Fall Getaway to the White Mountains: Sugar Hill, New Hampshire

Nestled along the White Mountains National Forest and Franconia Notch State Park, the small town of Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, is easy to miss but impossible to forget once you visit. The town is named after the groves of sugar maple trees you’ll find throughout the area, especially from Sunset Hill Ridge with its amazing views of the peaks of both the White Mountains (New Hampshire) and the Green Mountains (Vermont). The town has been welcoming tourists for decades and is credited with being home to the first resort-based ski school in the United States.

Plan your trip around a few nights at the luxury Sugar Hill Inn to be spoiled with amenities and dinner at the award-winning institution. Advance reservations are required during the summer and fall months – especially on the weekends. Start at least one of your days at Polly’s Pancake Parlor, a must-visit James Beard award breakfast spot that has been delighting guest for 80 years.

Expect to discover four seasons of outdoor recreation in the area. There’s an almost endless list of things to do nearby, including the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Echo Lake, Flume Gorge, and miles of hiking trails in every direction.

Travel Tip: If you’re planning a last-minute getaway and can’t secure accommodations in Sugar Hill, there are plenty of cozy New England style inns and lodging options in the nearby towns of Bethlehem, Franconia, Littleton, and Woodstock. Each of these charming destination have quaint downtown areas dotted with eclectic coffee shops, local cafes, craft breweries, boutique shops, and more.