Maple Leaves and Flannel Sleeves, Autumn in New Hampshire

Highlights

A quintessential New England experience featuring vibrant autumn colors, the famous "Pumpkin People" displays, scenic covered bridges, Jackson Falls, Diana's Baths, and brisk, cool mountain weather perfect for exploring.

Make a well-considered choice

• • All the trails are short distance, rocky and steep, sometimes muddy after rain.
  • There is roughly a 40% chance of rain on any given day.
  • Early-to-mid October is the PEAK for fall colors and this region puts on a spectacular display.
  • Hiking pace is MODERATE, with the rocky steep trails and wonderful views, we will take our sweet time.
  • This trip is during a long weekend (Monday is Columbus Day)

Climate

• • Expect cool, crisp air with temperatures dropping significantly at night. 
  • Daytime Highs: Typically range between 55°F and 60°F.
  • Nighttime Lows: Average between 34°F and 38°F.
  • Sunrise around 7:40am, sunset is by 7:00pm.

Accommodations

The house has NO reviews, because it’s brand new!

7 bedrooms, 4.5 ba, on 43 acres. Looks amazing in the pics!

Airbnb link: Residence in Bartlett

Address: 70 US-302, Glen, NH 03838

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tiKNiapfi2SmWwCr6

Game Plan

We will hike in two regions: White Mountain National Park and Franconia Notch State Park.

Please keep in mind the schedule remains adjustable based on weather conditions, we have listed a variety of activity and we have many more options to consider if needed. We will endeavor to maximize our activities but will make a point of minimizing unnecessary risk.

Thursday Oct 8^th Travel Day

We will fly into Boston, pickup car rentals and drive 3 hours to Bartlett, NH 

We will make a stop at one of the “big box” grocery stores when passing by North Conway.

Friday Oct 9^th D5 – White Mountain National Park

1st Stop: D5 - Mount Pierce & Mizpah Springs Hut Trail The trail to the hut is largely forested, it offers an "immersive" autumn experience. 

We will hike through dense stands of yellow birch and red spruce, which can be striking when the yellow leaves are in peak.

As there are no sweeping summit-style views from the hut, foliage seekers continue to summit Mt. Pierce. 

This open alpine summit provides 360-degree views of the Presidential Range and the surrounding valleys decked in fall colors. 

Driving Directions-Mount Pierce & Willard

AllTrails - Mount Pierce

Elevation – 2500 ft

Distance – 6 mi

2nd Stop: Biodiesel Train Trip to Mount Washington Summit

Ride to the summit of Mount Washington– the highest mountain peak in the Northeast– powered by one of our custom-built biodiesel locomotives! The approximately three-hour round trip is an exhilarating journey through history, technology and nature, including about an hour to explore the State Park at the summit.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Saturday Oct 10^th D5 - Franconia Notch State Park

We will drive The Scenic Byways In New Hampshire to spend the day in Franconia, with separate hikes will add up to a D4.

To end the day on a sweet note, we’ll settle into a lovely restaurant in Franconia for dinner before heading back home.

1^st Stop: Lonesome Lake Trail

Views of the Franconia Ridge can be seen on the way to the lake and most of the way is shaded. 

This is a steady incline hike, but worth it to see the beautiful Lake. Follow the yellow blazes.

There are several steep sections up Cannon Mountain. Along the lake, the trail is grassy and easy-going. 

Lonesome Lake Trailhead

AllTrails-Lonesome Lake

Elevation – 1100 ft

Distance – 3 mi

2^nd Stop: Echo Lake and Artist Bluff

Echo Lake and Artist Bluff are two of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch State Park. While they sit right across from each other, they offer completely different perspectives of the notch. 

a. Echo Lake 

A serene, 38-acre spring-fed lake located at the foot of Cannon Mountain. 

From the shore, you have a direct "ground-level" view of the towering cliffs of Mount Lafayette and the Franconia Ridge.

Driving Directions - Echo Lake

Elevation – 500 ft

Distance – 3 mi

b. Artist Bluff 

This is arguably the most famous spot in New England for autumn colors. The foliage turns the valley into a "sea of red and gold".

The Hike is short but steep 1.5-mile loop trail, the terrain is very rocky and requires some minor scrambling.

Artist Bluff Trailhead

AllTrails-Artist Bluff Trail

Elevation – 500 ft

Distance – 2 mi

Sunday Oct 11^th D4 White Mountain National Park

1st Stop: Mt. Willard

Mount Willard is considered one of the premier fall foliage hikes in New Hampshire.

The trail follows a former carriage road, resulting in a wide path with a steady, gradual uphill grade. The terrain is typically rocky and can become muddy or act like a shallow stream after rain.

Early in the hike, we will encounter two stream crossings to practice our "rock hopping skills and Centennial Pool, which features a small waterfall.

