The Road Less Traveled for White Mountain Fall Foliage
September 25, 2021
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Interested in seeing New Hampshire’s famous fall foliage but not looking forward to crowded roads, hiking trails or mega-resorts? You can leaf peep ‘til your heart’s content when you follow these tips for autumn foliage that take you off the beaten track, courtesy of the innkeepers of Snowvillage Inn, Jen and Kevin.
Fall Foliage Tip #1
Book a little early or a little late – Columbus Day, or as it is now called Indigenous People’s Day, takes place October 8-11, and is the busiest time to visit the White Mountains for foliage viewing. Try leaf-peeping earlier or later. Midweek is better too – lower lodging rates and fewer crowds.
Fall Foliage Tip #2
Track Peak Foliage – The state of New Hampshire publishes a foliage tracker that advises on the current state of color throughout the state. While Columbus Day is often peak foliage, it is highly dependent on weather and other factors. If you can be flexible with your schedule, keep track of real-time peak foliage. It may be earlier or later than usual, in which case you can use that flexibility to be here when others are not.
Fall Foliage Tip #3
Take The Road Less Travelled – Sure, the Kancamangus, Pinkham Notch and Crawford Notch are popular destinations for road trips to view fall foliage in the White Mountains. But we’d suggest a better route – one that is curvy and fun to drive, with lakes and rivers, mountain views and yes, foliage. It’s Route 153, and you can pick it up just a few miles from the Snowvillage Inn, and travel south along the Maine border. Visit a Farm Museum or an Animal Sanctuary along the way. Enjoy the views of Lovell Lake. Enjoy lunch at the rustic Poor People’s Pub in Sanbornville before heading back north to the Inn.
Fall Foliage Tip #4
Hike Local – Why hike better known trails with so many others when you can enjoy other just as beautiful mountains close to the Inn. Foss Mountain is just minutes away and offers an easy hike with breathtaking views, especially during foliage season. Or explore Mary’s Mountain nearby Freedom, for excellent views of Ossipee Lake. (Be sure to stop by Yankee Smokehouse for a pulled pork sandwich after that hike!) Ask hosts Jen and Kevin for their tips for local hikes.
Fall Foliage Tip #5
Stay Put – When you stay at the Snowvillage Inn, you can park your car and forget about it. Our Inn has the best views in the region – including spectacular views of the mountains and foliage unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! Sit on our screened-in porch, drink a craft cocktail and watch the sunset over the mountains. Or walk through our extensive on-site trail network. You’ll even have exclusive access to nearby Crystal Lake, with Eaton’s iconic Little White Church, tucked in below breathtaking autumn leaves. Many rooms have mountain views so you don’t even have to get out of bed to view fall foliage! Sounds like a great excuse to sleep in before enjoying your scratch-made breakfast before heading out for the day!