Our Major Attractions are a must during fall. If you want to visit each one and are working your way from south to north, we’d recommend the following route.

1. Kick off the day with 2-mile walk through the Flume Gorge. This typically verdant attraction turns full-on fairytale once the leaves don their fall finery, but remember to pay attention to the many other wonders found along the way, including covered bridges (there’s two!) and the spectacular rocky slot that rises up to 90 feet above you during your walk. This adventure includes lots of uphill walking and stairs; come prepared and wear proper footwear.

2. Capture the best views of Franconia Notch without any hiking at all aboard the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. In a matter of minutes, you will be whisked all the way up to 4,080’ aboard one of two whimsically named historic trams. If you are so inclined at the top, take the short, looped trail for additional, exceptional views.

3. Enjoy a precursor to the holiday season with a stop at Santa’s Village in Jefferson, NH! This attraction is fun for all ages, with standout experiences including the Reindeer Rendezvous barn (buy apple slices for your favorite of Santa’s reindeer), Christmas-themed rides like the Yule Log Flume and The Great Humbug Adventure, and DIY gingerbread cookies. If you choose to visit on select fall Sundays, you can also delight in Fall FEASTival, Santa’s legendary food-centric event that includes many free treats with the cost of admission. We strongly encourage purchasing your tickets for Santa’s Village online ahead of time. Sellout days are very possible.

4. A train ride up the side of Mount Washington? Don’t mind if we do! The Mount Washington Cog Railway (Marshfield Station, NH) is the world’s first ever mountain-climbing cog train, and it is a once in a lifetime experience. Chug your way improbably up, up, up, and watch the leaves change along the way. Once you reach the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak, you have an hour to explore. 

 

 

5. If you can’t get enough of Mount Washington, double down on your adventures with another ride up to the top (but this time, from the eastern side). The Mt. Washington Auto Road in Gorham, NH is your ticket to the summit this time around, and you can take your pick of the Drive Yourself option or a guided coach tour. The former is your best choice if you want bragging rights plus a truly excellent bumper sticker (we know you’ve seen it); the latter is a must if you want more time taking in the view, plus some expert historical narration

 

2023 White Mountains Attractions Dates of Operation

Camping, cabins, grand hotels – this region has every type of lodging you could dream up. Two of our top picks? The Franconia Inn (Franconia, NH) and The Glen House (Gorham, NH).

For all the traditional fall vibes, we’d say book a stay at the beautiful Franconia Inn. The rooms are comfy and classically appointed (special shoutout to the excellent wallpaper), and the onsite amenities cover everything from horseback riding and glider soaring to tennis, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking.  As far as dining goes, this inn once again brings the variety with dinner by candlelight in their main dining room or fireside brews and casual fare in Peaks Pub.

Even better? While the Inn is just a 10-minute drive or so from I-93, you’ll feel worlds away, cozied up just across the street from the Kinsman range.BOOK A STAY AT THE FRANCONIA INN

The Glen House (Gorham, NH) also offers outstanding views, but this time of Mount Washington and the surrounding Presidential peaks. Many rooms feature balconies with mountainside views, and we’re happy to note this property is all about sustainability (including dark sky compliant lighting, a geothermal closed loop heating and cooling system, and even power generating elevators).

Other standouts include the large-scale historic photographs peppered throughout the hotel, indoor saltwater pool complete with great big windows to admire the fall foliage during your dip, and stellar social spaces. Give us a good cocktail and good company, and we could easily spend all afternoon sitting by the firepit after enjoying some seasonal fare at the Notch Grille. BOOK A STAY AT THE GLEN HOUSE

There are plenty of unique dining options in the northern White Mountains, but for us, nothing beats Super Secret Ice Cream (Bethlehem, NH). This scoop shop started super small, but quickly gained a following for their mouthwatering take on handmade ice cream.

So what makes Super Secret Ice Cream stand out from all the other ice cream stands in the White Mountains? We’d point to the seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms, the handmade waffle cones, or the fun atmosphere inside, but the answer is obvious – the irresistible flavors. During fall, expect caramel, apple, toasted marshmallow, and maybe even pumpkin to make an appearance. We suggest ordering an ice cream flight to maximize your taste of autumn in NH.

