The White Mountain National Forest – 1,225 square miles of wilderness, waterfalls, epic hikes and one of the best places to view fall foliage in the United States.

This article and video will outline a 3 day itinerary, including when to visit for peak color, how to get there and how to get around, where to stay, what to see and options for accommodations.

This is designed to cover multiple price points, levels of hiking expertise and a wide array of things to do and accommodation types that should fit anyone’s personal taste or travel style.

When to Visit

Timing peak foliage can be tricky since it will be different every year. Statistically speaking, your best bet might be in the second week of October, but there is no guarantee. You’ll want to look at projected forecasts like the one provided by Visit New Hampshire and plan accordingly.

If you’re the type who likes to book 6 months in advance for everything, you might want to hold off. However, some of the popular accommodations and attractions book up fast so you might not want to wait until the last minute either.

If you’re a little early, it is still going to be beautiful. If you’re unlucky, a big wind storm could cut the Autumn foliage season short.

Also, consider visiting during the week. Despite the wilderness nature of the White Mountains, there are sections known for bad traffic caused by tourists stopping in the middle of the road for photos and lining up for crowded viewpoints, backing up traffic for miles on some weekends.

If you’re hoping to do the top hikes and attractions, you can avoid the worst of the crowds by visiting during the week, or by just getting up earlier. Just note that not all attractions are open seven days a week, so keep that in mind.

If you want to experience magnificent foliage without the crowds, consider visiting the Northeast Kingdom in Vermont, the Great North Woods North of the White Mountains, and the Carrabasset Valley in Maine. However, there’s also not going to be as many amenities or attractions in these more secluded areas.

What to Wear

Weather can be all over the place in the fall. I would prepare for 50s and 60s, so break out your sweatshirts and flannels. It could rain (or even snow, if you’re unlucky) so bring a rain jacket at the very least. If you’re planning to do any serious hiking, you’ll want a good pair of hiking boots or trail runners and moisture wicking clothing. If you’re planning on hiking above the treeline, you’ll want to bring a winter coat, gloves and a warm hat. It might be 60s and sunny at the trailhead but it could easily be in the 20s with 45 mile per hour wind with icy snow on the higher peaks. ALWAYS check the high summits mountain forecast beforehand, every year people die being unprepared for the elements and conditions. Be informed and stay safe.

Also, you likely won’t have great cell phone receptions in many parts of the White Mountains. Make sure you download your maps and Spotify playlists beforehand.

Getting to the White Mountains

The most popular option to get to the White Mountains is going to be flying into Boston and renting a car. 

One of the things they don’t tell you about Boston is that within 2 hours you can go from crowded city to lush wilderness by just driving up i95 into the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Other options do include flying into Manchester or Portland, Maine, but these are much smaller airports with more limited options.

You can also fly into Burlington, Vermont if you’re planning a longer trip across Northern New England.

If you don’t drive, you’re going to be limited. You can take a Concord Coach Line to a number of points in the White Mountains including Conway, Lincoln, Littleton or Gorham, but you’ll be limited to hikes/attractions in the immediate area without further planning.

How to Get Around the White Mountains

If you have a car, getting around will be super easy. You can better time your adventures to avoid crowds and access a greater variety of attractions and hikes.

However, the Appalachian Mountain Club does offer shuttles to popular trailheads which also stop in Gorham and Lincoln. Shuttles cost $24 and reservations are highly recommended. With some planning, you could take a Concord Bus up from Boston and then get around via AMC Shuttle.

Alternatively, you can always book a private tour. Day tours out of Boston start at $145 and can go up to $300 per person. I found a 2 day tour out of Boston with stops in both the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee with Golden Bus Tours, but couldn’t find a price. 

At any rate, as the title of this video suggests, I will assume you have a car and are going on a road trip.

