Visiting New Hampshire: 5 free things to do

Leaves begin to change color along the Swift River off the Kancamagus Highway in Albany, N.H. The neraly 35-mile scenic highway winds through the White Mountains. Credit: AP, 2008
For a small state, New Hampshire offers a variety of free experiences in the fall, whether it's scenic drives, hiking, moose watching, browsing antique shops or spotting huge pumpkins. Foliage reports show leaf color has started showing up in the Great North Woods, White Mountains and Lakes regions, and the state just released a foliage tracker to help visitors find the best spots. The state's tourism division has also started a new campaign this year, "Live Free and ...." The fill-in-the-blank play on the state motto, "Live Free or Die," suggests that there many possibilities when it comes to exploring New Hampshire. Here are a few suggestions to enjoy the beautiful foliage, waterways and mountains in the state at no cost: