White Mountains, New Hampshire

Route 112 runs 34.5 miles through the White Mountain National Forest with no commercial development — just mountains, rivers, covered bridges, and forest. In October, the foliage along the Kanc is among the best in New England. Several trailheads and swimming holes are accessible from the road.

💡 Drive east to west (Conway to Lincoln) in the morning for the best light on the mountains. Stop at Lower Falls and the Sabbaday Falls trailhead. Arrive early on October weekends — the road gets congested by mid-morning.

The highest peak in the Northeast can be reached three ways: the Mount Washington Auto Road (a toll road you drive yourself), the Mount Washington Cog Railway (a historic steam-powered rack railway from 1869), or on foot via several trails. The summit has a weather observatory, a museum, and views to five states on clear days.

💡 The Auto Road is the most flexible option — you drive at your own pace and can turn back if weather closes in. Book the Cog Railway in advance for summer and fall weekends. Check the summit weather forecast before you go — it changes rapidly.

A dramatic glacially carved notch with sheer granite walls, the Flume Gorge (a natural granite chasm with a boardwalk), Echo Lake, and the aerial tramway to the summit of Cannon Mountain. The Basin — a large glacial pothole in the Pemigewasset River — is one of the most photographed spots in New Hampshire.

💡 The Flume Gorge is worth the admission fee — the boardwalk through the narrow granite walls is genuinely impressive. Arrive before 10 AM in summer and fall to beat the crowds.

The Presidential Range offers some of the best ridge hiking in the East — the traverse from Madison to Washington along the Crawford Path is a classic multi-day route. For day hikers, the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Mount Washington's summit is the most popular route (8.4 miles round trip, strenuous).

💡 Above treeline, weather can change in minutes. Bring layers, rain gear, and a map even on clear days. The AMC huts along the Presidential Range offer overnight stays with meals — book months in advance.

The commercial hub of the Mount Washington Valley, with outlet shopping, independent restaurants, and the Conway Scenic Railroad. The village has a classic New England feel despite the tourist infrastructure. The Eastern Slope Inn and the Cranmore Mountain Resort are both nearby.

💡 The Conway Scenic Railroad runs excursions through the valley and through Crawford Notch — the Notch Train is the most scenic option and runs in fall foliage season.

The White Mountains region has several historic covered bridges accessible by car or short walk. The Swift River covered bridge near Conway, the Honeymoon Bridge in Jackson, and the Albany Covered Bridge along the Kancamagus are all worth a stop.

💡 The Jackson Covered Bridge is the most photographed in New Hampshire — it frames the village of Jackson perfectly in fall foliage. It's a 2-minute detour off Route 16.