Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Betsy Ramsey
A vibrant explosion of color awaits you at this ultimate fall foliage destination! Experience a full palette of green, yellow, orange, red, and burgundy as you enjoy Mother Nature’s spectacle set against the White Mountain National Forest backdrop. Upper New Hampshire is our choice for the best fall foliage getaway!
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Based on the popularity of fall New England cruises and hotel bookings, fall foliage getaways are a bucket list item for many. A long weekend is ample time to enjoy this area
Lodging
The Omni Mount Washington Resort is a spectacular historic property at the foot of Mount Washington in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. It’s an upscale property worth the splurge for a fall foliage trip.
As you drive up the entry road, you’ll get your first views of the hotel and some of its amenities. The resort features two golf courses, riding stables, a spa, a year-round, heated outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool and fitness facility, skiing (in-season), and more.
Lodgings & Public Spaces
I recommend booking a slightly pricier room in the Presidential Wing. These newer (2020) rooms offer large, fresh accommodations with unforgettable mountain views. While I’ve not personally toured a room in the historic wing, feedback given by guests and online indicates that you might end up with a smaller and less up-to-date room.
The main floor features the front desk/concierge, the main dining room, a bar and conservatory with gorgeous views, the grand ballroom for special events, a Life is Good shop, a business center, and a large reception hall filled with couches, a fireplace, etc. all perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a book.
On the lower level, you’ll find the indoor pool and fitness center, Stickney’s restaurant, the not-to-be-missed Cave Bar, an arcade and kids club, and several more shops. The darling Bretton Woods post office on this level will have you wanting to purchase and send a couple of cards to friends!
On-Site Activities
Among many other activities, the Omni offers historic hotel tours at 10 am every day except for Saturday. It’s a great way to learn about the property’s fascinating and important history. Fun Fact: In 1944, the hotel hosted a conference establishing the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. You can view the Gold Room independently or as part of the tour.
As a hotel guest, you’ll receive a comprehensive resort guide with a full list of the seasonally available activities at check-in. There are more than enough activities here to keep you busy for a week but if you are looking to explore a little further afoot, check out the suggestions below.
Things to Do
If you can tear yourself away, the surrounding area has numerous sites to explore. A few favorites are listed below.
A Mount Washington Visit
You have three options for exploring Mt. Washington. Hike, drive, or take a cog railway train. At the summit, you’ll have incredible views (on a clear day), a small museum to explore, and you will see the signpost of the strongest recorded wind speed in the US.
- A hike is 3.6 miles one-way from the trailhead to the summit of the tallest peak in New England. You have the option of hiking down or taking a shuttle.
- Drive the Mount Washington Auto Road. This road is the oldest man-made attraction in America and is exciting for driving enthusiasts. Those who fear heights should know that there are no guardrails and steep drop-offs. I recommend downloading the Mt. Washington Auto Road app before leaving, as it has interesting commentary to listen to on the way up and back down.
- Stepping off the Mount Washington Cog Railway at the summit in 1869, P.T. Barnum uttered his famous quote, “It’s the second greatest show on earth”! The round-trip journey is just under three hours (allowing an hour or so to explore at the top), and you’ll experience grades up to 38% on the way up.
The Pumpkin People of Jackson & Surrounding Towns
Year-round, Jackson Village is home to the Honeymoon Bridge, a picturesque covered bridge with a pedestrian walkway that spans the Ellis River. Each October, the town residents use their best creative juices to put on an epic display of pumpkin people around the city. You can download a map of Pumpkin People locations on their website.
Conway & The Conway Scenic Railway
Conway, New Hampshire, is the most populous community in this area. While busy, it is a fun place to explore. Beyond various historic sites and galleries, Conway is home to the Tuckerman Brewing Company and the Conway Scenic Railway. Scenic excursions depart from the photogenic 1874 train station in North Conway. Trips last anywhere from an hour to a full day.
Exploring White Mountain National Forest
Conway (above) is also a great starting point for exploring the White Mountain National Forest. There are incredible hikes and waterfalls to explore along the Saco and Swift Rivers. Kayaking is another popular activity.
The Kancamagus Highway is an exquisite, foliage-packed road filled with various sites. You’ll also want to drive through some of the notches. Pinkham, Crawford, Evans, and Franconia all offer dramatic views and some fun twists and turns. Scenic overlooks and trailhead entry points can be found en route.
Freyburg Fair
Freyburg Fair only runs for one week in late September/early October, but fortunately for leaf-peepers, it coincides with peak foliage time. Located just over the border in Freyburg, Maine, Freyburg Fair is the largest agricultural fair in the state and has been running since 1851.
Today, the fairgrounds span over 185 acres and contain over 100 outbuildings. You’ll have the opportunity to see over 3,000 animals, including oxen, draft horses, sheep, pigs, rabbits, and more. Kids will enjoy the rides and fair food alongside live music and fun entertainment, including tractor pulls and pig scrambles!
Peter Limmer & Son
Peter Limmer & Son is a custom boot maker in Intervale, New Hampshire (just down the street from North Conway). In business since 1919, Limmer provides top-quality footwear, including its legendary custom hiking boots.
The staff will greet you like an old friend! They take the time to explain the various components that make their boots so durable and coveted, and will give you a short tour of the production floor. I loved seeing pictures from around the world of customers in their boots.
Whether you decide to splurge on a custom-fitted pair (3-year waiting list), buy a stock pair, or just explore the store and learn more about these beautifully handcrafted pieces, a trip to Limmer is worth a stop!
What’s your favorite fall foliage destination?
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Hi Betsy. You’ve reminded me of such good times in New England. Although I didn’t spend a lot of time in New Hampshire, I did live in Maine for 10 years. Your photos of the landscape and fall foliage are just stunning! I hope I get a chance to spend time in New Hampshire, one day. I think a train ride, through the White Mountains, during the fall season, sounds heavenly. Thank you for sharing. ♥️
Hi Christina! It was one of the best US-based trips I’ve ever taken. Glad you enjoyed the post. Had no idea you lived in Maine for 10 years. We’d love to go back and visit more of the state, particularly Acadia, which everyone raves about.