White Mountains Trail foliage tour
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It doesn’t get much better for New England leaf-peepers than New Hampshire’s White Mountains Trail, a 100-mile scenic loop that travels through the Kancamagus Highway, North Conway, and Crawford Notch and Franconia Notch State Park. This National Scenic Byway offers some of the most breathtaking scenery that New England has to offer. Experience the wonder of this foliage option with our audio-guided GPS tour.
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The Kancamagus Highway is well-known as one of New England’s most spectacular scenic roadways. This 34 ½-mile stretch between Lincoln and Conway boats a great number of scenic vistas, hiking trails, waterfalls, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
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Some of the more popular areas to view the scenery are at the Lincoln Woods, the Hancock Overlook, the C.L. Graham Overlook, and the Sugar Hill Overlook.
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Sabbaday Falls is one of the more popular spots for hiking along the highway. Follow the trail for one half-mile off the highway to discover one of New Hampshire’s most pleasing waterfalls.
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Further down the highway, stop and relax at Rocky Gorge or Lower Falls, which is a popular summer swimming spot with water rushing down the rocks of the Swift River.
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Leaf-peepers enjoy the foliage at Rocky Gorge, a stop along the Kancamagus Highway.
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The stream here isn’t overly powerful, which makes the cascades and pools ideal for a summer dip.
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At Settler’s Green Outlet Village, find more than 60 outlet stores – tax free – including Banana Republic, Harry and David, Bass, and many more.
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The Conway Scenic Railroad runs trains daily from its wonderfully restored 1874 Victorian Station, and is a popular outlet for leaf-peepers. Rides run in varying durations, to Conway, Bartlett, or through the gorgeous landscape of Crawford Notch.
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At Zeb’s General Store, you’ll find a great assortment of foods, gifts, and furnishings native to New England.
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The Intervale Overlook is a fine place to view the ledges and Moat Mountains.
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Take a quick detour off the trail, and arrive in Jackson, a sleepy New England village, that exudes a small town charm.
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The rugged Crawford Notch State Park is home to some of New England’s most dramatic scenery.
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A fantastic picnic area is situated on Willey Pond, with spectacular views of the cliffs on Mt. Willard.
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At Crawford Notch, park in the designated lot at the left-hand side of the road. Cross the route carefully to come upon the flume and silver cascades.
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The Mount Washington Hotel is one of New England’s most opulent destinations. The ski trails of Bretton Woods provide a dramatic backdrop. Past guests here have included Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, and three US presidents.
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The high elevation of Sugar Hill provides early fall color with Franconia Notch as a backdrop.
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The 6,440-acre Franconia Notch State Park is traveled along a route framed by the towering peaks of the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges.
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Echo Lake Beach is a can’t-miss sight, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of a 28-acre lake with the slopes of Cannon Mountain ski area towering above.
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The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway takes visitors to a sweeping view at the summit of Mount Cannon. The tram runs from May until October.
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The New England Ski Museum is dedicated to preserving skiing history. It is open daily free of charge, and includes a variety of photographs, fashion, and merchandise dedicated to the sport.
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At the base of Cannon, learn about the history of one of this region’s great attractions at the Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site. This famous stone profile was a popular tourist destination until its fateful collapse in 2003.
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Discovered in 1808, the Flume Gorge is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The walls of rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet.
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For 50 cents at the Indian Head Resort, you can climb the rickety, towering staircase for a 360 degree view of the mountain range.
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