Where to Stay in the White Mountains

I’m going to break the White Mountain National Forest into 4 regions: Lincoln/Woodstock and Franconia Notch, Littleton and Crawford Notch, Gorham and Pinkham Notch and North Conway and the Kancamagus Highway.

Each of these are small idyllic towns with a good selection of restaurants, bars and shops. If you’re the type of person who wants to walk to a local coffee shop in the morning or walk to a bar after a day of adventuring, you’ll probably want to stay in town.

In these towns you’ll find cozy inns as well as big name hotel chains as well as some resorts. In between you’ll find campsites, cozy mountain inns as well as cabins to rent if you want something more quiet and secluded.

The areas for the best vistas and views are Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch, Pinkham Notch and the Kancamagus Scenic Highway.

Day 1: Lincoln/North Woodstock/Franconia Notch

You can start anywhere in this loop, but assuming you’re coming from Boston, the charming towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock are natural starting points.

Lincoln and North Woodstock are picturesque villages that act as the gateway to the White Mountains and make for a great base of operations exploring Franconia Notch and the Kancamagus Highway. Franconia Notch is one of the most scenic areas in the Northeast, flanked by Kinsman Ridge and Mt Cannon on one side and Franconia Ridge and Mt Lafayette on the other.

Accommodations Near Franconia Notch

Let’s take a look at accommodations in the Lincoln/Woodstock Area. This is meant to be more of a jumping off point, you might find prices higher or lower depending on when you end up booking.

On the higher end you have a lot of great local resorts, including at nearby Loon Mountain Ski Resort including the RiverWalk Resort starting at $352 a night.

Up i93 you also have Woodwards with rooms starting at $505 and Indian Head.

For national chains there’s the Hampton Inn starting at $405 a night and Holiday Inn at $385

For charming local inns you might want to look at Woodstock Inn and Brewery which I personally can recommend and the Wilderness Inn Bread and Breakfast

Not much in the way of affordable accommodations. You have some motels which are almost as expensive as hotels. There’s also the Notch Hostel which is by far the cheapest of options, if you don’t mind bunk style accommodations in a shared space. This is a popular spot for the Appalachian Trail through hikers, though you probably won’t encounter many this time of year.

For Camping, you have the Hancock Campground along the Kanc and Lafayette Place in the heart of Franconia Notch. Just make sure your sleep system is rated for 4 seasons in case it drops below freezing.

Things to Do

Right in Lincoln you have the White Mountains Visitors Center, a good place to start your journey and learn more about what to do in the region.

Additionally, you have the Flume Gorge Visitor Center in Franconia Notch State Park which also has a small cafeteria. Here you can pay $21 to explore the breathtaking Flume Gorge – a short 2 mile loop hike through an absolutely stunning rock gorge featuring waterfalls, caves, a covered bridge and pretty fall colors. The hike is friendly to almost all fitness levels.

At Cannon Mountain Ski Resort, you can pay $28 to take the Aerial Tramway to the top of the 4,080 foot summit with 360 views of Franconia Notch, Mt Lafayette and Franconia Ridge and all the way to New York on a clear day.

Medium Difficulty Hikes

If you want one of the most iconic views of fall foliage in the entire White Mountains, Artist Bluff is a must. The trail is only 1.5 miles long with just 436 feet of elevation gain, but the trail can get pretty rugged.

Another great hike in Franconia State Park is the 3 mile round trip hike to Lonesome Lake. The lake provides a stunning mirror for the surrounding mountains and trees laden with pretty leaves. At the far end is also one of the AMC wilderness huts bookable for overnight stays – bunk style – when in season. While the trail is pretty straight forward, there is 1,030 feet of elevation gain.

