Great North Woods Fall Foliage Report
Although the Great North Woods is the first region to experience "peak color". The area north of the White Mountains usually begins to turn color in early to mid September. This year, the recent moisture is showing signs of a brillant fall foliage season. The peak color in the Great North Woods area; which includes Dixville Notch, Colebrook, Pittsburg, and Berlin is from the 3rd week of September to early October.The Magalloway Tower in Pittsburg is a great spot for scenic views. Follow Rt. 3 to Magalloway Road, and follow the 8-mile dirt path to the trailhead. A 60-minute hike up a steep and rocky trail brings you to the tower.
Dartmouth Lake Sunapee Fall Foliage Report
The foliage in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region reaches peak color in early to mid October. The Upper Valley continues to display some nice bright colors, and the landscapes well past Columbus Day weekend. Travelers to the area may want to explore the following day trip: Start in Newbury and travel north on Route 103A to King Hill Road; continue to the intersection of Route 4A and 11 and stop at the Cilleyville covered bridge. Keep going north on Route 4A to Gile State Forest, and look for the trail head for a short hike to Butterfield Pond.
Lakes Region Fall Foliage Report
The fall foliage color in the New Hampshire Lakes region is usually looking quite nice in early to mid October. The regions nearly 300 lakes and ponds show bright oranges and reds among warm golds and browns by Columbus Day weekend every year. Hikers will appreciate the bright colors across the Belknap Mountain Range, and Mount Major provides a sweeping view of Lake Winnipesaukee from the summit; the trailhead is on Route 11 just past the town of Alton. A scenic cruise is still a great way to see the vibrant colors in this region, and the area has several options available.
Merrimack Valley Region Fall Foliage Report
Plenty of color is what you’ll find in the Merrimack Valley region. What most would describe as "peak color" happens between the first few weeks of October. Described by leaf peepers as a ‘rainbow,’ the oranges, reds, golds and yellows begin to appear in mid September but Columbus Day weekend in October is always peak or near peak in and around the states largest city of Manchester.
Monadnock Region Fall Foliage Report
In the Monadnock region, the leaves begin to get colorful in late September. The brightest color is always after Columbus Day - with peak color usually between October 15th and 30th. There are plenty of roads to travel in this area and most of them are lined with enough warm oranges, scarlet reds, and deep golds to keep the show going for a while. As you travel these roads, be on the lookout for wild turkeys, deer, and migrating water birds. Mount Monadnock, with its 3,165-foot summit, is said to be the third most-climbed mountain in the world. There are over 40 miles of foot trails to the top, which reward climbers with views of all six New England states. Look for Monadnock State Park on Route 124 in Jaffrey to discover this popular mountain.
Seacoast Region Fall Foliage Report
In the Seacoast region fall foliage leaf peekers have the longest wait to see "peak color". The coastal city of Portsmouth and the surrounding region does not reach peak until late October. You'll find swamp maples and lowland golds well before that but wait until past Columbus Day to see the best of the reds. Then lookout, find bright yellows and every shade of red from deep maroon to the palest pink on all back roads. Route 1A north travels by eight sandy beaches which are practically empty now. Route 1B takes you through New Castle, home of Fort Stark and Fort Constitution Historic sites. There is a cool view of the Naval Academy in Maine from 1B as you head from New Castle to downtown Portsmouth.
White Mountains Fall Foliage Report
In the White Mountains region, the colors are fantastic for weeks. The higher elevations experience color in early October although Columbus Day weekend in mid October is always at peak color in the Mt. Washington Valley or Franconia Notch. The large variety of scenery and selection of lodging and attractions makes this region the most visited during Fall Foliage season. Our leaf peepers in this region are reporting another color, also – white! Some of the mountain summits are already dusted with snow, and the contrast of white above the bronze and gold is fascinating.
