Ultimate guide to White Mountain National Forest in the fall
Experience the best of White Mountain National Forest this fall—from hiking trails and scenic drives to zipline adventures and mountain biking.
White Mountain National Forest is worth visiting any time of year—but the 800,000-acre region really shines during the fall season, when the leaf-peeping opportunities are seemingly endless and the scenic views are unmatched.
White Mountain National Forest attracts millions of visitors every year thanks to its abundance of natural beauty, including mountain lakes, lush forests, and alpine peaks, and recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing. Keep reading to learn about all the sights and attractions White Mountain National Forest has to offer visitors this fall.
Quick Facts
Before we get into all the fun things you can see and do in White Mountain National Forest this fall, here are a few important details you should know.
Cost: Entrance to the forest is free, and most areas can be explored for free. However, you’ll have to purchase a recreation pass to access some developed sites.
When to go: If you want to experience White Mountain National Forest’s fall foliage at its peak, plan to visit any time between late September and mid-October. Keep in mind that the leaves may change color at slightly different times depending on which part of the forest you’re in and the type of tree.
Tree types: White Mountain National Forest is home to a wide array of trees, from hardwoods and conifers to firs and spruces. This mix ensures a breathtaking and unique leaf-peeping experience.
Hiking
There are more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails within White Mountain National Forest, including about 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. These are some of the best hikes in the forest for seeing fall foliage and witnessing other spectacular views.
Tuckerman Ravine Trail
At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the tallest mountain in northeastern North America—and the views from the summit are spectacular. (On a clear day, you can see as far as Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Quebec, and the Atlantic Ocean.)
The Tuckerman Ravine Trail is one of the most popular, albeit challenging, routes to hike to the top of Mount Washington. The trail begins in Pinkham Notch and is about 7.2 miles round-trip. Throughout the hike, you’ll traverse through wooded areas full of fall foliage and pass by waterfalls and streams. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to expansive views of White Mountain National Forest and beyond.
Flume Gorge Trail
Flume Gorge, located in Franconia Notch State Park, is a geological wonder. The natural granite gorge has moss-covered walls that reach as high as 90 feet, cascading waterfalls, glacial pools and boulders, and charming covered bridges. To get there, you can hike the Flume Gorge Trail, a two-mile, one-way loop. Most of the hike takes place on wooden paths and bridges, packed gravel, and stairs.
Mount Pemigewasset Trail
Mount Pemigewasset, also located in Franconia Notch State Park, is another stunning sight to see—especially if you’re a leaf peeper. One of the best ways to explore the area is by hiking the Mount Pemigewasset Trail, which begins near the Flume Visitor Center. Once you reach the top of this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail, you’ll have an expansive view of Franconia Notch and many of the surrounding mountains.
Other Trails
If none of the above trails interest you, there are plenty more to explore, including Mount Tecumseh Trail, Pine Mountain Trail, South Moat Mountain Trail, Stinson Mountain Trail, and Table Mountain Trail. Some hikes are more challenging than others, so be sure to use a resource like AllTrails to confirm details such as difficulty level and length before committing if you’re not an experienced hiker.
Scenic Drives
Not everyone enjoys exploring new areas on foot. If you prefer to experience the beauty of White Mountain National Forest from the comfort of your vehicle, there are plenty of ways to do exactly that.
White Mountain Trail
White Mountain Trail winds about 100 miles through White Mountain National Forest and takes travelers past many of the area’s most popular attractions, including Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, Franconia Notch State Park, and Loon Mountain. There is no shortage of sights to see along this route, including many mountain vistas and plenty of fall foliage. (Despite having the word trail in the name, White Mountain Trail is in fact a road you can drive on.)
Kancamagus Scenic Byway
If you don’t have time to explore the entire White Mountain Trail, consider checking out Kancamagus Scenic Byway, one of the most spectacular sections of the trail. This winding road, about 34 miles in length, offers unparalleled views of White Mountain National Forest. Also known as New Hampshire’s Route 112, the byway is the region’s highest roadway, reaching an altitude of about 2,900 feet. During the drive, you’ll cross over covered bridges and pass by several scenic overlooks, cascading waterfalls, rivers, and gorges.
Multi-Notch Mountain Ride
Multi-Notch Mountain Ride offers approximately 142 miles of stunning scenery, including mountain peaks and passes, waterfalls, and trees bursting with color. You’ll also pass through several towns where you can stop for lunch or stay overnight. This scenic loop has many variations, so you can customize your trip based on the amount of time you have available and what you want to see.
Granite State Railway
For a scenic ride that doesn’t require you to do any driving, hop on the Granite State Railway’s Lincoln Excursion. The approximately hour-long ride offers scenic woodsy views from cozy vintage coaches. The route takes riders on a journey along the Pemigewasset River, which flows through White Mountain National Forest.
Other activities
Hiking and driving aren’t the only ways to experience White Mountain National Forest. Here are some other outdoor activities to try during your trip to the forest.
Ziplining
See the forest from above on a ziplining adventure with Alpine Adventures. The Lincoln-based company offers multiple zipline adventures, including one for beginners and another that begins 70 feet above the ground in a pine tree and boasts excellent views of the Western White Mountains. Alpine Adventures also offers an off-road excursion that takes riders up to the top of a mountain and a side-by-side tour that provides another unique way to explore the mountains.
Mountain biking
Loon Mountain Resort is home to White Mountain National Forest’s largest bike park. The park features more than 14 miles of bike trails appropriate for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. From the tops of the trails, bikers get expansive views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
Loon Mountain Resort also has activities for those who aren’t into biking. Visitors can take a gondola ride up to Loon Peak, where there is an observation tower that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area, New Hampshire’s highest disc golf course, and glacial caves.
If you’re in town the weekend of Oct. 11, you can check out Loon Mountain’s annual Oktoberfest event, which will include a beer garden serving seasonal brews, live music, axe throwing, fall-themed games, face painting, and other activities.
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
Surround yourself with beautiful foliage, caves, rock walls, and waterfalls at Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves. Located in Kinsman Notch, this popular outdoor attraction features a mile-long boardwalk along the Lost River that takes visitors to a series of lantern-lit caves, which you can explore—or bypass if you’re claustrophobic. Don’t forget to climb into the Giant Bird Nest for incredible views of the forest.
Lodging
From rustic campsites to refined resorts, there are many lodging options within White Mountain National Forest.
Camping
Those hoping to camp in White Mountain National Forest have several options, from family-friendly campgrounds to cozy cabins to rustic backcountry sites.
Hotels
For an upscale lodging experience, book a room at Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa. Located at the base of Mount Washington, the rooms at this four-diamond property feature sweeping mountain views, and the amenities list is lengthy, including a 25,000-square-foot spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a zipline, and multiple restaurants and bars.
Woodwards White Mountain Resort is a more budget-friendly option located within the forest. This recently renovated property is close to many attractions mentioned earlier in this guide, including Flume Gorge, Alpine Adventures, and Loon Mountain.
Think of the Aurora Inn & Cottages as a boutique-style basecamp for all your White Mountain National Forest adventures. Nestled within the mountains, guests have easy access to hiking and mountain biking trails, plus other outdoor attractions. The property features 16 rooms and cottages, cozy common areas, including a living room with a fireplace, two fire pits, and a barrel sauna.
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