Difficult Hikes

Mount Lafayette is one of the best hikes in the Eastern US and is a highlight on many Appalachian Trail Journeys. This 8.6 mile loop with 3,832 feet of elevation gain takes you over three peaks including Mt Lincoln, Little Haystack and Mt Lafayette itself. With over a mile of hiking trail in the alpine zone above the treeline, you’ll be transported to a completely different world with stunning 360 degree views. If you ever want to live out your Lord of the Rings fantasies, this is the hike you want to do. However, only attempt this hike if you have the proper gear and have checked the weather forecast. People have died up on the ridgeline underestimating conditions and not being properly equipped. There’s no shame in turning back. I’ve hiked this mountain 3 times now, each time more memorable than the last.

Alternatively, Mt Mooselauke also offers stunning views above treeline. There’s two main trails up the mountain, one easier than the other. The George Brook Loop is 6.9 miles with 2,444 feet of elevation gain, overall pretty gradual and easy. If you want more of a challenge, the Beaver Brook Trail is 7.9 miles with 3,185 feet of elevation gain and is considered one of the toughest stretches along the Appalachian Trail. The trail follows the Beaver Brook up the mountain at a steep grade offering views of gorgeous waterfalls and cascades for most of the way up and also features wood steps drilled into the rock. Just don’t attempt in wet conditions.

Where to Eat

Lots of places to choose from in both Lincoln and North Woodstock. Some of my favorites include Woodstock Inn and Brewery, Angry Hog BBQ and Gypsy Cafe. There’s also a Price Chopper in Lincoln for groceries.

Day 2: Littleton and Crawford Notch

For day 2 of the road trip, the picturesque town of Littleton and the iconic Crawford Notch, home to Mt Washington, the tallest mountain in the Northeast, the Cog Railroad, the historic Omni Washington Hotel and Bretton Woods Resort.

Where to Stay in Crawford Notch

The most famous resort is Bretton Woods and the Omni Washington Hotel. The Hotel hosted world leaders at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944, establishing the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and essentially guided international development following World War 2.

You can stay here for $750 a night, or at the nearby inn for $387. 

Also of note is the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center at Crawford Notch reminiscent of a lodge you might find in a National Park, right on the Appalachian Trail. Rates will vary, but for as low as $136, you can rent a bunk in a shared room or a private room with a shared bathroom for as low as $191 per night. This is a great option if you’re planning on doing a lot of hikes like Mt Willard or Mt Jackson in the area or are the adventurous type. Breakfast is included as a bonus. Even if you’re not staying here there is a gift shop, bathrooms and more info about local hikes to check out.

There’s not many chain hotels in this area. The best you have is a Best Western with rooms going for $282 per night.

For cozy inns you have a lot of options including: Mulburn Inn at $300 per night, Thayers Inn at $173 per night and The Chandler at $302.

When it comes to budget options you’re already in better shape than down in Lincoln but still expect to spend at least $150 per night. There’s the Four Seasons Motor Inn at $169 per night and Profile Deluxe Motel at $199 per night.

For camping there’s an KOA just outside of Littleton and Sugarloaf Campgrounds.

General Attractions

To the North, you have Santa’s Village theme park, the perfect stop if you have little kids in tow. 

Crawford Notch is a hub for a lot of activity in the white mountains. It is home to the AMC Highland Center where many trails begin.

Just off the road driving through the notch you have the Silver and Flume Cascade waterfalls, hard to miss.

In addition, this is where the Mt Washington Cog Railroad is located. For $91 you can take the oldest cog railroad up to the very top of Mt Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast. At the top there’s a visitor center, cafeteria, museum and platforms to see some of the best views in the White Mountains. Mt Washington is known for having the worst weather in the world, including the fastest wind speed captured on earth. Expect temperatures to be 30-50 degrees colder at the peak than at the base of the mountain.

Easy Hikes

From the Highland Center you can hike to the top of Mt Willard, giving you one of the most iconic views in the White Mountains. The total length is 3.1 miles with 895 feet of elevation gain. The trail is very gradual and doesn’t require any technical hiking. Get here early if you want to beat the crowds who hike this mountain every fall.

Ripley Falls is an easy 1 mile hike with 308 feet of elevation gain, leading to a spectacular 100 foot tall waterfall.