Outside is where it’s at in the White Mountains. If we tried to come up with an exhaustive list, it would take up all of this space plus some, so here are some quick ideas to get you out exploring.

Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge: Hoof it or bike it but make your way to Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge sometime this fall. This flat railroad bed turned trail will bring you to a viewing platform perfect for spotting all kinds of autumnal flora and fauna. You can extend your trip as far as you’d like on the rail trail, but we like taking the 2.8-mile roundtrip option (starting at the Airport Road parking lot, stopping at the platform, and then retracing our steps).

Waterfall Watching: The White Mountains has well over 100 waterfalls. Some nearby favorites that don’t require a hike include Silver Cascade, Flume Cascade, Upper Ammonoosuc Falls, and Glen Ellis Falls.

The great thing about the Mount Washington Valley is everything is just a quick trip away. Indeed, all of the Major Attractions listed below are within a 15-minute drive of each other!

1. Conway Scenic Railroad - the name says it all. Along every mile of the Conway Scenic’s railroad, breathtaking views are a given and particularly so if you opt for the signature Mountaineer train excursion through Crawford Notch. As you make your way up in the mountains on this 4 – 5.5 hour journey, you’ll pass through colorful forests and across wide, glimmering rivers; enjoy the historical narration along the way, and get ready to gasp as you pop out atop the iconic Frankestein Trestle. The fall views on this out and back excursion are one in a million.  If you’re not up such a big commitment this time around, opt for the Sawyer River or Conway excursions for foliage views minus any big changes in elevation. Book online for all options; sell outs occur regularly during foliage season.

2. Jump, glide, ride, and soar your way into fall with a fun-packed day at Cranmore Mountain Resort. Here, you have the choice of the Mountain Adventure Pack (encompassing everything from snow-free tubing to the Soaring Eagle zipline ride, bungee trampoline jumping, the classic mountain coaster, and more) and the likes of scenic chairlift rides and downhill lift-serviced mountain biking. You could easily spend all day dabbling in Cranmore’s offerings and taking in the views, and we’d encourage you to do so!

3. Bringing the kids? Bring them to Story Land. This dreamy theme park is open fall weekends through early October, and we can’t get enough of the swan boat riding, enchanted outfit shopping, and whimsical character meet and greets that encompass just one small part of the Story Land experience. Have you always wanted to ride a dinosaur-themed rollercoaster? They’ve got one. What about eating a snow cone straight from a tiki bar or driving an old-fashioned car? You can do all that plus more at the place where fantasy lives.

4. If you’re looking for something totally different to do this fall (and also something right next to Story Land), you can’t go wrong with Living Shores Aquarium. This awesome stop has everything from lorikeet feeding and stingray petting to Asian-small clawed otters, axolotls, and nibble fish, plus kid-friendly activities and a mesmerizing gift shop. Stop here on a rainy day, or when you need a break from the fall foliage traffic – you just might discover this is the best part of your trip to the White Mountains.

    

2023 White Mountains Attractions Dates of Operatio

There are lots of lodging options in Mount Washington Valley, but we love this fine trio for fall escapes…

The Cranmore Inn is located just off North Conway Village’s charming main street, and it has its own lovely charm to match! Think “boutique”, with tasteful New England-style fixtures, a sun-filled patio out back (perfect for early morning coffee), and a welcoming vibe you’ll remember long after vacation wraps up. As far as dining goes, you have your pick of main street. Nearby diversions? They’re just as bountiful. Last but not least, the inn also has a diverting 360-degree tour of the property available on its website to help you pick your ideal room. BOOK A STAY AT THE CRANMORE INN

