10 Best Things to Do in the White Mountains, NH in the Fall
The White Mountains are easily one of the best places in New England to experience fall. Think fiery foliage, cozy mountain towns, covered bridges, and crisp air that makes you want to grab a hot cider and wander!
With endless scenic drives, hiking trails, and small-town charm, it’s the ultimate spot for a New Hampshire fall getaway.
The region is huge though, so figuring out where to start can feel a little overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best things to do in the White Mountains in the fall to help you out!
From must-see foliage spots like the Kancamagus Highway to charming villages like Jackson and Littleton, these ideas will help you plan the perfect autumn trip, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Quick Tips for Planning Your New Hampshire Fall Getaway
Heading to New Hampshire this fall? Here are a few resources to help you plan your trip:
📅 When to Visit: Fall foliage typically peaks from late September to mid-October, but timing depends on elevation. Higher elevations like the White Mountains usually hit peak color earlier than the lakes region or southern areas.
🏨 Where to Stay: Fall is the busiest season in New Hampshire, so book your accommodations early! Check availability at the Comfort Inn & Suites in North Conway or the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Lincoln for easy access to top foliage spots.
🚗 Car Rental: You’ll need a car to explore New Hampshire’s scenic drives and hidden gems. Compare rental prices on Discover Cars to snag the best deal!
🍁 Best Places to Visit: Drive the Kancamagus Highway, hike to Artists Bluff for stunning views, and stop by cozy towns like Sugar Hill and Jackson. Don’t miss Flume Gorge, Mount Washington, and the scenic viewpoints around Bretton Woods.
Good to Know Before Your White Mountains Fall Getaway
🍁 When is the best time to visit the White Mountains in the fall?
Peak foliage usually happens between late September and mid-October, but it depends on elevation. Higher spots like Mount Washington turn first, while valleys and lower elevations hold their colors a little longer. Keep an eye on this New Hampshire fall foliage tracker for updates.
📍 How do you get to the White Mountains?
The White Mountains are super easy to reach by car from most major cities in New England. If you’re flying in, your best options are Portland International Jetport (PWM), about 1.5 hours away, or Boston Logan Airport (BOS), which is roughly a 2.5-hour drive.
🚗 Do you need a car to explore?
Definitely. The White Mountains cover a huge area, and the best sights (like the Kancamagus Highway and covered bridges) aren’t reachable without one. Book your rental car early with Discover Cars to lock in the best rates. Fall is peak season, and cars can sell out fast!
🏨 Where should you stay in the White Mountains?
Lincoln and North Conway are two of the best bases for exploring the White Mountains in the fall. Lincoln puts you right next to the Kancamagus Highway and Flume Gorge, while North Conway has a charming small-town vibe with great shops, restaurants, and easy access to hiking trails.
For something quieter, Jackson is a lovely alternative with a more secluded feel and plenty of fall color. Make sure to book early as fall is peak season in the White Mountains!
Here are a few hotel picks to check out:
- RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain (Lincoln) – Modern resort with spacious suites and mountain views, perfect for families or groups
- InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook (Lincoln) – Cozy condos with kitchens and fireplaces, great for longer stays
- Golden Gables Inn (North Conway) – Clean, affordable, and perfectly located for exploring North Conway and the surrounding mountains
- The Wentworth (Jackson) – A historic inn tucked away in Jackson, perfect for a peaceful couples’ getaway
Best Things to Do in the White Mountains, New Hampshire
1. Drive the Kancamagus Highway
If there’s one thing you absolutely can’t skip in the White Mountains in the fall, it’s driving the Kancamagus Highway.
This 34-mile scenic byway runs between Lincoln and Conway and is packed with jaw-dropping foliage views, winding mountain roads, and plenty of spots to pull over and explore.
We drove it in the middle of October, and I swear we stopped every five minutes to take photos! The colors were absolutely unreal, fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges everywhere you looked.
Make time for a few of the best stops along the way. Sabbaday Falls is an easy 0.3-mile walk to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by autumn leaves.
Sugar Hill Overlook and Rocky Gorge Scenic Area are also worth pulling over for. There are picnic spots, short trails, and endless photo ops, so don’t rush this drive.
Start early in the day if you can! Parking at popular pull-offs fills up fast in October, especially on weekends.
The full route takes about an hour without stops, but you’ll want at least half a day to enjoy it properly. For more info, check out my in-depth guide about driving the Kancamagus Highway in the fall.
2. Hike to Artist’s Bluff
This short hike packs a serious punch when it comes to fall views! The trail is about 1.5 miles round-trip with a bit of a climb, but the payoff is one of the most iconic foliage spots in the White Mountains.
From the top, you’ll get a sweeping view of Echo Lake and Cannon Mountain framed by vibrant fall colors.
We hiked it early in the morning in October and were so glad we did. Not only was the light gorgeous, but we also avoided the crowds that show up later in the day!
The hike is somewhat steep, but in exchange, it’s really short. We made it up in under 10 minutes, and the views were absolutely unreal! It was one of my all-time favorite stops on our New Hampshire road trip.