If you want an even more impressive waterfall, Arethusa Falls is the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire at 160 feet. The trail is 2.8 miles long with an elevation gain of 885 feet.

Medium Difficulty Hikes

Lots of great moderately difficult mountains over 4000 feet in this area. 

Mt Jackson offers stunning views with a steep ascent out of Crawford Notch. The trail is 4.7 miles long with an elevation gain of 2,178 feet.

Likewise, nearby Mt Pierce also offers spectacular views of the Presidential Range, Crawford Notch and beyond. This trail is 5.9 miles with 2,398 feet of elevation gain.

Difficult Hikes

Why take the train up, when you can hike Mt Washington instead. This extremely popular hike also starts at the Cog Railroad Parking lot. The Ammonoosuc trail is 8.2 miles round trip along the gorgeous Ammonoosuc Creek, several iconic waterfalls until you arrive at Lake of the Clouds Hut above tree level. From there it’s a straight shot up to the peak hiking a trail entirely consisting of boulders with commanding views your entire way up. You can also easily add on Mt Monroe a quick 20 minute detour with a great view of Mt Washington. Once again, Mt Washington is a beast of its own. Double check weather reports and ensure you’re properly equipped with warm clothing, water, food and other essentials. Above treeline is very exposed with limited protection from the elements. Don’t be a hero if conditions are too treacherous to continue. Even in summer the peak is regularly below freezing and by October, it’s possible for the peak to be blanketed in snow already which means you’ll probably need microspikes but only if you’re comfortable hiking in wintry conditions. I’ve hiked Mt Washington twice, and waited for near perfect weather windows to hike the mountain.

Where to Eat

All my favorite places to eat in this area are closer to Littleton including Schilling Brewing, Topic of the Town and Iron Furnace Brewing in Franconia.

For groceries you have the Littleton Food Coop and a Shaws Grocery Store

Day 3: Gorham and Pinkham Notch

If you have an extra day to spend in the White Mountains, you’ll want to spend it in Gorham and Pinkham Notch. Gorham isn’t as large as the other towns being mentioned, but it is directly on the Appalachian Trail and Pinkham Notch also offers some spectacular hiking.

Accommodations Near Pinkham Notch

The AMC also runs a Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch right along the Appalachian trail. Like the lodge in Crawford Notch on the other side of the Presidentials, there are bunks and rooms for rent with breakfast included. Great if you’re planning on doing some of the area hikes including Mt Washington, Mt Madison or the Wildcats.

$55 per night will get you a bunk in a shared room, for $160 a night you can rent a bunk room that sleeps 4 and for $150 per night you can rent a private room with a shared bathroom and showers.

For higher end accommodations you have Glen House with rooms going for $420 a night.

For cozy inns you have the Mt Washington B&B and Top Notch Inn has rooms for $309 per night up in Gorham.

Down in Jackson you have the Christmas Farm Inn with rooms for $422 per night and Windy Hill Bed and Breakfast.

For affordable budget options there’s the Northern Peaks Motor Inn with rooms starting at $174 per night and Rodeway Inn with rooms starting at $214, though it might be worth spending a little bit more to stay somewhere nicer.

For camping there’s the Dolly Copp Campground and Green Meadows.

Things to Do

If taking the train or hiking up Mt Washington didn’t sound appealing, you can also drive up. That’s right, you can drive up to one of the tallest peaks in the Eastern US. This costs $45 per car and driver plus $20 for every adult passenger with discounts for kids and seniors. Not for the faint of heart since there are sections with steep drop offs. At the end of the day you can slap your “My Car Hiked Mt Washington” sticker on your bumper just to stick it to all the hikers who came up the hard way. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour up to the top if the thought of driving makes you queasy. Tours last 2 hours and cost $57 per adult.

You’ll also find the Pinkham Notch visitor center where a lot of trailheads start various hikes.

