5 Things To Do Before Fall Foliage In Waterville Valley
Before the warm days give way to crisp fall afternoons, make the most of the final stretch of the season by getting outside, exploring the Valley, and checking a few activities off your bucket list.
With many trails and activities to do in the Valley, here are five things we recommend taking advantage of between summer and fall.
1) RIDE THE CHAIRLIFT
Make your way up Snow’s Mountain before fall takes over the Valley. Located on Boulder Path Road, just past the tennis courts, Snow’s Mountain Chairlift offers scenic round-trip rides with views of Waterville Valley and easy access to even more ways to explore the mountain.
Whether you’re heading up to explore the trails, bike the mountain, or play a round of disc golf, the chairlift makes it easy to get your adventure started. Or, simply ride to the top and back down to enjoy the scenery from above.
>> LEARN MORE ABOUT SNOWS MOUNTAIN CHAIRLIFT
2) Explore the valley by bike
There’s no better way to cover more of the Valley while still taking in the scenery than on two wheels. With more than 50 miles of mountain biking trails, Waterville Valley offers options for a variety of ages and ability levels.
Cruise around the Valley, explore the surrounding White Mountain National Forest, or head up Snow’s Mountain for lift-serviced trails. Don’t have your own bike? Stop by the Adventure Center to choose from mountain bikes, road bikes, full-suspension bikes, fat bikes, tandems, and more.
3) Play a round of disc golf
Don’t enjoy traditional golfing? That’s no worry, trade the golf clubs for a few disks and take your game to the mountains.
For a quick round, the 9-hole Town Square course winds through fields, woods, and alongside the water, with tee boxes designed for both beginner and intermediate players.
Have more time to spend outside? Take the Snow’s Mountain Chairlift to the summit and play your way back down the 18-hole course while enjoying views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Playing a round is free, and disc rentals are available at the Adventure Center if you need them.
4) HiKE the trails
Before swapping your hiking shoes for ski boots, spend a day exploring some of the 125+ miles of hiking trails surrounding Waterville Valley.
There are plenty of easy, moderate, and advanced options for nearly every hiker and nature enthusiast. Whether you are looking for a short and scenic hike to Big Pines, a moderate hike to Mount Osceola with outstanding views, or a bigger adventure to Mount Tecumseh, a 4.9 mile round trip hike with 2,283 feet of gained elevation, Waterville Valley has you covered.
5) CHASE WATERFALLS
Cool off with a trip to one of Waterville Valley’s waterfalls and swimming holes. Tucked throughout the surrounding White Mountain National Forest, several nearby trails lead to cascading waterfalls, natural pools, and quiet spots along the water.
For an easy adventure, head to The Cascades, where a 3-mile round-trip hike leads to a series of waterfalls, gorges, and pools perfect for a swim. Or, take the short hike to Smart’s Brook, where a popular swimming hole awaits just over a mile from Route 49. Whether you’re looking to take a dip or simply enjoy the scenery, exploring the Valley’s waterfalls is a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors.