FALL IN LOVE WITH WATERVILLE VALLEY
kaleidoscope of color
Waterville Valley is your ultimate destination for an unforgettable leaf-peeping adventure. Experience the magic of fall by hiking one of our five majestic 4,000-foot mountains, biking through stunning National Forest trails, or taking a scenic chairlift ride up Snow’s Mountain. For those seeking a bit of fun and relaxation, play a round of golf, tennis, or disc golf, paddle around Corcoran Pond, and so much more.
Avoid the crowds of Lincoln and Laconia and experience the charm and wonder of a classic New England ski town.
foliage Fun
Visitors flock from near and far to witness the stunning, vibrant hues of the White Mountains. Combine such spectacular beauty with quiet biking & hiking trails, exciting events, and incredible activities - there's no better place to experience the wonders of fall than in Waterville Valley.
PEAK FOLIAGE
Waterville Valley’s foliage is normally at its brightest and most colorful during the last week of September and the first two weeks of October. Check out the State of New Hampshire’s Foliage Tracker >>>
things to do
fall ACTIVITIES
Take to the Town
Town Square is the shopping hub of Waterville Valley, bursting with locally owned shops and one-of-a-kind finds. There are no chains here — every purchase supports a local business and the community that makes this place special. Thank you for shopping local.
freedom pass vacation package
The Freedom Pass Package combines lodging and activities, meaning you’ll have automatic access to the best activities in Waterville Valley during your stay.
AWESOME AUTUMN EVENTS
RALLY IN THE VALLEY
Last Saturday in September
The Rally in the Valley all-vehicle show that features an array of impressive rides, from vintage cars to decked-out Camaros. Admire incredible cars and stunning foliage as you chow down on some homemade chili.
CHILI CHALLENGE
Last Saturday in September
Waterville Valley restaurants compete in Town Square for the title of the best chili in the Valley! Sample each restaurant’s homemade chili, enjoy all the fix-ins, and once you've sampled every restaurant's chili, you can vote on the winner!
Fall Foliage Festival
Columbus Day Weekend
Fall Foliage Fest is an autumnal celebration that features fun, festivities, and FIREWORKS! Enjoy free outdoor family activities, like axe-throwing, inflatable carnival games, face painting, magic shows, inflatable slides, and more. Enjoy live concerts, ski gear tent sales, a ski swap, fun-runs, and races. Whether you're looking to enjoy some family time, snag fabulous gear deals or simply jive to some live music - Fall Foliage Fest has something for everybody!
Fall Foliage Footraces
Columbus Day Weekend
Every year, the Waterville Valley Recreation Department is hosts the Fall Foliage Footraces, where you and your family can take part in a kid's run, 5K, or 10-mile race! Enjoy a beautiful friendly race surrounded by gorgeous foliage and breathtaking mountain views!
BEYOND THE VALLEY
KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY
This 34-mile-long scenic byway is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing areas in the country. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway - or "Kanc" as locals like to call it - follows a deep, narrow notch through the White Mountains, providing passengers with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, plus many White Mountain landmarks - Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge.
ARTIST’S BLUFF
Artist’s Bluff is an easy hike offering sweeping views of Franconia Notch, Echo Lake, and Cannon Mountain. This hike is 1.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2340’.
ALPINE ADVENTURES
Adrenaline-seekers will love Alpine Adventures in Lincoln, NH. This 300-acre mountain sanctuary offers winter zipline tours, off-roading opportunities, and high ropes challenge course. Their winter zipline tour features 4 ziplines, 2 suspension bridges two racing zips and a 25-foot ladder climb.
Photo Courtesy of Alpine Adventures
HOBO RAILROAD
Explore famous features of the White Mountains and Lakes Region via steam train! The Hobo Railroad offers a variety of scenic railway tours, from lakeside tours along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee to deep-woods tours along the Pemigewasset River. Hobo railroad runs year-round, offering seasonal tours such as their Turkey Dinner Trains and Fall Foliage Tours, complete with a catered lunch from the Common Man Inn.
TAKE A HIKE
With 125+ miles of hiking trails, Waterville Valley is known as a hiker’s paradise. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding White Mountains and embark on a foliage hike.
- Lodging