Easy Hikes

One such hike is the Crystal Cascades. Starting at the Pinkham Notch visitor center the hike is 0.7 miles round trip with 160 feet of elevation gain ending at a gorgeous 90 foot waterfall.

In addition you have the Glen Ellis Falls just to the south. This 0.4 mile trail just to the south of the visitor center has 88 feet of elevation gain and leads to a gorgeous 64 foot waterfall. You can also tack on the Lost Pond Trail if starting from the Pinkham Notch visitor center, adding 1.6 miles to the hike.

Moderately Difficult Hikes

Hiking the Wildcats will give you one of the best views of Mt Washington and the Presidentials. The trail to Wild Cat D is 4.7 miles round trip with just over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Be warned that the trail is the steepest part of the Appalachian trail climbing an exhausting 3,000 feet in just 2 miles. Alternatively, you can just hike up one of the ski trails. For a longer trip, you can hike all the way to Wild Cat A for a spectacular view of Carter Notch which weighs in at 8.2 miles round trip and 3,795 feet of elevation gain.

If Wild Cat sounds too extreme for you, consider hiking the Imp Face instead. This 6 mile loop features 2,070 feet of elevation gain giving you many of the same views as Wild Cat.

Glenn Boulder is a special resident of Pinkham Notch. It’s a massive rock precariously leaning over the edge just above the treeline keeping watch over the notch. The trail is 5.7 miles round trip with an asskicking 3,185 feet of elevation gain. This is a great way to get a taste of the otherworldly alpine zone without hiking all the way up to Mt Washington while offering an unforgettable view of the notch and the Wild Cats.

Difficult Hikes

Pinkham Notch also offers several trails to hike Mt Washington. The iconic Tuckermans Ravine Trail is 7.9 miles round trip with 4,242 feet of elevation gain and will be more difficult than the Ammonoosuc Trail on the Crawford Notch side of the mountain. If you want an added challenge with even more exposure and steep drops, you have the Huntington Ravine Trail at 7.9 miles with 4,265 feet of elevation gain or the Great Gulf Trail which is a grueling 13.2 miles with 4,622 feet of elevation gain and is rated one of the most difficult trails in the White Mountains. Once again, this is not a hike you want to do in inclement weather and there’s no shame in turning back if the weather gets dicey or you find yourself way over your head. Mt Washington is the most deadly mountain in the world, not necessarily because the hike is difficult, but because so many people underestimate conditions while hiking. Be prepared and stay safe.

The other high peaks also offer spectacular views with long stretches above treeline. Mt Madison is 7.7 miles with 4,077 feet of elevation gain. Meanwhile Mt Adams clocks in 7.8 miles with 4,442 feet of elevation gain. If you’re a real glutton for punishment, some hardcore hikers even attempt the 18.5 mile Presidential Traverse, hiking 8 of New Hampshire’s highest peaks in a single day featuring a 8,238 feet of elevation gain and passing by 3 AMC backcountry huts.

Where to Eat

I have the least experience dining in this area, but I can recommend Big Day Brewing Company, White Mountain Cafe and The Vault all in Gorham.

Not much in the way for groceries except for Scoggins General Store in Gorham and a Walmart up near Berlin.

Day 4: North Conway and the Kancamagus Highway

With a charming walkable main street and close to attractions like the Conway Scenic Railroad and Storyland, there’s a reason why everyone loves North Conway. It’s also the town where you’ll find a Walmart, REI and LL Bean if you need supplies (though local grocers and outfitters in the other mentioned towns do a great job too).

Where to Stay Near the Kancamagus Highway

Lots of options for accommodations near North Conway. For higher end resorts you have White Mountain Hotel and Resort with rooms starting at $569 per night.

Also, a lot of chains in this area including the Home2 Suites at $363 a night, Holiday Inn with rooms going for $330, and Quality Inn at $275.

