Anytime is a good time to travel to the White Mountains! New Hampshire’s climate provides four unique and distinct seasons, each with so many exciting things to offer. That’s why every season could arguably be the best time to visit Bretton Woods. We’ve laid out the best parts of each season, so you can decide for yourself when to plan your trip.
Your Year-Round Guide to the Best Time to Visit Bretton Woods
Fall
The White Mountains arguably produce the most stunning fall foliage. Leaves begin to change at the end of August and completely fall off the trees by the end of November. Of course, the weather varies each year, but peak colors typically happen around the first half of October. The best way to know for sure is to use the foliage tracker. Take in the red and orange hues with a hike that leads to a waterfall surrounded by the bright colors. The trail to Arethusa Falls rewards you with New Hampshire’s tallest waterfall at 176 feet. For 360 degree views of the fall foliage, take a ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway.
Winter
The White Mountains become a winter wonderland in the cold months. Bretton Woods is known for skiing, but you can enjoy just about any activity that involves snow. If you are looking for breathtaking views of white landscapes, we recommend packing your snowshoes or renting some. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the nearby White Mountain National Forest or parks, like Crawford Notch State Park and Franconia Notch State Park. Other activities include snow tubing, sleigh rides, and snowmobile rides.
Spring
Spring is a beautiful time when the snow melts away and the vibrant colors of the forest return. Be one with nature with a horseback ride through the lush White Mountains. The warming waters also make spring a prime time for fishing because by April, many species have returned to our local waterways. The Ammonoosuc River is ideal for fly fishing and stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout as well as Atlantic salmon. If you don’t have the gear, you can rent some. You will need a license to fish in the public waters. You can purchase a single-day pass, a three-day pass, a seven-day pass, or a year-long pass.
Pro Tip: The very beginning of spring brings the mud season. It’s a time when the ground is still frozen, but the snow is melting and creates a lot of mud. This can be a great time to hike with few people on the trails and little obstruction from trees. However, you’ll want to take some extra precautions to minimize unwanted impacts on the trails and fragile ecosystems during this time.
Summer
Summer opens up a vast number of activities for the whole family. Two amusement parks, Santa’s Village and Storyland, are both only about 30 minutes from Bretton Woods. Summer is also the best time to visit the Mount Washington Observatory, known as “the Home of the World’s Worst Weather.” If you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush, zip line through the White Mountains with a canopy tour, or ride some trails on a mountain bike. The Bretton Woods cross-country trails are perfect for families looking for a scenic and leisurely ride. On the other hand, the Alpine trails give experienced riders an extreme adventure down the steep terrain.
Stay With Bretton Woods Vacations
Now that you’ve decided when’s the best time to visit Bretton Woods, it’s time to start planning that vacation you’ve been thinking about. Bretton Woods Vacation has the largest selection of vacation rentals in the area. Whether you’re a couple, family, or group of friends visiting for a weekend or a month, we have something for everyone. We provide unparalleled customer service, so you can have a stress-free vacation.
Browse our properties and start planning your dream vacation to the White Mountains!
