If you've been waiting for a reason to see the White Mountains in autumn, here it is: Falling Waters Trail in Franconia Notch State Park has reopened after two years of rebuilding, and the foliage in the Notch is hitting peak colour right now.
The trail, which climbs 4,760-foot Little Haystack Mountain, had suffered years of erosion damage. The new alignment softens what was once a punishing ascent — hikers now gain its roughly 2,870 feet of elevation on a gentler gradient via smooth treadpath and stone staircases through the forest. One trade-off: the reroute curves away from some of the waterfalls that gave the trail its name, though Cloudland Falls remains reachable on a short 0.7-mile round-trip spur.
The hike itself runs about six miles out and back from the Old Bridle Path Trailhead. You follow Old Bridle Path for 0.2 mile to a fork, bear right across Walker Brook, then climb through hardwood forest — currently ablaze in reds, oranges and yellows — to the summit. From the top, you get full 360-degree views over alpine tundra and the coloured forests below. Feeling ambitious? The Appalachian Trail crosses the summit, so you can extend the day as far north or south as your legs allow.
Franconia Notch is one of New England's classic leaf-peeping destinations for good reason: dense hardwood forests framed by granite ridges. The park was also home to the Old Man of the Mountain, New Hampshire's famous cliff-face profile, until it collapsed in 2003. October crowds here are legendary, and with the trail freshly reopened, expect company. Arrive early and have a backup plan.
Two practical warnings before you go. First, most mapping apps haven't updated to show the new route — follow the trail signs and the state park's adjusted map rather than your phone. Second, White Mountains weather turns fast in October: snow and ice are possible on the peaks and ridgelines even when the valleys are mild. Check the forecast for the high country, not just the nearest town, and pack layers and essential gear.
For anyone planning a New England autumn trip, this is a rare combination: a freshly rebuilt trail, peak foliage and a summit view — all in one of the region's most storied state parks. Just don't roll up at 10am on a Saturday and expect to park.
