By Sarah Downey | The Center Square

New Hampshire expects a busy fall travel season with more than 3 million vacationers and $1.5 billion in tourism spending throughout the Granite State.

The leaf-viewing months of autumn are second only to summer in terms of popularity with out-of-state visitors, according to the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD).

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (right), joined by Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Taylor Caswell (left) and Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food Commissioner Shawn Jasper discusses the fall tourism season at Hazelton Orchards in Chester, N.H.

Gov. Chris Sununu kicked off the season last week by picking the ceremonial first apple at Hazelton Orchards in Chester, a family farm that has been operating since 1895. The event was held in conjunction with the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) and the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food.

“From the Granite State’s unrivaled beauty to our treasured history and tax-free shopping, New Hampshire has limitless ways to enjoy our unparalleled fall foliage,” Sununu said in a news release.

“The pick-your-own options in New Hampshire are incredible – this is your opportunity to taste the freshest fruit and vegetables, while supporting local farms,” Shawn Jasper, commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, said in the news release.

The DTTD website includes itinerary suggestions from Philip Bryce, New Hampshire Parks and Recreation director.

“With over 4,000 miles of hiking trails, the opportunities to see some really stunning fall foliage are endless,” Bryce said.

Train rides, pumpkin picking, corn mazes and a variety of fairs and festivals round out a full plethora of outdoor fun for fall.

“The fall travel season is an incredible economic driver for our state and we are constantly working to maximize and expand visitation for the benefit of our partners and the people of New Hampshire,” Taylor Caswell, BEA commissioner, said in the news release.