Fall foliage season is just around the corner and we have our eyes to the trees! It only happens once a year and our award-winning colors don't last forever – be sure to plan your perfect getaway soon.
Our fall itineraries are a great place to start if you're stumped for ideas. We'd also recommend following our Foliage Tracker; once the leaves start popping in brilliant colors, we will update the page throughout the season.
Until then, add these quick autumn tips to your proverbial “packing list”. We'll see you in the White Mountains for the best fall foliage trip ever!
Plan Ahead
While many of our White Mountains attractions are open through peak foliage season, they also experience peak visitation during these times! Plan ahead and book your tickets online for those attractions you just can't miss. The same goes for lodging as well; while spontaneous trips are always fun, there's no guarantee of a place to stay on short notice during the height of fall foliage.
Some of the state parks throughout the White Mountains, as well state park campgrounds, are also asking visitors to book in advance, so do a bit of research to make sure you have the most up to date information!
Visit Mid-Week
Weekends tend to be more crowded in the White Mountains, as folks are seeking out the best spots to see the foliage, find great hiking trails, and visit attractions that are only open on weekends. If your schedule allows, plan a visit mid-week and sometimes you may have an overlook, trail, or roadway mostly to yourself.
Take the Road Less Traveled
Yes, the Kancamagus Highway is a popular spot for finding great foliage and there’s no question as to why that is! There are scenic vistas, covered bridges, natural areas, and a multitude of hiking trails.
If you want to avoid some of the congestion along the Kanc, consider pulling out the map to explore one of our “roads less traveled”. Some of the side roads in smaller villages such as Franconia, Sugar Hill, Littleton, Jackson, Eaton, as well as routes in the Lakes Region (just a little bit to the south) still offer those beautiful foliage views, just with less traffic.
Here's two quick ideas to get you started! Head out on Route 112 West through Kinsman Notch, down Route 118, then over to Route 113 in Sandwich, or try Route 2 in Randolph and Jefferson.
Pack Your Patience
Take a deep breath and enjoy our fresh, mountain air and the scent of crisp, fall leaves. Enjoy the fact that you are in the White Mountains and soak in the beauty around you.
If this is your first time here, or first time back in a while, just know that some restaurants and shops may not be open 7 days a week, there may be longer wait times at recreation areas, and attractions may sell out fast. Please remember to pack your patience along with your toothbrush and camera and know that we are happy to have you here!
Be Safe and Respectful
When visiting the White Mountains, be mindful of your surroundings.
Stay on the trail and leave only footprints when taking a hike. Remember if you carry something in to a park, or attraction, to be sure to bring it back out with you. Familiarize yourself with the rules when it comes to camping and ask questions if you don’t know the answers. There are lots of people around who want to help, such as the friendly staff at the White Mountains Visitor Center or at any of the White Mountain National Forest Ranger Stations. Be careful around water and on steep ledges…no Instagram post is worth hurting the environment around you, or yourself.
Respect the beautiful nature that surrounds you here in the White Mountains, as well as the staff members at your favorite restaurants, shops, breweries, hotels, and attractions. Most importantly of all, enjoy!
