Fall Days Mean Cool Fun -- Ideas to Make the Most of This Fall -- White Mountains Attractions Announces 2007 Closing Dates

With the cool and colorful days of autumn 2008 unfolding across the White Mountains, there is no better time to be outside to view the magnificent foliage, get a little exercise and simply enjoy the season.

North Wodstock, NH (PRWEB) September 22, 2007 -- "We are definitely seeing the fall colors coming on," said Jayne O'Connor, president of White Mountains Attractions in North Woodstock. "What is nice about this time of the year is that there tends to be little humidity and haze. The sky is intensely blue and it is an incredible backdrop to the reds, oranges and yellows of the fall foliage."

From old carriage roads to timeless paths over the high peaks of the Presidential Range, there is a walk in the woods for visitors of every age. Nowhere is autumn more enjoyable than to be off the beaten path on a glorious fall day. There are plenty of short walks and easy hikes, that in exchange for a little effort, can result in a most memorable experience.

In Crawford Notch, at the Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center, there are a number of easy trails that will bring visitors deep into the woods, where the air is crisp and the only sound is the whisper of the fall wind stirring the trees.

A good beginner hike is the 15-minute walk to Ammonoosuc Lake from the center and a delightful side trail brings you the Red Bench, where you can pause and drink in a magnificent view of Mounts Washington, Clay, Jefferson and Eisenhower, which by now are aglow in autumn hues.

Children will enjoy not only viewing the natural rock formation, the Elephant's Head, at the top of Crawford Notch, but there is an easy trail that leads to the top of it, offering a beautiful view.
    
For those with more time, the trail up Mount Willard takes some time, but is one of the easiest hikes. This is a 3-mile, 2-hour round trip hike on a well-maintained trail that used to be an old carriage road.
    
At trail's end, the panorama of Crawford Notch is spread out beneath you and if the timing is right, you can catch the legendary Notch Train, as it makes its way from North Conway up to Fabyan's Station.
    
Although it is not a very difficult trail, be sure to check in at the Highland Center and to make sure you are well-prepared, as weather conditions can change quickly in the White Mountains. Great tips are available at www.hikesafe.com for what to bring along for a walk in the woods.

Fall days are invitations to jump in your car and simply follow the road, blazed with rich colors. The 100-mile White Mountain Trail makes a loop from the White Mountains Visitors Center in North Woodstock, over the Kancamagus Highway, through several small towns and villages and three historic notches.
    
It take about two and a half hours to drive the route, but you'll want to stop along the way, to visit general stores, scenic overlooks or to have a picnic. Along the 32-mile Kancamagus Highway, the Sugar Hill and Pemigewasset Overlooks have picnic tables and views.

A great place to stop and stretch your legs on the Kanc is at Sabbaday Falls, a three-tiered water fall, located less than a half mile from the trailhead.

The White Mountains Visitor Center, located off Exit 32 of Interstate 93 in North Woodstock, can provide more information to suit every interest this foliage season on your journey north, or by visiting www.visitwhitemountains.com or by calling 800-find-mts.

Although summer vacations are just a memory now, some favorite summer attractions are open through Columbus Day, offering the same great rides and experiences as a few months ago.
    

"Fall is a wonderful time to visit - or revisit - your favorite summer attractions," said Jayne O'Connor. "The temperatures are cooler now than they were in July, but you can still take in a bear show at Clark's Trading Post, explore the caves at Lost River Gorge or the Polar Caves, or see Cinderella in her castle at Story Land."

    Some attractions are open only on weekends through the Columbus Day
holiday, while others are open daily.
    Here is a list of attractions and the days and hours they are open:
    

For information about the White Mountains, the visitors' center is
located off exit 32 on Interstate 93 in North Woodstock; visit
www.visitwhitemountains.com or call 800-FIND-MTS.

White Mountains Attractions, founded in 1957, is the marketing association for 16 attractions within the White Mountains region, including Attitash, Cannon Mountain, Clark's Trading Post, the Cog Railroad, the Conway Scenic Railroad, Flume Gorge, the Hobo Railroad, Loon Mountain, Lost River Gorge, Mount Washington Auto Road, Polar Caves, Santa's Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale's Tale and Wildcat Mountain.
    
###