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Halloween Express
FEATURED: All aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Halloween Express!
Discover
I have spent a lot of time filming my TV show in the Mount Washington Valley. For me, personally, it’s one of the most beautiful regions of New England. With stunning scenery around every bend and countless opportunities to explore every outdoor activity imaginable, no matter the season. Add in endless dining and shopping options and it is no wonder why it ranks among the most popular vacation destinations in New England
There’s a moment here in the Mount Washington Valley—somewhere between the buzz of high summer and the first blush of fall—where everything slows down just enough to feel enchanted. The sun still rides high, but the evenings grow cool. The trails are less crowded. And the scent in the air shifts, ever so slightly, from sunscreen and sap to apples and smoke.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of spending a late summer day here, you know it’s one of New England’s quiet wonders. Not flashy. Not loud. But full of subtle magic.
Let me take you there.
Start the day early—before the sun rises too high, while the light is still soft and golden. Echo Lake, nestled beneath Cathedral Ledge, is mirror-still in the morning. Locals will tell you it’s one of the best-kept secrets this time of year. The peak summer crowds have dwindled, and the water, still warm from August sun, is perfect for a quiet swim or paddle.
There’s something humbling about floating in the shadow of Cathedral Ledge, the granite cliff rising like a watchtower above the pines. Rock climbers cling to its face, tiny and bold, while birds circle silently above. The reflection of the cliff on the lake in the early light is so vivid it feels like you’ve stepped inside a painting.
Pack a thermos of coffee, maybe a few apple cider donuts from a roadside stand, and savor the peace. There’s no better way to ground yourself in the season.
For adults not traveling with minor children I highly recommend a stop at Cathedral Ledge Distillery. Having filmed a TV segment here I have experienced firsthand the incredible, organic, hand-crafted spirits produced by owners Christopher and Tracy Burk. I highly recommend stopping by and enjoying a flight. Call ahead and you can book a behind-the-scenes tour. Cathedral Ledge Distillery, 3340 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 03860
As the sun warms up, head east toward Black Cap Mountain—a favorite hike among locals for good reason. The trailhead sits just off Hurricane Mountain Road, and the hike itself is short but satisfying. About 2.5 miles round trip with some rocky scrambles, it’s enough to get your heart pumping, but not so intense it steals your breath before the summit does.
On clear days the summit—oh, the summit.
From the top of Black Cap, you’ll see a vast sweep of the valley below. The Saco River snakes along the landscape. The green slopes of Cranmore and Attitash roll out like velvet. And on clear days, the Presidential Range stretches all the way to the edge of your vision, Mount Washington sitting like a quiet king at the head of the table.
Late summer is especially magical here. Wild blueberries still linger along the trail, a gift from the woods if you're lucky enough to find them. The breeze carries a trace of coolness that hints at the season ahead. It’s a place where time seems to pause.
Just a short drive from Jackson, tucked beside the Ellis River in Glen, White Mountain Cider Company offers the kind of meal that feels like a reward. The café and market serve up fresh, seasonal fare with a creative twist—think pressed sandwiches on artisan bread, garden-fresh salads, and maybe even a cup of sweet corn chowder that tastes like summer in a spoon. If the patio’s open, grab a seat outside and let the sounds of the river and the rustling trees settle you into the moment. It's relaxed, delicious, and grounded in everything we love about the Valley this time of year. White Mountain Cider Company, 207 US-302, Glen, NH 03838.
Before leaving Jackson, make one more stop: Jackson Falls. You don’t need to hike. You don’t need to plan. Just park along the road and meander down to the rocky cascades that tumble over smoothed granite ledges.
This time of year, the water’s lower, slower, and warm from the sun. Families sit on towels, kids splash in the shallows, and couples find quiet spots to dip their toes. Bring a book. Bring nothing. Just stay a while.
In the shade of tall trees, with the rush of the falls in your ears, it’s easy to lose track of time. And that’s kind of the point.
As the day winds down, make your way back toward Cathedral Ledge—this time, by car. The auto road to the top is narrow and winding, but it leads to one of the best sunset views in all of New England.
At the summit, a short path opens to a dramatic overlook. Below, Echo Lake glimmers. North Conway spreads out like a quilt of rooftops and trees. And beyond it, the mountains fold into blue ridges, layer upon layer, until they vanish into the distance.
When the sun begins to sink, it lights up the sky in oranges, golds, and soft pinks. It sets the cliff face aglow. People speak in hushed tones. Someone might propose. Someone might cry.
It’s that kind of place.
You could come here in fall, when the leaves set the world on fire. Or in winter, when the mountains become playgrounds for skiers and boarders. But late summer in the Mount Washington Valley? That’s when the place lets out a long, contented sigh.
The crowds ease. The weather steadies. The trails quiet. And if you listen closely, the land starts whispering its secrets.
You just have to show up—and take the time to hear them.
