What makes a great foliage town? According to Yankee Magazine, a great fall outing is defined by color, scenery, vistas, water reflections, drives, hikes, culture, farmers market, orchards, parks, covered bridges, being away from crowds, shopping, food and lodging. We’re proud to announce that Waterville Valley came in as #10 on their recent colorful list of best foliage towns in New England. Check it out right here.

The full story featuring spectacular fall photos will be in Yankee's September/October issue, on newsstands August 24, 2010.

With over 30 miles of marked, well-maintained trails, Waterville Valley is a mecca for mountain biking. Waterville Valley is also one of the few mountains in New England to offer lift served mountain biking. The Snow’s Mountain double chairlift takes riders up to the 2,040’ summit with their bike providing access to a variety of trails for all abilities. The trail network winds through the White Mountain National Forest, using parts of Waterville’s cross-country ski trail network and old logging roads. There's also plenty of road-riding available too, on miles of smooth roads winding throughout the valley.

Waterville Valley is also home to one of the oldest networks of hiking trails in the Northeast, dating back to the mid 1800's. Many lead to cascading waterfalls and panoramic views of the surrounding 4,000’ mountains. Most of these trails are maintained by a group of loyal outdoor enthusiasts, the Waterville Valley Athletic and Improvement Association. The Association publishes a detailed hiking guide, The WVAIA Trail Map, available at stores in Waterville Valley Town Square.

Ride options include a round trip summit ride or a ride up then hike or mountain bike back down. Snow's Mountain Hours are 10 am - 4 pm on weekends May 24 -June 27 and daily 10 am - 5 pm from June 28 - Sept. 1. Mountain bike packages include suspension bike rentals and use of the Snow's Mountain chairlift and are sold at the Adventure Center in Town Square. Scenic rides can be purchased at the base of Snow's Mountain. All the details on lift-accessed biking and hiking are right here.

Waterville Valley Resort has been recognized as the "Best Family Retreat" in the 2010 Travel Guide to New England. This designation is awarded by Yankee's editors and travel writers, who name select restaurants, lodgings, and attractions in New England to the exclusive list. The 2010 Travel Guide features 312 selections in the May/June special issue. Waterville Valley will also be recommended on YankeeMagazine.com .