Lupine Flowers in New Hampshire
Living in New England gives me the chance to photograph my favorite landscapes throughout all four seasons. While spring and summer may lack the fiery drama of autumn foliage or the quiet simplicity of winter, they more than make up for it with an ever-changing parade of blooms. From the first flowering trees in April to the vibrant garden displays that last into September, these months offer their own kind of beauty—subtle, colorful, and full of life.
June is just around the corner, and by next week, I expect to start seeing early images of Lupines showing up in my social media feeds.
When to Look for Lupine in New Hampshire
The prime time for lupine in New Hampshire is from late May through mid-June, though the exact timing depends on elevation and spring weather patterns. In valleys and southern parts of the White Mountains, blooms typically start in the last week of May, while higher elevations or northern areas like Pittsburg might peak in early to mid-June.
So while lupines are “Alpine” flowers, you don’t have to climb a mountain to see them.
Photographers hoping to capture peak color should keep an eye on both local wildflower reports and social media posts from areas like Sugar Hill and Franconia.
Aim for weekday mornings if possible, as the lupine fields can attract crowds during weekends, especially when paired with local festivals.
Where to look can cause issues! Going in search of lupine means you need to be *considerate* and if the owner of the property doesn’t invite you on their property then don’t trespass!
Where to Look: Best Spots for Lupine in New Hampshire
Lupines are opportunistic flowers; what you are looking for are open sunny areas without a lot of shade!
You should know that Lupines thrive in well-drained, sandy or even gravelly soils. Basically, you aren’t looking for a manicured yard. You should be looking for rocky/sandy areas that are not taken care of.
Roadside and disturbed Areas
Whether this is good or not, Lupines often colonize disturbed areas such as road embankments, power line cuts, abandoned fields, and trail edges. The downside to this is…
The locations they choose are not always photogenic. There are few barns or old hay tedders surrounded by lupines at the intersection of two dirt roads. (Let me know if you find this)
They often appear where there’s open sunlight and reduced competition from taller or more aggressive plants.
Here are areas in New Hampshire and Vermont that have the right conditions.
All the areas I have underlined will have good areas to check out. And there are tons of back farm roads that this map does not show. For this reason, I suggest picking up the New Hampshire Gazetteer.
I have Gazetteers in my Amazon affiliate store, and I swear by them.
They help even when your phone doesn’t have a signal (this does happen in New England).
How about specific locations?
OK… without question, Sugar Hill is the lupine capital of New Hampshire. The open meadows with views of the White Mountains create a stunning alpine backdrop. (more on this below)
Sugar Hill holds events during the first two weeks of June, and while they want you to visit, they don’t want you to enter people’s yards.
Many are privately maintained fields: Be respectful—some of the most stunning displays are on private land. 100% of the time, if the lupines are on someone’s property. Always ask for permission if venturing off the roadside.
There are NO all-inclusive lists (check my map above). A few other locations include:
- Franconia: Quiet side roads and small fields near the village. Even down in Crawford Notch. Heading down Route 302 and about a 1/2 mile north of the Omni Mount Washington Resort, you will find a railroad shack (image seen below AND taken on 21 June)
- Bethlehem & Easton: North of Franconia and the White Mountains. Try Lewis Hill Rd and over near Littleton if you get off I-93 at exit 41 (northbound side), there is a (now closed) Travel Inn. This means you have lots of parking, and there is an open field area between the motel and the exit ramp. In 2024, I saw lots of lupine in the area in June. (Click the link for a map)
- Robert Frost Place: Off of Route 116 (Easton Road is Ridge Road. Look for signs, and there is a small parking lot for cars and buses.
Pro Tip: Scout locations the day before at midday and plan for sunrise or sunset shoots when the light is soft and directional.
Before you ask, YES, you will find lupines in Vermont and Maine, but I’m focusing this article on just New Hampshire.
Sugar Hill Specifics
Yes, Sugar Hill is everybody’s destination, and that is the very problem. It’s everybody’s destination, so maybe you should look for other places.
I have an itinerary for a few days in this area, and you can download it and see if it fits your travel schedule. If you are just coming up for the day, then you can arrive early and visit Polly’s Pancake Parlor.
Or do your photography first and then visit Polly’s for lunch. Either way, you will not be unhappy. (Oh, they do WAY more than just pancakes) And across the road is a field of lupines!
Go up the road (Route 117) and you will come to Saint Matthews Church, and out behind the church, you’ll find one of the prettiest views.
Now you will NOT find a nicely cut path. You should look for where others have walked and stay in their footsteps. Leave No Trace.
It’s hit or miss as you continue up Route 117. You will come to Harman’s Cheese & Country Store (click for their FaceBook Pg)
Here is a link to a map that the Chamber of Commerce has online.
Compositional Tips to Make Your Lupine Images Stand Out
Get Low and Go Wide
- Use a wide-angle lens and get low to the ground to create a field-filling perspective that draws the eye through the frame.
- Place a tall lupine stalk in the foreground to add a sense of depth and scale.
Include Iconic Backgrounds
- Frame lupines against well-known mountain peaks like the Presidential Range or Cannon Mountain.
- A classic white church steeple or red barn nestled in the distance makes for a postcard-worthy composition.
Use Leading Lines
- Look for dirt roads, fence lines, or rows of lupine that guide the viewer’s eye into the scene.
- Even a winding path through a field can create visual interest and storytelling.
Backlight and Atmosphere
- Early morning fog or golden hour backlight filtering through the flowers adds atmosphere and mood.
- Overcast skies also work well to reduce harsh shadows and preserve detail in the blooms.
Don’t Forget the Details
- Tight shots of dew-covered blooms, bees in action, or clusters of purple, pink, and white flowers can add variety to your gallery or portfolio.
In Closing
🧳 What to Bring
- Camera or use your phone (helps to have a zoom lens)
- Sunscreen and bug spray (gnats, mosquitoes, and ticks)
- Water and snacks for roadside stops
- Binoculars (lupine fields are also great birding spots!)
- Lightweight raincoat – June weather is changeable
“There’s nothing quite like standing in a field of wild lupine at sunrise, with the mountains in the distance and the scent of summer on the air.”
Jeff “Foliage” Folger
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