Another option in the heart of the village is the Eastern Slope Inn Resort. If you’ve driven through North Conway, you’ve no doubt spotted this gorgeous lodging option on the north side of town, with its grand white columns and carved wood moose right out front. In case you were wondering, the inside is just as great. Standard and deluxe rooms are all up for grabs, as is the heated indoor pool and hot tub to warm up after a chilly fall day spent outside. If the weather is fair though, consider a rousing match of pickleball, tennis, or shuffleboard before you turn in for the night. Bringing the family? Consider booking a cottage suite with a mini kitchen at the resort’s nearby Village Place. BOOK A STAY AT THE EASTERN SLOPE INN RESORT

If you want to be even closer to the great outdoors, consider Attitash Mountain Village. This family-friendly option is equidistant from North Conway and the iconic Crawford Notch State Park (meaning your group can enjoy outlet shopping and trailhead hopping in the same day). On property, accommodations range from standard and deluxe rooms to slopeside condos with multiple bedrooms and plenty of kitchen space to whip up some great autumn-inspired meals during your stay. All options include access to the resort’s myriad amenities (including pools, saunas, an arcade, and a firepit, just to name a few).

For those full-on fall vibes, we’d suggest book a wagon ride complete pulled by a team of draft horses; toasty warm blankets and the good cheer of a great fall adventure will have you snuggling up in satisfaction.  BOOK A STAY ATTITASH MOUNTAIN VILLAGE

There’s no need to list it out – this region’s dining options cater to every palate and price point! Here is a sampling of places to eat in the Conway area.

It’s no mystery why Mystery, NH is one of our favorite places for inside fun in the White Mountains – we love testing our mettle in a classic escape room!

Mystery, NH’s mix of escape rooms encourages several visits a season to maximize your chance at mystery solving; this fall, we can't wait to take a stab at their new spooky room, Monster Mash. As a bonus, all the rooms are private and accommodate up to six people. Don’t you love the idea of a double or triple date night?  BOOK A ROOM AT MYSTERY, NH

If you’d like to bring your family to one of Mystery NH’s escape rooms, do your research on their website ahead of time to learn more about age restrictions and reservations.

Ready to mix up your expectations for an outside adventure? In no particular order, we recommend the following….

Jackson Falls: This roadside waterfall perched just above the village of Jackson, NH is our preferred spot to enjoy a fall coffee on the go. Our suggestion? Get there early if you’d like a parking spot! (And maybe check out the picturesque Honeymoon Covered Bridge on your way.)

Chocorua Lake: A stunningly scenic lake complemented by a craggy mountain peak spells fall photography nirvana. This Tamworth, NH spot, located 25 minutes or so from North Conway, is popular for a reason.

Redstone Quarry: This historic granite quarry in Conway, NH is a little bit spooky and a lot historic, with rusted out stonecutting machinery and old cables serving as reminder of why New Hampshire is dubbed the Granite State.

Return of the Pumpkin People: Are you coming to Jackson, NH this October? Be sure to bring the kiddos for a round of pumpkin people spotting! Every fall, local businesses pull out all the stops to make the most crowd-pleasing, pumpkin-centric display.

The western White Mountains region is an absolute gem for attraction adventurers. Would you like to visit a theme park, summit a mountain, or hop aboard a train? It’s all out there, just a short drive away.

1. In addition to hosting standout fall events like the NH Highland Games and Oktoberfest, Loon Mountain Resort (Lincoln, NH) is a veritable autumnal playground. The scenic gondola ride is a must for all visitors, but why not up the intensity at the top with some disc golf or a self-guided tour of the boulder caves? If you’re feeling extra daring, you can also try out Loon’s lift serviced downhill mountain bike park (rentals available on site if you travel light).

2. Zipline, aerial course, or off-road tour? At Alpine Adventures (Lincoln, NH), you can tackle a trio of heart-pounding diversions! Visitors not quite sure of their level of daring can always start small and traverse the aerial course at Alpine’s main street location. The rope ladders, cargo nets, and other obstacles are sure to keep you entertained even if that’s you want to do in a day…but we hope you will summon your courage for one of Alpine’s classic zips through the fall foliage. Do you have a gearhead in the group? Book a ride on a six-wheeled mountain climbing Pinzgauer or take the wheel of your own adventure with a guided Side x Side tour. Are you interested in ziplining in particular? Book online ASAP; this is an extremely popular option for adventurers in the Lincoln area.

