Thanks to Siiri Grubb of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce for providing this most helpful information.
Foliage.org: What are the projected dates for Mt Washington Valley, NH foliage season?
Foliage turns in the Mt. Washington Valley area about the last week in September trough the first week in October, depending on weather. Call us with questions about year-to-year variation.
Foliage.org: Are there areas, vistas, scenic lookouts or other destinations within Mt Washington Valley that are known for their uniquely beautiful autumn foliage displays?
A great scenic vista to take in the fall foliage is the Intervale Scenic Vista off of Rt. 16 just north of North Conway Village, NH. At this vista, you can see all the way to Mt. Washington and the entire Presidential Range. It is truly beautiful any time of year, but especially so in the fall.
Foliage.org: What are the local and regional roads or highways that are favorite scenic routes for Fall tourists?
Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway just celebrated its 50th year in operation, and has been delighting visitors and locals alike with its spectacular scenic overlooks and breathtaking views. This highway runs from Conway to Lincoln, NH, and can also be accessed by Bear Notch Road in Bartlett off of 302 (Bear Notch Road is closed in the winter). A great scenic drive is the 100 mile loop. The loop goes from Conway, NH over Rt. 112 to Linclon, north on Rt. 3 until you connect with Rt. 302 and south/east on Rt. 302 until you get back to Conway. This approx. 3 hour trip is a great way to see all the fall foliage and brings you all around the White Mountain National Forest.
Foliage.org: What festivals or other public events are taking place during the Fall foliage season?
Some of the local autumn events include:
The MAiZE at Sherman Farm – The corn maize at Sherman Farm in East Conway, NH challenges visitors’ wits as they venture through a life sized puzzle. Ticket prices are $8 for adults ages 12 and up and $5 for children ages 5 to 11 (children under 4 are free). Also try the Moo Express, mini maze for younger children, corn boxes (like sand boxes but with corn kernels), hayrides, pick your own pumpkins, Al’s Animal House with farm animals for petting, corn cannons and concession stands. Info: 603-939-2412.
Return of the Pumpkin People – Each year businesses and homeowners throughout Jackson decorate pumpkins and create the unique Pumpkin People tour. These whimsical creatures can be found throughout the village of Jackson, NH and surrounding areas. Pick up a tour map and take a self-guided driving tour. Maps are provided by the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. This event is free. Info: 603-383-9356.
The Ghoullog at Cranmore Visitors board the quad chairlift for a night-time ride to the summit for a haunted mountain-top tour at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, NH. The Ghoullog has grown bigger, scarier and even more fun with the addition of new haunts, animatronics, and an outdoor food court. Tickets are $25 per person, all ges. Not recommended for children under the age of 10. Need lodging? Book one of our great Ghoullog packages. Info: 603-356-5544.
Annual Fall Festival at Settlers Green – Dozens of handmade, unique scarecrows compete for cash awards totaling $2,500 at this festival at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village in North Conway, NH! Artists demonstrate the art of pumpkin carving and invite visitors to join in by carving their own pumpkins. Free pumpkins to the first 150 kids. Pumpkin Pie Contest, free apple cider, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, live music and more. All free and open to the public. Hours are 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Info: 603-356-7031.
Fryeburg Fair – The Fryeburg Fair, Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic, is celebrating its 159th year of old fashioned country fun. This fair in Fryeburg, ME features eight days of great food, rides, livestock demonstrations and competitions, crafters and displays plus live entertainment and special events. Admission is $8 per person ($10 on Saturday) and free for kids under 12. Senior citizen day is Tuesday, October 6, when people 65-and-over are free. Need lodging? Book one of our great Fryeburg Fair packages. Info: 207-935-3268.
MWVCC’s Village Artisan Fair – Come browse the unique offerings of the talented artisan’s from throughout the Mt. Washington Valley area at the first annual Village Artisan Fair. This fair is located in the village of North Conway at the MWV Chamber of Commerce offices from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 603-365-5701.
Annual Oktoberfest at Attitash – A weekend-long traditional Bavarian celebration at Attitash ski area in Bartlett, NH. Enjoy games, entertainment, cultural activities and a full menu of traditional German food, cultural dances and activities for the kids. Take in the Bavarian music and Oktoberfest beer garden. Info: 603-374-2368.
Pumpkin Patch Run at Conway Scenic Railroad – Travel by train to the “Pumpkin Patch” where each child will receive a small pumpkin and a special Halloween treat. Costumes are encouraged. Reservations can be made online or by phone. Departures times are 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each day from Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, NH – with an extra train at 3 p.m. on Saturdays only. Info: 603-356-5251.
Halloween Dead Easy Night at Monkey Trunks – Think high-rope adventure courses are scary? Try them in the dark during this nighttime haunted high-ropes adventure from 6 to 10 p.m. at Monkey Trunks in Chocorua, NH. Follow the ‘route of no return’ through Bloodbath Barn and over two fright filled courses ending with dinner in the Creepy Cafe. For ages 13 and older only. Ticket prices are $40 (ages 13-17 and adults over 60) $50 (ages 18 and older). Info: 603-367-4427.
Harvest to Holiday Promotion in Mt. WashingtonValley – Join businesses throughout Mt. Washington Valley, NH for a full line up of family and shopping events as they count down to the holidays. Area lodging properties offer special packages including a ‘shopping survival kit’ brimming with coupons and special gifts from local retailers. Come see what’s hot for the holidays and tackle your gift list. Enjoy all sorts of traditional and zany holiday events in MWV. Info: 800-367-3364 or www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.
Foliage.org: Are there historic or cultural sites that are popular destinations for Fall foliage travelers? What are they?
The Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm in Tamworth, NH is a historical farm that allows visitors to experience the agricultural way of life in New Hampshire, from 1790 to the present. FMI call 603-323-9571.
Foliage.org: What are some other popular tourist attractions for autumn travelers to Mt Washington Valley. What are some of the less well known, but much loved local attractions?
Some of the great fall attractions are mentioned above, such as the Fryeburg Fair, Sherman Farm Corn MAiZE and the Ghoullog at Cranmore Mountain Resort. Other great fall attractions include the Mount Washington Auto Road (603-466-3988) and the zipline and scenic gondola at Wildcat Mountain (603-466-3326). Some of the favorite activties for locals in the fall include apple and pumpkin picking, hiking and other outdoor activities.
Foliage.org: Are there favorite destinations for history, literature, architecture buffs, or antique collectors? What are they?
We have great libraries, musical arts centers, museums and more. For a listing of all of these places visit: https://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/artsculture.cfm
Foliage.org: What are some favorite destinations or activities of families traveling during the Fall travel season?
Again, the attractions mentioned above are typically the favorite destinations for families coming to our area in the fall.
Foliage.org: What are some helpful resources for discovering local inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, boutique hotels, and other local lodging and dining?
Our website is a great resource not only for lodging in Mt. Washington Valley, but for area attractions, events, dining, shopping and more. www.mtwashingtonvalley.org
Foliage.org: Is there anything else you would like to tell visitors thinking about traveling Mt Washington Valley for the fall foliage season?
Check our website for updated Mt. Washington Valley information at www.mtwashingtonvalley.org