It’s almost time for that in between season in the White Mountains, when most of the leaves are off the trees but snow dusts only the tallest of peaks.
What’s still open in the White Mountains? There are certainly still plenty of restaurants for dining, breweries and wineries for sipping, museums for touring, and local shops for visiting. We’d definitely recommend touring some covered bridges or settling in to exploring one particular part of the region.
But more than anything, we’d say visit an Attraction! Many remain open throughout the year, while others offer just a few more days to pack in the fun during fall. Keep reading for a full breakdown on the best Attractions you can still visit in the White Mountains, as well as a sneak peek at what’s ahead for the rest of the year.
Dates of Operation for Major Attractions
ALPINE ADVENTURES (Lincoln, NH)
If you’re thinking that zipping is only a summer thing, think again! Alpine Adventures is open year-round for all the ziplining and Pinzgauer mountain climbing your adrenaline-loving heart could conjure up. We’re big fans of the way the wooded views found on Alpine’s property open up once the leaves have departed.
Come wintertime, Alpine Adventures also offers guided snowshoe tours through the wondrous woods of the White Mountains.
Open Thursday –Monday. Visit AlpineZipline.comor call(603) 745-9911 for details, including hours of operation and tour availability
CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD (North Conway, NH)
No need to rush to North Conway, NH – the Conway Scenic Railroad is open year-round! Whatever season you choose to visit (and whichever train tour you book), you’ll find yourself immersed in the classic, dramatic landscapes of the White Mountains.
P.S. Once the snow begins to fall, stay on top of the Conway Scenic’s socials for special seasonal excursions. There’s nothing better than rounding out a year full of adventure with something extraordinary like a Santa train or a snow train.
Trains run into mid-November, followed by special excursions leading into the holidays, ski season, and more. Visit ConwayScenic.com or call (603) 356-5251 for details.
FLUME GORGE (Franconia Notch State Park, NH)
The Flume Gorge is one of the best places to visit in the White Mountains, and it's open through October 27th this year! Visit two covered bridges, marvel at Avalanche Falls, and enjoy a peaceful walk in the woods now that the peak foliage crowds have departed for the year.
Open daily through October 27, 2024. Advance online reservations are recommended. Visit FlumeGorge.com for more info.
GRANITE STATE SCENIC RAILWAY (Lincoln, NH)
In our opinion, there’s nothing as serene as riding an old-fashioned train on a weekend, watching the riffles on a river and the woods as the seasons change. The river? The Pemigewasset. The train ride? The Granite State Scenic Railway, which is entering its final weekend of fall operations.
In November and December, the Granite State's popular Santa trains resume their festive trundling. Between meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus and receiving a special gift during your train tour, this experience is one we'd recommend for all families looking for the best kid-friendly Christmas activities in the White Mountains.
Open through October 20th, and select dates November through mid-December. Visit GSScenic.com for rates, operating dates, times, and to make reservations.
LIVING SHORES AQUARIUM (Glen, NH)
Looking for year-round entertainment? You're in luck. Living Shores Aquarium in Glen, NH offers all-indoor fun that lasts through foliage season and beyond. Enjoy immersive exhibits, animal encounters, and educational opportunities at this family-friendly aquarium in New Hampshire.
Open year-round. Open Friday – Monday (10am – 5pm with last entry at 4pm): September 6 – December 23. Visit LivingShores.com or call (603) 383-4186 for info.
MT. WASHINGTON AUTO ROAD (Gorham, NH)
The Mt. Washington Auto Road has already received its first few snowfalls of the season, meaning you will most likely catch a glimpse of the White Mountain's famous snowliage during your drive! This year the Auto Road is scheduled to stay open through November 3rd (just keep in mind that the road might not be open to the summit, or at all, depending on weather conditions). Our advice? Check the Auto Road's website for the latest updates before you start heading that way.
Come winter, the Auto Road's guided SnowCoach tours will resume once the snow really starts to fly. If riding in a warm cab partway up the Northeast’s highest peak and then emerging into an arctic landscape sounds like bliss, start looking into booking your tickets for this once in a lifetime experience today.
Drive Yourself & Guided Coach Tours to Summit: Open daily to Drive Yourself through November 3. Reserve a Guided Tour through October 20 (weather permitting). Advance reservations recommended for guided tours only. Visit Mt-Washington.com or call (603) 466-3988 to learn more.
MOUNT WASHINGTON COG RAILWAY (Marshfield Station, NH)
Happily, the Mount Washington Cog Railway is open year-round*! As fall transitions to wintertime, we start looking forward to the way the rocky, leaf-free peaks show off their rugged shapes, as well as the opportunity to explore snowy slopes and roast marshmallows partway up the peak. Just pay special attention to the Cog’s schedule. Mount Washington is home to the world’s worst weather, meaning plans can change depending on the forecast.
Summit Post-Season: October 21 – October 27, weather permitting. For tickets, full schedule, and hours of operation, visit TheCog.com or call (603) 274-5404. *CLOSED 10/28 – 11/8 for base area construction projects.
SANTA’S VILLAGE (Jefferson, NH)
Family fun is a given at Santa’s Village, but especially so during the holiday season. Once November and December rolls around, it’s time to embrace the spirit of Christmas over several magical weekends. But first? It's the last few weekends of Holly Jolly Halloween, where one and all are invited to don their best costumes and explore this festive wonderland!
Purchase your tickets online ahead of time for these popular events. Open Select Dates through December! Holly Jolly Halloween: Oct. 19 & 26 (9:30am - 5pm). Christmastime: Nov. 9, 16, 23, 24, 29, 30; Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 (11:30am - 6pm or 7pm). Rates vary. Buy tickets online in advance.
STORY LAND (Glen, NH)
Story Land is staying open into late fall for the first time this year, and we are beyond excited to tell you why: Happy Hauntings! This brand-new event is the perfect family-friendly mix of spooky meets silly, including trick or treating, fun with characters, and Halloween costumes and decorations galore. Book your tickets online ahead of time to guarantee your spot; Story Land closes for the season after the last weekend in October.
Open weekends (9:30am – 5pm) through October 27.
Open for Shopping (Select Hours through October 20th, as well as the Holiday Season)
- Clark's Bears Gift Shop (Lincoln, NH)
Opening Soon for Ski Season!
- Cannon Mountain (Franconia, NH)
- Cranmore Mountain Resort (North Conway, NH)
- Loon Mountain Resort (Lincoln, NH)
Aren’t you excited to make the most of this season and also start planning for the next? We’ll see you soon in the mountains!