White Mountains for leaf peeping with Conway or North Conway as a base
 

Plan to go to the White Mountains to see the changing of the leaves. I was planning on the first week in October, and is this generally a good time or should I go a little later? Besides seeing the changing of the leaves I would like to plan some fun day side trips using Conway as a base. Being that this a particularly rustic part of the country I would really appreciate input on some B&B or other unique setting lodging if possible. I will be staying with a companion for 5-6 days. Any and all input would be appreciated.

We stayed in North Conway for leaf peeping a couple of years ago and found it to be a great location. We rented a house via VRBO. We also included a day trip to Portland, ME. Also enjoyed the Conway Scenic Railroad and the Mt. Washington Auto Road.

I would stay in or near North Conway, although the town of Jackson is much smaller, and much more new-englandy and less commercialized. They have a huge hotel called the Eagle Mountain House, and from experience, has great rooms, good food, and if you are into golf, they have their own golf course across the street. From there it is very close to Mount Washington Auto Road and all sorts of great places to go in the fall. I've been there a few times, and some of the surrounding mountains are great to climb and get a nice view. Early october should be good for leaf-peeping this far north. Anywhere further south would be still early. Columbus Day is the 14th, so maybe the 6-11th would be good for you guys.

I prefer Jackson to North Conway as the latter is much more commercial and busy, whereas Jackson is a quiet little village.

In any event they are a short drive from each other so either can be easily reached from the other.

The Inn at Ellis River is a lovely B&B in Jackson. I stayed there 2 years ago and really enjoyed it. Pretty rooms, scrumptious breakfasts, great service, and very conveniently located.

Being that divining when the leaves will change is not an exact site would most of you still believe that a visit to the White Mountain area the 2nd week of October might be close enough to get good color???

Second week is too late for mountains. Change comes much earlier for higher elevations and that far north. I live just north of concord NHL and have to spend Columbus Day weekend in MA. When I get home I always feel like I've missed the best color.