdoor pedestrian boulevard connecting Chick-fil-A to Texas.
Seacoast Online said that this massive project will reportedly cost north of $500 million.
What Stores and Restaurants Are at Seacoast Landing in Newington, New Hampshire?
The official announcements as to what places are coming to Seacoast Landing have not been made, but that will be coming soon. So keep an ear out.
Red Post Realty posted a Facebook video sharing a quick update on the project while also asking people what places they want to see come to Seacoast Landing.
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The Facebook video garnered hundreds of comments, and we’ve compiled a list of some of the top ones.
Just note that none of these suggestions are confirmed for Seacoast Landing. Red Post Realty even noted that there are NDAs in place, so anything you hear about is likely a rumor until official confirmation.
Let’s take a look and dream of what the next phase of Newington could maybe include!
27 Places People Want at Seacoast Landing as the Mall at Fox Run Closes in NH
Here are suggestions of what locals would like to see at Seacoast Landing after the Mall at Fox Run is demolished. These are not at all confirmed, but rather they are ideas of what people are hoping for.
Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna
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READ MORE: 17 Nostalgic Memories of Fox Run Mall in New Hampshire That’ll Take You Back
Some of the favorites based on the comments were definitely places like The Cheesecake Factory, Costco, and IKEA.
Interestingly, some of the suggestions already have other locations in New Hampshire, but there were places mentioned that can’t be found anywhere in the Granite State.
Some of those spots include The Cheesecake Factory, The Disney Store, and The Rainforest Cafe.
What spots will actually wind up at the new Seacoast Landing remains to be seen, but it’s certainly fun to wish your favorite places make the cut. Oh, to dream.
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Remember When the Fox Run Mall in NH Had These 22 Stores?
MANCHESTER, N.H. (WHDH) – A New Hampshire community is mourning after a Manchester native, who recently became a police officer in Texas, was killed in the line of duty.
Elijah Garretson, 27, died Saturday in a shooting. He’s joined the force in Texas last year.
Garretson leaves behind a wife and a 5-year-old daughter.
In a statement, Manchester’s mayor said, “Elijah exemplified a lifetime of service, first as a U.S. Army veteran and later in law enforcement. His sacrifice is deeply felt here at home, and our prayers are with his family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this difficult time.”
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The East Rochester Library has been added to the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places, according to a community announcement.
John McLain, president of the East Rochester Library Association, reacted to the designation: “This is exciting news! The process of obtaining this status has been a long and difficult one, with hours upon hours of research and documentation by our volunteers.”
In an official letter, the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources congratulated the library association on the listing and recognized their efforts and the property’s significance.
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The division also expressed appreciation for the association’s stewardship and commitment to preserving an important part of New Hampshire’s heritage.
This story was created by Kimberly Green, KGreen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
