Part of our New Hampshire guide.
2 places and guides from our New Hampshire coverage, gathered into one page.
White Mountains
Have you ever wondered where to find the best fall colors in New Hampshire's White Mountains? While many flock to popular spots like Franconia Notch or the Kancamagus Highway, there are hidden valleys that offer equally stunning views without the crowds. These secret spots provide a peaceful escape, letting you soak in the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn. Imagine walking through a quiet forest, leaves crunching underfoot, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors. Secret Fall Color Valleys in New Hampshire's White Mountains New Hampshire's White Mountains are a treasure chest of hidden valleys that burst into a riot of colors each fall. For those who prefer to explore on foot, the region offers countless trails that wind through these valleys, with peak foliage typically arriving in early to mid-October. The Kancamagus Highway itself stretches 34.5 miles through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, but the real magic lies off the main road. Look for unmarked pull-offs along Route 112 or venture onto the gravel roads that lead to trailheads for the Sabbaday Falls or the Greeley Ponds Trail. These quieter paths let you experience the changing leaves without the bumper-to-bumper traffic that clogs the highway on weekends. If you are drawn to the state's more unusual lore, the White Mountains also harbor mysterious places and legends in New Hampshire, including tales of the Pemigewasset Valley and old logging camps that add a layer of intrigue to your autumn hike. For a deeper dive into the region's less-traveled corners, our coverage of hidden secrets in New Hampshire points to specific valleys like the Swift River Valley and the area around Crawford Notch, where the fall colors reflect off quiet ponds. And if you want to combine the foliage with a physical challenge, the region is prime territory for mountain adventures and thrills in New Hampshire, from the steep ascent of Mount Moosilauke to the easier loop around Lonesome Lake. Each valley offers its own character: the Bear Notch Road provides a 12-mile scenic drive with few cars, while the Evans Notch area on the Maine border rewards visitors with panoramic views from the top of the Basin Trail. The best approach is to arrive before sunrise on a weekday, when the light hits the mountainsides and the parking areas are still empty. Pack a thermos of coffee and a map, because cell service is spotty once you leave the main highways. The colors last roughly two to three weeks, so timing your visit to the second week of October often yields the most saturated reds and golds.
Enchanting Winter Magic At Lincoln's Ice Castles
Have you ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life winter wonderland? Lincoln's Ice Castles in New Hampshire offer just that. Imagine walking through tunnels made entirely of ice, surrounded by sparkling icicles and glowing lights. This magical destination is perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to experience something truly unique. Each year, artists create these stunning structures using thousands of icicles, making every visit different from the last. Enchanting Winter Magic at Lincoln's Ice Castles Lincoln, New Hampshire transforms into a winter wonderland each year with its stunning Ice Castles. The attraction typically opens in late December or early January and runs through early March, depending on weather conditions. Tickets for the 2023–2024 season started at $22 for adults and $17 for children ages 4–11, with children 3 and under admitted free. The site includes a frozen throne, ice slides, and a maze of tunnels that are lit from within by color-changing LEDs. Visitors should dress in layers and wear waterproof boots, as the ground is slick and the temperature inside the castle can drop well below freezing. The experience lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, but the adjacent town of Lincoln offers plenty of nightlife spots to experience in Manchester, New Hampshire for those who want to extend their evening after the castle closes. For history buffs, the area also features historic sites and gardens in New Hampshire, such as the nearby Flume Gorge (open in summer and fall) and the Remick Country Doctor Museum in Tamworth. If you are driving from the south, the town of places in Nashua makes a convenient stop for a meal or a hotel before heading north. And for those fascinated by the region's ancient past, the mysterious stones and museums in New Hampshire include the America's Stonehenge site in Salem, which adds a prehistoric dimension to your winter road trip. The Ice Castles themselves are built using a patented process that grows icicles on metal frames, then hand-places them to form the walls and arches. The result is a structure that changes slightly each night as the ice freezes and thaws. On weekends, live music and fire pits are often set up near the entrance, and the site includes a small concession stand selling hot chocolate and cider. Parking is free in the designated lot, but it can fill up by 6 p.m. on Saturdays, so arriving early is recommended. The entire experience is designed to be walked at your own pace, with no guided tours required, allowing you to linger in the ice cathedral or race down the slide as many times as you like.