3. This one is an oldie but a goodie – a train ride on the classic Hobo Railroad! You will have 80 minutes of scenic views to take in as you travel along the banks of the Pemigewasset River; during the journey, see if you can picture the landscape as it might have looked in in the late 1800’s when the logging industry was at its height in the region. By the time you return to the Hobo’s Lincoln, NH station, you’ll have an even greater appreciation for the colorful, hardy trees of the White Mountains that make this attraction unmissable.

4. Dancing, basketball dunking, and ice cream eating – you could do all three on vacation at a lot of places, but what about watching a black bear do the same? At Clark’s Bears (Lincoln, NH), you can delight in the antics of several well-trained (and well-loved) black bears as they light up the showring on select fall weekends and holidays. Other big draws to this family-run theme park include the amazing gift shop, recreated main street with charming museums, displays, and DIY activities, and a train ride through the woods. (We’d hate to spoil the last one, but let’s just say there’s a grumpy Wolfman who takes dramatic exception to the train, and it’s a rollicking good time…)

5. A waterpark, in fall? It’s unexpected, we know, but stay with us. During fall, Whale’s Tale Waterpark in Lincoln, NH offers ultra exclusive private surf sessions at their simulated wave, Akua Beach. We can’t get over how cool it would be to sharpen any nascent surfing skills in a park that is entirely yours for an hour or two, all while the fall leaves flutter down around you.  Apart from private surf sessions, Whale’s Tale Waterpark is closed for the fall season. Call 603-745-8810 for more information on booking a surf time.
6. Drive to the top of Kinsman Notch – a whole other world is waiting. Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in North Woodstock, NH offers all the classic fall staples (fantastic foliage, a walk in the woods, selfie spots) plus some unexpected delights (like gemstone sluicing, a giant bird’s nest, and 11 boulder caves to explore), and we can’t get enough of it. Wear closed-toed shoes and sensible clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. While the wood boardwalk can route you around all the caves as you see fit, the thrill of this spot is in the scootching, crawling, and happy hollering that waits within each rocky jumble.

2023 White Mountains Attractions Dates of Operation

Waterville Valley makes an excellent home base for fall vacationers, and particularly so if they book a stay at the Black Bear Lodge. This all-suite condo hotel has unique décor in each space (based on each owner’s taste) and equally varied onsite offerings (including indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, and hot tub, as well as game, exercise, and conference rooms). It’s also just a 5-minute walk from the lodge to Waterville Valley’s bustling Town Square, which frequently plays host to fun fall events. BOOK A STAY AT BLACK BEAR LODGE

Do you hear the Kancamagus Highway (the Kanc) highway calling your name? Pick the red-roofed Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain (Lincoln, NH) to up your proximity to the start of this famous, foliage-filled route. Lodging options range all the way from studios to penthouse suites that can accommodate 12 guests; all offer access to Riverwalk’s legendary amenities (including, just as a start, an adventure concierge, Tesla charging stations, an excellent Italian restaurant, a day spa, and even an onsite winery!). BOOK A STAY AT RIVERWALK RESORT AT LOON MOUNTAIN

Dining options in the western White Mountains are plentiful, but have to do a  shoutout for two of our faves: the Sunset Grill (Campton, NH) and Panorama Six82 at Owl’s Nest Resort (Thornton, NH)

Craving BBQ? The Sunset Grill is the spot for the fall season. Pulled pork sandwiches, fried baby back ribs, and BBQ quesadillas are all on the menu, as are lighter dishes like shrimp salmon and baked haddock. Cozy soups? They’ve got them, plus a mind-boggling number of burgers, sides, and apps to please your whole crew. DINE AT SUNSET GRILL

Take on 18 holes and take in the majestic view of fall in the White Mountains at Owl's Nest Resort & Golf Club. This Nicklaus-designed course ranks as the 6th best value worldwide (according to NBC Golf Pass), and we can see easily see why! It has the elevation to challenge, the pristine conditions to wow, and a great location just minutes of I-93 in Thornton, NH. This time of year, you can catch us loading up on snacks and swag at The Sports Nest before we hit the links, and enjoying the sights of fall foliage surrounding all of that beautiful green expanse. Post-golf, it's on to PanoramaSix82 for fall cocktails and a great seasonal menu! BOOK YOUR ROUND OF GOLF AT OWL'S NEST RESORT 

Waterfalls, local walking routes, and scenic viewpoints abound in this neck of the woods. Wouldn’t you like to try out one of these options?

