From fall fairs to cider donuts to the most amazing leaf-peeping, Mt. Washington Valley is New England’s number one destination for a fabulous fall getaway.

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Here’s why. Nestled into the shadow of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast, Mt. Washington Valley, NH is found in the heart of primo leaf-peeping country. 

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It’s surrounded by 770,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest, which means hundreds of thousands of acres of vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and greens, to take in.

While it’s hard to pin down the absolute best time to take in fall foliage’s peak, we stay true to the idea that the last two weeks of September, and first two weeks of October, is the best window. So, what are some of the best ways to take in all of this color? We’ve collected a wide range of resources – from family fairs to scenic drives and selfie-worthy overlook. Read on for links to all the fall foliage activities in Mt Washington Valley.
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More ways to peep a leaf!

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From the seat of a car to the seat of a train, and on foot, above the canopy of the forest or from a chairlift, come to Mt Washington Valley, NH  Hail the Leaf” in ways you’ve never tried before!

Incredible Scenic Drives

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From the 100-mile White Mountain Trail – the only Scenic Byway Loop in the Country – to quiet back roads with covered bridges and scenic overlooks, you’ll find a wide variety of amazing drives to view colorful fall foliage in Mt Washington Valley.  Click here for a list of seven selfie-worthy drives and scenic overlooks for the ultimate in Instagram-worthwhile photos.
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Fall Family Fairs

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Settlers Green's 8th Annual Busker Festival takes place Saturday, October 12 - Sunday, October 13, 2024

Discover music around every corner during the 8th Annual Busker Festival at Settlers Green, happening Saturday and Sunday of Columbus Day Weekend. More than a dozen street musicians are scattered throughout Settlers Green, filling the autumn air with sweet sounds of bluegrass, jazz and rock and roll to enjoy while shopping and dining. The buskers play from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

save the date for Settlers Green's famed annual shopping event, Bring a Friend on November 1st - 11th. The perfect girls getaway, enjoy shopping deals, great dining experiences, giveaways and entertainment. The event culminates on Saturday, November 9, 2024, with the bulk of activities including the coveted 1000 shopping bag giveaway at 8 a.m. on The Green to kick off the day. Stores also have extended hours on that day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and there is entertainment, live DJs and more. Shop the best names in fashion with added festivities to make it an experience you'll turn into tradition.

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Hundreds of Miles of Hiking

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Get up close and personal with your peeping …of leaves that is! With hundreds of miles of hiking trails through woods and White Mountain National Forestland, the fall colors will surround you.  Click here for 15 fall hikes offering the perfect fall photo ops.
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Pumpkin People Panorama

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This year marks the 40th Annual Return of the Pumpkin People. With a month long celebration including “All Things Pumpkin Tours”, Open Houses highlighting Pumpkin Displays, “Where’s Jackson? Scavenger Hunts and so much more.

We anticipate more than 60 participating properties hosting Pumpkin People displays delighting all ages.  You will not want to miss this very exciting year for the 40th Birthday Bash of the Return of the Pumpkin People.

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Family Attractions and Fall Foliage

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Conway Scenic Railroad is boarding trains daily throughout fall, where you’ll be able to take in fall foliage colors, from Conway, NH, to Bartlett, NH and into Bretton Woods, NH!

Another amazing vantage point to view fall foliage from is through the Bretton Woods’ Canopy Tour. This is a three hour zip line tour that has you flying high above the trees to a network of nine different platforms, as well as two sky bridges, and three opportunities to rappel, while hooked into your harness. You’ll be surrounded by views of Mount Washington, and the Presidential Range, as you make your way through this attraction.

View Mount Washington from a completely different side, and take train up the Eastern side of this famed mountain. The Mount Washington Cog Railway is another way to view fall foliage, and is a great family-friendly activity. The Cog is the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world, and the only one currently operating in North America. It will take you up Mount Washington on a three-hour train excursion, allowing you to summit New England’s highest peak.

Take some time to explore all the options for fall getaways in Mt Washington Valley call vacation planners at 800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364). To learn more about a vacation in New Hampshire at any time of the  year, go to www.visitnh.gov.

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