The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a popular destination for fall tourists who flock to the region to witness breathtaking foliage, hike scenic trails, and experience the area’s natural beauty. Unfortunately, the influx of visitors during peak seasons also attracts scammers who target unsuspecting tourists. Here’s a detailed look at the seven most common scams that visitors should be aware of when visiting the White Mountains in autumn.
1. Fake Tour Guides Promising Secret Spots
Fall is the perfect time to explore the White Mountains, and many tourists seek guided tours to ensure they don’t miss out on the best viewpoints and hidden gems. Scammers take advantage of this by posing as local tour guides, often approaching tourists near popular hiking spots such as Franconia Notch or the Mount Washington area. These fraudulent guides offer “exclusive” tours to secret scenic spots, charging significant fees for what turn out to be easily accessible public trails. The so-called secret viewpoints are typically well-known and free to access, leaving tourists disappointed and out of pocket. Visitors should always verify the legitimacy of a tour guide by checking for licenses or using reputable companies.
2. Parking Lot Scams at Trailheads and Scenic Viewpoints
One of the most common scams in the White Mountains involves fake parking attendants who charge for parking at locations that are actually free. Popular hiking spots, like the Artist’s Bluff trailhead or the base of Mount Lafayette, are prime targets. Scammers dress in official-looking vests and set up signs to make it appear as if they are authorized to collect parking fees. Tourists, unfamiliar with the area, often pay without question. To avoid this scam, always check for signage from the local park service or consult official websites before paying for parking. Parking at many trailheads in the White Mountains is free or requires a nominal fee through an official permit.
3. Bogus Accommodation Listings on Rental Sites
Fall is peak tourist season in the White Mountains, making it difficult to find last-minute accommodation. Scammers capitalize on this by posting fake rental listings on popular websites such as Airbnb, Vrbo, or Craigslist. These listings offer beautiful cabins or homes near top attractions like Cannon Mountain or the Kancamagus Highway at unbeatable prices. Tourists often book and pay in advance, only to arrive and discover that the property doesn’t exist or is already occupied by someone else. Always use trusted platforms, read reviews carefully, and avoid listings that seem too good to be true.
4. Charity Fraud Along Scenic Routes
Tourists driving along the scenic Kancamagus Highway or other well-known fall foliage routes may encounter individuals soliciting donations for charities. While some may be legitimate, there are also scammers who take advantage of the generous spirit of tourists enjoying their vacation. These fraudsters create fake charities or exaggerate claims about needing help for local causes, then pocket the donations. To avoid this scam, verify any charity before donating, especially if solicited on the street. Legitimate charities will have proper documentation and a clear online presence.
5. Overpriced “Exclusive” Parking Spots
Scammers frequently target visitors to the Mount Washington Auto Road by offering exclusive parking spots or premium services that sound appealing to those unfamiliar with the area. These con artists promise closer parking or guaranteed access to spots near scenic areas, charging inflated prices for what turns out to be regular public parking. This scam often leaves visitors feeling scammed as they realize later that they paid far more than necessary for no real benefit. It’s important to note that while Mount Washington Auto Road and other popular attractions do have fees, they are clearly posted and not negotiable.
6. Fake Toll Booths on Secondary Roads
In an attempt to trick tourists out of their money, some scammers set up fake toll booths on less-traveled roads near popular fall foliage destinations. These booths are typically manned by individuals in reflective vests who demand payment for access to scenic routes or private roads. This scam is particularly common on secondary roads leading to trails like the Welch-Dickey Loop or waterfalls in White Mountain National Forest. These tolls are not legitimate, as most roads in the area are maintained by the state or federal government and do not require tolls. Visitors should be cautious and check maps or official sources for any legitimate toll roads.
7. Photography Scams at Scenic Viewpoints
With the beauty of fall foliage as a backdrop, many tourists want to capture the perfect photograph to commemorate their trip. Scammers posing as professional photographers take advantage of this by offering impromptu photography services at popular scenic spots such as the summit of Mount Washington or along the Kancamagus Highway. These fake photographers often ask for payment upfront, promising to send high-quality images later. Tourists are then either sent poor-quality photos or, worse, never receive any images at all. To avoid this scam, it’s best to rely on trusted professional photography services that have verified portfolios or simply use your own camera or smartphone.
Protecting Yourself from Scams in the White Mountains
While these scams are prevalent during the fall, there are steps tourists can take to protect themselves and enjoy their visit to the White Mountains without falling victim to fraud.
- Research and Plan Ahead: Before embarking on your trip, spend time researching the areas you plan to visit. Familiarize yourself with official parking lots, legitimate toll roads, and trailheads. This way, you can easily spot a scam if something seems off.
- Book Through Reputable Sources: When booking accommodations, always use trusted platforms with verified reviews. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Pay attention to red flags such as new listings without reviews or requests for payment outside the rental platform.
- Trust Official Signage and Sources: At trailheads, scenic routes, and parking areas, always look for official signage indicating fees or rules. If someone approaches you asking for payment without official credentials, it’s best to decline and verify with park rangers or local authorities.
- Use Cash Sparingly: Many of the scams in the White Mountains rely on tourists paying in cash. Whenever possible, use credit or debit cards for transactions, as these provide a layer of protection in case of fraud. Scammers are less likely to target individuals who insist on using traceable payment methods.
- Verify Charities Before Donating: Legitimate charities will have clear information available online. If you are solicited for a donation on the street or in a parking lot, politely decline and take time to research the organization before giving money.
The White Mountains offer unparalleled beauty, especially in the fall, but tourists should remain cautious of scams that aim to exploit their desire to experience the area’s best sights. By staying vigilant and relying on reputable services, visitors can enjoy a safe and unforgettable trip.
