Fall Foliage Report

October 28, 2025

Great North Woods:  Past Peak

Foliage season has drawn to a close in the Great North Woods, leaving behind a peaceful, late-autumn landscape brushed in bronze and evergreen. In Pittsburg and the northern stretches, only a few soft gold and copper leaves linger at the forest’s edge, framed by deep stands of spruce and fir. While the color show has faded, it’s an ideal time for visitors who enjoy the quiet side of the season—perfect for wildlife watching along the Connecticut Lakes or spotting moose at dusk. Scenic drives up Route 3 or Route 145 now offer broad views through the bare trees, revealing distant ridgelines and open valleys. Anglers and photographers will find calm beauty at any of the Connecticut Lakes, while those looking for solitude can explore the wooded trails around Coleman State Park or Dixville Notch as the first hints of frost settle in.

White Mountains Region: Past Peak

The White Mountains have moved past peak color, but the landscape remains striking in its late-season contrast—evergreen ridges, golden meadows, and the soft grays of open hardwoods. Most of the bright foliage has fallen, yet pockets of russet and gold still glimmer along lower elevations and sheltered valleys. With the canopy thinned, long-range views have opened dramatically across the Kancamagus Highway, Route 302, and Route 2, making this a great week for scenic drives and photography. Visitors can still enjoy the autumn mood by exploring small villages, stopping at a local café, or driving through covered bridges as the region eases gracefully toward winter.

Lakes Region:  Peak/ Past Peak Foliage

Wow! Brilliant conditions have been reported along the southern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee—and the forests in Gilford are alive with electric color. From sunny yellow to glowing shades of orange, the forests have simply exploded in fiery shades of color. At the foothills of the White Mountains in Plymouth, the colors have held strong and the hillsides everywhere are splattered in a mosaic of blazing red and burnt orange hues. Don’t miss your opportunity to conquer West Rattlesnake Mountain to earn views of the peak foliage! But local trails at lower elevations will also be colorful this week, and we hear the trails at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center are especially vibrant. West of Lake Winnisquam, we hear the forests are drenched in peak colors through Bristol, and Route 132 is a colorful ride this week. Get out and see the colors while you can!

Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region: Peak/Past Peak Foliage

In the northeast portion of the region, the colors remain bold along distant hills and treetops—and you’ll find showstopping seasonal views most everywhere you look. Route 118 from Canaan through Warren will show off the late-season orange and russet hiding in the landscapes, so be sure to save time to explore for color this week while you still can. Travelling along I-89, the road is coasted in forests stripped of color, with sparse foliage standing out among bare branches. But throughout the region, you’ll stumble upon peak foliage conditions in small towns, along riverbanks, and among quiet trails as you explore this week. The town of Sunapee is lush with orange and yellow leaves, doubled by their reflection in the quiet waters of the Sugar River.

Monadnock Region: Past Peak

As the Monadnock Region moves past peak and trees shed their colorful canopies, the final hints of color stand out remarkably among the naked forests. With bare branches resembling the skeletal remains of the once-vibrant foliage, the region has embraced a spooky-feel just in time for Halloween. Late-season color still decorates small towns and farmlands, and Route 101 west through Keene is still coasted in deep autumn shades. For those eager to find the last hints of autumn— consider the scenic loop via Route 124 past Monadnock State Park toward Jaffrey, then north on Route 123 into the quiet town of Peterborough where the last flickers of foliage illuminate at sunset and by early morning. While the foliage continues its departure, the Monadnock Region still offers seasonal sights to behold. Where charming covered bridges arc over waterways framed in late-season color, orchards await a final apple-harvest, and elevated overlooks still grant glimpses of late-arriving color in the landscapes below.

Merrimack Valley: Peak Foliage

The Merrimack Valley is officially glowing with color—just in time for Halloween. From Manchester through Hooksett and Auburn, a bouquet of sepia, honey, and amber leaves huddle along treetops. We hear Lake Massabesic is dappled in color, reflected in the royal blue lake waters. This week will be an ideal time to explore trails at the NH Audubon Massabesic Center. If you’re looking for a colorful drive this week, we hear conditions along Route 27 from Hooksett east are bold and beautiful. This time of year is also an ideal opportunity to explore the 40-mile Currier & Ives Scenic Byway, touring through small villages and riverside stops all under the decoration of fall foliage. For a quick afternoon outing, take a stroll through Livingston Park in Manchester or along the trails at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, where the woods are bursting with gold and orange tones, or stop in downtown Concord to enjoy the fall scenery paired with local shops and cafés.

Seacoast:  Peak Foliage

New Hampshire’s Seacoast is bursting with fall color! Throughout the region, you’ll find shades of crimson, amber, and gold shimmering along treetops. Route 16 from Dover through Rochester is a colorful drive this week, showcasing glimpses of the Cocheco River along the way which reflects the seasonal sights. Odiorne Point State Park in Rye has brewed new color over the past weekend too, and along trails you’ll find pops of orange and golden along the treetops, making a perfect autumn escape to nature. Quiet downtowns like Exeter and Dover are perfect destinations to explore this week without crowds, where brick buildings and white-steepled chapels bring the classic fall feel to life. The colors have been moving quickly this season, so make time this week to see the foliage while in peak condition!