The Basin-Cascades Trail: 3 miles roundtrip is all it takes to see three awesome autumnal waterfalls. While this trail is just a quick hop off I-93 in the southern stretches of Franconia Notch State Park, don’t underestimate it. Hiking boots and the 10 Essentials are a must, as is knowing your turnaround point (right at the fork that leads to either Kinsman Pond or the Cascade Brook Trail).

J.E. Henry Trail: This Lincoln, NH trail is an easy in-town option for stretching your legs minus much elevation gain. It runs at 1 mile or so, and offers pretty views of the Pemigewasset River most of the way.

Nine granite polar caves and a soaring cliff are waiting in Rumney – are you ready to partake?

Polar Caves Park is one of those exceptional throwback attractions that has it all: immense natural beauty (be sure to wander through the mossy, fern-filled rock garden), adventure (found in nine granite boulder caves that beg to be explored), and options even for the littlest ones in your family (like the animal park hosting a herd of fallow deer alongside innumerable ducks). Our favorite part of Polar Caves during fall though has to be the view itself from Hawk’s Cliff – you’ll see the foliage from a new, beautiful angle as you ascend the cleverly crafted wood stairs to the height of the highest cave.

Follow our rule of thumb for footwear: if you are doing anything besides walking on main street, it’s a must to wear closed toed shoes that provide protection, traction, and ankle support.

Just south of the White Mountains, your lodging options run the gamut from lakeside hotels to classic campsites. Here are some of the best places to stay in between the Lakes Region and White Mountains.

Picking a place to dine is also as easy as apple pie in the southern White Mountains. Try these out during your next visit!

Is visiting Squam Lake on your NH bucket list? Book a private boating excursion with Experience Squam. This beloved tour company offers trips throughout the fall to get you out on the water, admiring the leaves in style. During your travels with Experience Squam, you might spot rafts of loons and flocks of migratory birds taking a rest on their flight south, or stroll around historic Church Island – the agenda for the tour is up to you. Might we suggest viewing some filming locations from the classic Hepburn/Fonda flick On Golden Pond? Best of all, well-behaved dogs are welcome to partake in the tour too! BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR WITH EXPERIENCE SQUAM

Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, NH is another fantastic option for fall frolicking near the Lakes Region. This ski mountain caters to families in search of thrills, with options like their zipline tour and aerial treetop adventure appealing to the younger, daring set. Those after a gentler experience at Gunstock Mountain can enjoy gliding through the woods on a mountain coaster (let off the brakes if you want to really feel the crisp fall wind in your hair) or the scenic lift ride (a must for spotting the foliage-ringed Lake Winnipesaukee in all its glory). VISIT GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN RESORT

Road trips and woodsy walks are just the ticket for a memorable fall. Here’s a few ideas to get you started.

DIY Leaf Peeping Drive: If you’re after the classic fall road trip, we’d suggest pulling out a regular old map and picking some back roads. Trace the edge of the lesser-known lakes and make it your mission to play “I Spy”, fall edition.

Laverack Trail: Head to the Laverack Trail in Meredith, NH for an easy fall foliage stroll. The full loop clocks in at just 1.2 miles and takes you past the wetlands found at the edge of Winnipesaukee.

Lakes Region Conservation Trust Trails: Do your research ahead of time for this one, as the Trust maintains many miles of trails. Our recommendation? The Brook Walk interpretive trail near Castle in the Clouds, which guides viewers past six small waterfalls and riffles on its way to the seventh and final waterfall, the staggeringly gorgeous Falls of Song. This trip rings at 1 mile roundtrip if you retrace your steps once you reach the Falls of Song.