Hedgehog Ridge in Deering is a low ridge about five miles long that is traversed by Hedgehog Ridge Trail.

A full traverse along the entire ridgeline provides opportunities to take in the views to the west from scattered open ledges.

As this ridge is comprised of mixed forest, there is sure to be a wide assortment of colors due to the various tree types.

The easiest walk along this ridge is from Skye Farm Road to the summit of Wilson Hill, reached in just 0.3 miles. The grassy summit affords panoramic views.

On the northern edge of the ridge, an 0.8-mile ascent reaches a ledgy knob with excellent views to the west.

Before you even reach a viewpoint, you'll be surrounded by nature's brief but bright autumnal display.

That said, don't forget to look down (and watch your step) for color on the ground as well!

Waterville Valley is located at the far western end of Rt. 49 where the highway ends. The topography of the area prevents it from continuing further.

The town is a four-season community and turns into a skiing and winter sports mecca once the snow arrives. Until then, autumn takes hold strongly but briefly.

Leaf peepers can enjoy the patchwork of gold, orange, and red that takes over the valley by keeping an eye to the trees or by looking down at the ground.

Typically, the peak color for the Waterville Valley area happens from the last week in September through the first half of October.

The Mad River is a perfect place to enjoy the fall color. Pull up a boulder and sit for a while to soak it in.

Waterville Valley is home to one of the first organized networks of hiking trails in the country and these footpaths are a perfect way to experience autumn's splendor.

Two Bees Café + Patisserie serves a menu of fresh, handcrafted baked pastries and desserts inspired by French and Mediterranean cuisines.

Two Bees' philosophy is to follow the French tradition of eating only fresh foods that are in season.

This philosophy is achieved by creating unforgettable food made only with fresh, high-quality ingredients, all created with attention to detail.

Owners Rebekah and Ross first met in San Francisco at culinary school. In the decade since, they have been thrilled to share their passion for good food with the seacoast region.

As the seasons change at Two Bees, so does the menu. Each new season brings more creative specials made with ingredients from local farms.

For parties and special events, Two Bees can also provide full catering services for up to 50 guests.

Two Bees isn't just about the great food. It also serves up coffee, tea, espresso, and seasonal beverages in addition to beer and wine.

Donut Love, with locations in North Hampton and Exeter, creates and serves up delicious donuts handcrafted with love.

Donut Love's offerings are a rustic New England take on the classic cake donuts that we all know and love.

Every single donut is made daily to ensure freshness and the best taste, along with a selection of other baked goods.

A portion of Donut Love's menu is gut-friendly and made with gluten-free ingredients.

For events and parties, Donut Love can do the catering with pickup at its Exeter location.

Located at the southern edge of the White Mountains in Lincoln, the Hobo Railroad is a family-owned and operated railroad that has been operating for more than 30 years.

The train makes an 80 minute, 15 mile round-trip excursion alongside the scenic Pemigewasset River through mid-October.

From mid-September through the end of the season in October, beautiful fall foliage color takes center stage along the banks of the river.

The trips begin at the Hobo Railroad station in Lincoln and travel south along the river, following a rail corridor dating back to the 1800s.

All trains run rain or shine and are wheelchair-accessible.

Pets, however, are not allowed along for the ride.

This area of the state features some of the most vibrant foliage color in New England. Catch it while you can because it doesn't last long!

Tunnel Brook Trail is a 6.7-mile route that traverses the notch, or "tunnel," between Mt. Moosilauke and Mt. Clough.

While the grades on this trail are generally easy, it is still a White Mountains trail and hikers should be properly equipped for a remote hike.

As Tunnel Brook Trail passes between the two mountains, it visits a chain of small beaver ponds and wetlands that are nestled in the notch.

Industrious beavers, along with natural weather events, have shaped the ponds as well as the flow of water through the notch.

Dusk and dawn will give you the best opportunity to spot wildlife here, but sightings of the local moose and beaver population are possible at any time.

Tunnel Brook Trail also provides interesting views up to the numerous landslides that streak the eastern slopes of Mt. Clough.

No matter if you only walk in a couple of miles or traverse the entire notch, you'll be met with a tranquil setting in a quiet corner of the national forest.

In its 30th year as of 2023, Peyton Place Restaurant in Orford has crafted a reputation for quality & creative cuisine.

Since 1993, Chef Jim & Heidi Peyton have been the proprietors of Peyton Place and have a clear vision of what is expected from fresh and clean cuisine.

With an emphasis on farm-to-table organic ingredients, the menu at Peyton Place is created from scratch.

Ingredients are sourced from local Upper Valley farms and growers, not only for their quality but also as an investment back into the local farming community.

The menu items are an eclectic collection of French, Thai, Italian, Vietnamese, American, and Latin American flavors, all made with a local touch.

Meals are served in a relaxed setting within the 1773 Tavern House. Takeout is also available during regular restaurant hours.

Peyton Place's main dining room can also be reserved for up to 16 people for private catered events.

You might not expect to find such interesting cuisine nestled along the quiet banks of the Connecticut River, but next time you are traveling through Orford, give Peyton Place a visit.

During the night of September 3, 1965, 18-year-old Norman Muscarello reported seeing bright red lights along Route 150.

While this event became known as The Exeter Incident, it actually occurred about five miles to the south in the neighboring town of Kensington.

The lights appeared to hover and bathed two houses in bright light. The unknown object, estimated to be 80-90 feet wide, soon disappeared into the adjacent woods.

Two Kensington police officers also experienced the same sighting when they returned to the original location with Muscarello to investigate.

The U.S. Air Force was also dispatched from nearby Pease Air Force Base to investigate, but initially explained the phenomena as celestial and weather-related. They would later retract this.

Muscarello and the officers were not alone in their experience. Other area residents reported seeing the same red lights and unknown object.

To this day, there is still no definitive explanation as to what Muscarello encountered, but the Exeter Incident remains one of the most well-documented and researched cases in UFO lore.

The Post on Fisherville Road in Concord is a casual eatery serving breakfast, sandwiches, and all of your favorite entrees, as well as meals to go.

If you're like me, you need a good breakfast to get the say going. The Post has you covered with plenty of staples like steak and eggs, pancakes, and omelets.

Split your day up with a delicious lunch from The Post. Classics like burgers, reubens, steak bombs, club sandwiches, and veggie wraps are all on the menu.

For lighter fare, try a tasty salad option like the classic chicken caesar or chef's salad, or the fruit and feta salad.

Want some good old-fashioned comfort food for the holidays? Try The Post's homestyle turkey dinner.

If you happen to be in downtown Concord, The Post on Main Street has the same great menu as the Fisherville Road location.

Everything on The Post's menu is available for online ordering so you can take your favorite dishes home with you.

Maple Hill Gardens is located at the main campus of Beaver Brook Association in Hollis. The gardens are open daily from April through October.

The farm dates back to the 19th century and was named for the maple trees that were planted in front of the main house.

The gardens of the farm were created in 1981 and were expanded in later years into what can be visited today.

The farm features 13 themed gardens, a natural play area for kids, picnic areas, and a wildflower walking trail.

Each of the gardens is quite varied. Herbs, pollinator plants, fragrance plants, trees, wines, and many different varieties of flowers are well-represented here.

A group of dedicated volunteer maintainers called the Maple Hill Gardeners tend to the gardens throughout the year.

In addition to wandering the gardens on your own, guided garden tours and presentations are also available via reservations.