The trail starts from the parking area near Echo Lake at Cannon Mountain. If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can extend your hike by adding Bald Mountain to the loop.
3. Visit Flume Gorge
Flume Gorge is hands down one of the best places to visit in New Hampshire in the fall! This natural granite gorge in Franconia Notch State Park is a must-see, especially when it’s surrounded by bright autumn colors.
The 2-mile loop trail takes you along wooden boardwalks, past moss-covered walls, waterfalls, and covered bridges.
It’s an easy walk that feels more like an adventure than a hike, and the scenery in October is absolutely magical.
Entry is ticketed, so book your spot online ahead of time as fall weekends sell out fast. Also, wear sturdy shoes since the boardwalks can be slippery when damp.
4. Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad
For a cozy fall experience, hop aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad. The vintage trains depart from North Conway and take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful parts of the White Mountains.
The Mountaineer is the most popular ride in autumn, running through Crawford Notch with sweeping views of the mountains covered in fall colors. If you’re short on time, the shorter Sawyer River Excursion is also a great option.
Tickets sell out quickly in October, so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you want to snag a seat, especially on weekends.
5. Take the Mount Washington Auto Road
Driving up the Mount Washington Auto Road is certainly one of the best things to do in the White Mountains, NH in the fall!
This 7.6-mile road winds its way to the summit of the tallest peak in the Northeast, offering incredible foliage views the entire way up.
The drive isn’t for everyone as it’s narrow, steep, and has no guardrails in some sections, but the scenery is worth it if you’re comfortable behind the wheel. Once you reach the top, you’ll get panoramic views that stretch for miles on a clear day!
If you’d rather not drive yourself, consider taking the guided tour in one of the Auto Road’s vans. Either way, check the weather before you go as conditions at the summit can be very different from the base.
6. See Sabbaday Falls
Sabbaday Falls is one of the easiest and most rewarding waterfall stops in the White Mountains, especially during fall.
The short 0.7-mile round-trip trail leads you to a beautiful series of cascades framed by mossy rocks and autumn leaves.
The path is wide and mostly flat, making it a great option for all ages. Wooden stairs and viewing platforms let you get different perspectives of the falls, and the colorful foliage in October makes it even more photogenic.
It’s located right off the Kancamagus Highway, so it’s an easy stop to combine with your scenic drive.
7. Visit covered bridges
Nothing says New England in the fall quite like a classic covered bridge surrounded by fiery foliage. The White Mountains have several places worth stopping for, and they’re all easy to visit as you explore the area.
Honeymoon Bridge in Jackson is one of the most photographed, with its bright red exterior and scenic setting over the Ellis River. Albany Covered Bridge sits just off the Kancamagus Highway and is a perfect quick stop during your scenic drive.
The Historic Bartlett Covered Bridge is a little different as it now houses a small gift shop where you can browse local crafts, maple syrup, and other goodies. It’s a fun spot to stretch your legs and pick up a few souvenirs!
Plan to visit a few of these on your trip! They’re all close to major routes and make for great photo ops in peak foliage season.
8. Explore Lincoln and North Conway
Lincoln and North Conway are two of the most charming small towns in New England, and they’re both perfect for a fall getaway.
These towns make great bases for exploring the White Mountains, but they’re also worth visiting on their own for their cozy, laid-back vibe.
In Lincoln, you’ll find easy access to Flume Gorge and the Kancamagus Highway, plus plenty of restaurants and cafes to warm up after a day of leaf-peeping.
Over in North Conway, you can stroll through the historic downtown, browse boutique shops, and snap a photo of the iconic train station surrounded by fall colors.
Both towns get busy during peak foliage season, but that just adds to the festive fall atmosphere. Stop by a local bakery for a maple treat or grab a coffee and take your time wandering.
9. Take a scenic gondola ride
If you’re not up for a big hike but still want those sweeping fall views, a scenic gondola ride is the way to go. It’s such a fun and easy way to see the White Mountains dressed in pretty fall colors!
The Loon Mountain Gondola Skyride in Lincoln takes you up to the summit, where you can wander around, check out the glacial caves, and even grab a snack at the café.
Over in Franconia Notch, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway gives you incredible views over the Notch and surrounding peaks, all glowing in shades of red, orange, and gold.
Both rides are perfect for a relaxing afternoon and ideal if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who isn’t keen on hiking steep trails.
10. Check out Jackson’s Pumpkin People
If you’re visiting in October, you’ll probably notice quirky pumpkin-headed figures popping up all over Jackson. This is the town’s annual Pumpkin People festival, and it’s such a fun (and slightly weird) way to celebrate fall.
Locals and businesses create displays with pumpkin-headed characters doing everything from playing sports to acting out movie scenes. You can grab a map from the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and do a little self-guided tour around town to see them all.
It’s a cute and lighthearted stop that feels very New England in autumn! Perfect if you’re looking for something unique to add to your New England road trip.