For cozy local inns there’s the North Conway Mountain Inn with rooms going for $235, Cranmore Mountain Lodge at $325 and Merril Farm Inn at $299

There’s also a lot more affordable accommodations compared to the other regions we looked at with motels like Briarcliff at $199, White Trellis at a cool $129 per night and the Yankee Clipper Motor Inn at $197 per night.

Lots of great spots for Camping along the Kanc, especially if you’re looking for a quiet area including Blackberry Crossing Campground, Jugger Johnson Campground and Passaconway Campground.

Things to Do

Right downtown you can hop on the Conway Scenic Railroad taking you through the backcountry of the White Mountains. Tickets start out at $24 for an hour trip up to $80 for an 8 hour all-day excursion.

Also great for the kids is Storyland Amusement park featuring rides, attractions and shows letting your imagination run wild. Admission is $40.

In town you have the beautiful Moat Mountain Overlook and lots more to discover along the 34.5 mile backcountry drive along the scenic Mt Kancamangus highway ranked as one of the best scenic drives in the United States. This includes the iconic Hancock Overlook you see so many photos of. Just note that this route is notorious for getting backed up on the weekends during leaf peeping season. It is common for tourists to stop in the middle of the road to take pictures and queue up for crowded viewpoints. I highly recommend doing the drive early in the day to beat the crowds or save it for a weekday.

Easy Hikes

Diana Baths This easy hike is 1.1 miles round trip with 62 feet of elevation gain to one of the top swimming holes in the White Mountains. While it probably won’t be warm enough for swimming, it makes for a great fall hike.

Along the Kancamangus Highway are numerous great short hikes. One such hike is the 0.7 miles round trip to Sabbaday Falls with 101 feet of elevation gain. This path is extra wide and flat, great for strollers and those with mobility issues.

Lincoln Woods is an extremely popular hiking area for several mountains, but it’s also great for taking in the fall colors next to the beautiful Pemigewasset River, featuring a wide smooth trail that goes on for several miles leading to sites such as Franconia Falls or Black Pond. This is also the starting/end point for the famed Pemi Loop, named one of the most scenic and most difficult backpacking loops in the nation with 31.2 miles and nearly 10,000 feet of elevation gain.

Medium Difficulty Hikes

Lot’s of great moderate hikes in this area. Mt Hedgehog is a 4.8 mile loop off the Kanc, with 1,400 feet of elevation gain offering spectacular views.

Iron Mountain is a fun 4.4 mile hike where the trailhead is at the top of a dirt road. This is one of the few hikes where the view at the trail head is just as nice as at the peak.

Table Mountain off of Bear Notch Road also has you start out already at elevation. The hike is 3.7 miles round trip with 1,394 feet of elevation gain.

Difficult Hikes

Mt Osceola is 7.6 miles round trip with 2,040 feet of elevation gain. In between East Osceola and the Main peak is a rock climbing feature called the chimney. While you don’t need rock climbing gear to hike this feature you’re pretty much going straight up the mountain for a good 20 feet, so not for those afraid of heights or exposure. At the peak, there’s a magnificent cliff edge offering a spectacular view of the White Mountains.

Mt Chocorua is an extremely unique hike. If you’re into rock scrambling with some exposure and steep drop offs, you’re going to have a lot of fun. Climbing up to the bald summit has been probably one of my most memorable experiences in the White Mountains. This is a 10 mile loop with 3,061 feet in elevation gain.

Where to Eat

North Conway offers a TON of options when it comes to dining out. My favorites include Moat Mountain, Muddy Moose and Metropolitan Coffee House. If you have some extra time, Fair Grounds is a fun coffee shop in an old bank just a short drive to Fryeburg, Maine and is worth the detour.

Conclusion

And our loop is complete! 

Hopefully you got some ideas for your upcoming trip to the White Mountains in the stunning fall. If you have any questions or recommendations please post them below.

There’s a reason why people fall in love with the nature of New England and the fall vibes is a top reason.