Your Guide to Fall Attractions in the White Mountains

The days are getting shorter and you know what that means – ski season is right around the corner! All your favorite summer White Mountain attractions are starting to run on a limited schedule during the fall months before closing their doors until the snow melts in the spring.

But don’t fret! There is still plenty of time to plan a visit to Story Land and Santa’s Village along with many of Lincoln’s best attractions. Put on a harness and zipline through the trees or lace up your boots and hit the trails. Fall is the best time to visit the White Mountains as Mother Nature puts on a real colorful show. 

This blog post is part of "The Guide to Fall Activities in The White Mountains" blog series.

Amusement Parks 

As the temperature starts to drop and we change the clock, most of the amusement parks in the White Mountains close for the season. Most are open on weekends and holidays through the fall for the leaf peepers. Clark’s Trading Post is open on weekends and a few select weekdays up until October 8^th when they close for the season. Enjoy the White Mountain Central Railroad, Bear Show, and the museums one last time. Similar to Clark’s Trading Post, Story Land is open with limited hours on the weekends until October 8^th. Bring the kids for their last chance to fly through the air on the Dutch Shoes and catch Mother Goose for story time. 

Due to its holiday theme, Santa’s Village stays open through December on the weekends to celebrate all your favorite fall and winter holidays like Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s. On October 20^th and 27^th bring your kids in costume to Santa’s Village and celebrate Silly Spooky Halloween. On December 31^st, you can ring in the New Year with all your favorite rides and fireworks with the New Year’s Eve Partybration.  

Fall Activities

Fall is the perfect time to explore the White Mountains. For one of the best views of the fall foliage, hop on the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln. Open daily from September through October 14^th, the Hobo Railroad is operating the Hobo Harvest Time Express. Play yard games in the Farm Yard, taste seasonal treats at the Farm Stand and enjoy the beautiful scenery as it passes by you in your train car. The Santa Express starts over the Thanksgiving holiday and runs on the weekends in December.

Get a birdeye’s view of the colorful leaves while zipping through the forests of the White Mountains. Alpine Adventures not only has a fun adventure ropes course on Main Street in Lincoln but owns a private mountain just a short drive away. Barron Mountain in Woodstock is home to three award-winning ziplines that will get you up-close and personal with the fall foliage. Choose from the classic Tree Top Canopy Tour or test your speed on the Super Skyrider Zipline. Either way, you’ll have a blast! They offer adventures from mild to wild all year round!

Don't miss the areas newest attraction opening Fall 2023: Sculptured Sand. Visit magnificent sand sculptures built along a forest trail. "Showcasing the talents of world-renowned sand sculptors, the event offers a unique fusion of art and nature. Visitors are invited to witness the ephemeral beauty of sand art harmonizing with the vibrant colors of New England’s fall foliage as they stroll through the woods."

Hiking

If you’re looking to burn a few calories and enjoy the fresh mountain air amongst the colorful leaves, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. Lonesome Lake Trail is a popular 3.1-mile moderate loop trail that can be accessed by the parking lot near Lafayette Campground on I-93. The trail is both dog and family-friendly.

For incredible views overlooking Franconia Notch, hike the short and sweet 1.4-mile Artist Bluff trail up the steep hill. Bring a picnic and enjoy the views. For a tough hike that will make your glutes sore, hike Cannon Mountain via Kinsmann Ridge Trail. The 4.2-mile out-and-back trail is a steep and difficult climb with rock scrambles and even a ladder, but the views from the observation tower are stunning. For more advanced hikes in the White Mountain, check out our hiking guide. 

Food and Drink

There are tons of places to eat and drink in the western White Mountains. A few of the smaller restaurants and cafes will take a little break during the quieter months in late fall before the winter rush, but many of your local favorites will remain open. Check out Seven Birches Winery for some traditional fall wine, located within the resort. They also make Rhythm Cider, so ask for a tasting flight of locally handcrafted goodness. Celebrate Oktoberfest all fall long with your favorite German lagers at One Love Brewery or some local craft brews at the Woodstock Inn. 

Refuel after a long hike through Franconia Notch with a delicious burger at Black Mtn. Burger Co. Don’t forget the famous homemade Mac n’ Cheese Balls! For a great way to start the day and fuel up, head to The Moon Bakery and Cafe, right next door to the resort. For a quick lunch, grab your favorite pizza from GH Pizza on Main Street. Some of the restaurants mentioned in this article may close for a period of time too, but there's never a shortage of places to eat - talk to a local, they're always happy to help you find a place based on what you're looking for and what's open!

This blog post is part of "The Guide to Fall Activities in The White Mountains" blog series.

Pack some warm layers and your camera and head to the White Mountains next weekend. There is still plenty to do before the first snow falls. Come discover why fall is our favorite season in the White Mountains!