Usually, when fall arrives, it’s the main streets and back roads that are lined with colorful foliage. It’s not often, however, where an entire town is surrounded by the vibrancy of autumn. The town of Waterville Valley is just such a place, as its unique location puts it in a valley surrounded by mountains on just about all sides. These mountain slopes are more commonly seen as green in summer and white in winter, but for a brief period during the fall, they display some of the best New Hampshire fall foliage colors.

Waterville Valley is located at the far western end of Rt. 49 where the highway ends. The topography of the area prevents it from continuing further.
DenisTangneyJr/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
The town is a four-season community and turns into a skiing and winter sports mecca once the snow arrives. Until then, autumn takes hold strongly but briefly.
Visit Waterville Valley, NH/Facebook
Visit Waterville Valley, NH/Facebook

Related Stories

This Little-Known Scenic Spot In New Hampshire That Comes Alive With Color Come Fall

This Little-Known Scenic Spot In New Hampshire That Comes Alive With Color Come Fall

 The Under-The-Radar Destination In New Hampshire With The Most Beautiful Fall Foliage In The State

The Under-The-Radar Destination In New Hampshire With The Most Beautiful Fall Foliage In The State

 The 3.4-Mile Sugarloaf Trail Leads Hikers To The Most Spectacular Fall Foliage In New Hampshire

The 3.4-Mile Sugarloaf Trail Leads Hikers To The Most Spectacular Fall Foliage In New Hampshire
Leaf peepers can enjoy the patchwork of gold, orange, and red that takes over the valley by keeping an eye to the trees or by looking down at the ground.
Robert Linsdell/Wikimedia Commons
Typically, the peak color for the Waterville Valley area happens from the last week in September through the first half of October.
Robert Linsdell/Wikimedia Commons
The Mad River is a perfect place to enjoy the fall color. Pull up a boulder and sit for a while to soak it in.
Visit Waterville Valley, NH/Facebook
Waterville Valley is home to one of the first organized networks of hiking trails in the country and these footpaths are a perfect way to experience autumn's splendor.
Visit Waterville Valley, NH/Facebook

Fall doesn’t last long around these parts so to catch the best New Hampshire fall foliage, jump in the car and head on over to Waterville Valley. You can also use this map as a guide for when peak foliage color will be hitting the valley. You can also make a weekend out of it with an Airbnb stay.

Want to experience the glory of autumn on foot? Check out these eight fall hikes. I heartily recommend Dixville Notch! It’s a beautiful spot.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore New Hampshire

Featured Addresses
Waterville Valley, NH, USA