The trail opens onto a large, spacious rock ledge offering iconic panoramic views looking south directly down the V-shaped valley of Crawford Notch. 

This provides a massive, carpet-like display of vibrant reds and golds covering the valley floor and rising up the surrounding slopes.

Driving Directions-Mount Pierce & Willard

AllTrails-Mount Willard Trail

Elevation – 1000 ft

Distance – 4 mi

2nd Stop: Black Cap Trail

This trail in North Conway is a popular hike in the Green Hills Preserve offering spectacular 360-degree views of the White Mountains, including Mount Washington and Cathedral Ledge, featuring a steady, often rocky ascent through hardwood forests to an open granite summit.

Driving Directions-Black Cap Trail

AllTrails-Black Cap Trail

Elevation – 800 ft

Distance – 2.5 mi

Monday Oct 12th D5 - Grafton County

We will drive The Scenic Byways In New Hampshire again, a hike and afternoon in Littleton.

1^st Stop: Mount Moosilauke and South Peak Loop

Per AllTrails, this is an excellent year round adventure! This route takes you up the Gorge Brook Trail from the Ravine Lodge Trailhead to the summit of the massive Mt. Moosilauke. The summit used to be home to the historic Moosilauke Summit House, the foundation of which is still visible today. This is also an excellent viewpoint of the surrounding White Mountains!

Driving Directions-Mount Moosilauke and South Peak Loop

AllTrails-Mount Moosilauke and South Peak Loop

Elevation – 2500 ft

Distance – 7 mi

2^nd Stop: Littleton

This is a culinary destination featuring the historic Littleton Diner and the popular Schilling Beer Co. on the river, and the Littleton Freehouse Taproom, featuring a historic and walkable downtown, diverse shopping, and a larger community feel.

Main Street Shopping: Home to Chutters, which features the world’s longest candy counter, and Lahout's, America’s oldest ski shop.

The Riverwalk: A scenic path behind Main Street featuring a covered pedestrian bridge over the Ammonoosuc River.

Arts & Culture: Features the Littleton Opera House, public art like the Pollyanna Statue.

Driving Directions - Littleton

3rd Stop: Kilburn Crags

If we have some time, we will embark on this great short hike leading up to a stunning view over Littleton before we head home, with a picnic table with a view at the top. 

Driving Directions to Kilburn Crags

AllTrails- Kilburn Crags

Elevation – 400 ft

Distance – 1.7 mi

Tuesday Oct 13^th Travel Day

We will drive to Boston to catch our return flights.

Food

Grocery shopping is available, we will dine out in the evenings. 

Communiqué

   -  WhatsApp group text messaging to share information and pictures.

   -  AllTrails links are in the write-up, please be prepared before getting out of the door.

   -  Google Maps is our tool for driving directions, links in the write-up.

Open Positions

We will share responsibilities, multiple open positions available:

• Chief of Chaos: Lead on House Rules
• Lord of the Rinse: Dish Whisperers
• Iron Pilot: road navigation masters
• Research Guru: Monitor weather and road conditions
• Chief Dining Officers

Logistics

We will fly in and out of Boston Logan International Airport. If you have other plans, please coordinate in advance with Trip Leader.

C'est la vie

Travel presents unforeseen circumstances, necessitating adjustments to itinerary based on flights schedule, weather, unforeseen, and natural events. The group will need to adapt to any challenges that arise with flexibility and a positive outlook.

We have a solid plan, but sometimes, things happen, bring an open mind and a fun spirit, that's all we need for an amazing time.

Joining The Event 

When putting together this group, I’m focusing on making sure everyone has a great time. It’s a quick autumn escape, so we’ll be exploring cute little towns, beautiful spots, and charming places.

BUT, with the expectation of rain, having a positive attitude and being determined to have fun is just as important as physical fitness.

Cost

AOC fee to be paid via PayPal: $25 AOC fee (Nonrefundable)

·        Payments to trip leader includes Accommodations, and Car Rental.

·        Payment to trip leader needs to be processed via Zelle or Venmo.

·        The car rental and gas cost for each individual will be their proportional share. 

·        The cost is refundable only if the TL can find a suitable replacement.  

Cost Fine Print

o    AOC fee is nonrefundable and NOT included

o    All other costs are refundable IF AND ONLY we have somebody suitable to take your spot.

o    Lodging cost is shared equally regardless of sleeping arrangements.

o    Car rental and gas cost for each individual will be their proportional share.

o    Express toll lanes, bridges and tunnels fees, Parking and access permits are NOT included.

o    Gas allowance is NOT included

Max: The cost for accommodations and car rental for 8 attendees is $880

Min: The cost for accommodations and car rental for 12 attendees will go down to $670  

IF WE HAVE A SMALLER GROUP THAN 8, THE TRIP WILL BE CANCELLED.

"Cancellation is due to higher individual cost"