Fall Foliage Report

October 7, 2025

Great North Woods:  Peak/Past Peak

The bursting foliage that colored landscapes just last week has begun to abandon the trees in New Hampshire’s northernmost region. Leaves are beginning to lose their luster and vibrance as many of the early-turned trees have begun to shed their leaves. Conditions across the state have been mixed this year and there are still transitioning trees in the landscapes, so you may still find pops of color still present especially closer to the southern part of the region from Northumberland through Gorham. Check out the South Pond Recreation Area in Groveton this week to catch canopies comingled with fiery red, orange, and sunny yellow leaves.

White Mountains Region: Peak/Past Peak

Peak foliage conditions have passed their pinnacle in the White Mountains, and many locations are reporting leaf loss as the colors begin to dull. Some areas like the Mount Washington Valley still have good colors to be found that stand out among bare trees that have shed their leaves. Overlooks in Jefferson still reveal landscapes doused in vibrant orange and red colors, so you may find surprising spots of bold color still present in northern areas. Waterville Valley remains under a golden glow of orange and sunny yellow leaves, and is showing off peak conditions! Make a detour off I-93 and follow NH Route 49 to see the sights, bike along colorful paths, or hop onboard a scenic chairlift ride to take in the vibrant views. As for the rest of the region, from higher elevations you can still see a wash of orange and red pooled along treetops, so make a plan to ride a scenic chairlift or gondola, or strap into a zipline ride to take in the views while they last!

Lakes Region:  55-65% Color Change

Now that we’ve entered October, the Lakes Region is beginning to embrace the season with exciting bursts of new color appearing each day. North of Lake Winnipesaukee, we hear reports of glowing colors in Holderness through Tamworth, so a drive along Route 113 should grant colorful vistas this week. In Gilford, conditions remain mixed with early-turned trees donating their leaves to carpet the forest floors while new trees just begin their transition to color. But the overall landscapes are beginning to welcome more color each day. Waves of varying color continue to wash over the region, and we expect the coming weeks to deliver a quick show.

Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region: 65-85% Color Change

Along the border of Vermont from Hanover through Lyme, we hear reports of deep colors present in the landscapes. While the region hasn’t quite reached peak foliage, conditions are changing rapidly and we can expect to see more development in the next two weeks. Route 12A from Charlestown through Lebanon will also be a colorful ride this week, chasing the riverbanks of the Connecticut River. From the summit of Mount Kearsarge, it’s evident that trees are beginning to shed their leaves just as others are brewing up color. Red seems to be the predominant shade in the landscapes at this stage from a higher perspective, but more orange and golden leaves can be seen along roadsides and low-laying areas this week.

Monadnock Region:  90-100% Color Change

Colors have brewed strong in the Monadnock Region, and this week—the hillsides and forests have brightened even more to reveal peak foliage! Glowy orange and golden yellow leaves light up landscapes most everywhere you look, and while some green continues to be present, the majority of the trees have transitioned into gorgeous fall color. Make a detour off Route 32 in Swanzey to join Swanzey Lake Road for a drive that will bring that quintessential autumn wonderland feeling to life. From there, you can veer onto East Shore Road to encircle Swanzey Lake which is reportedly overflowing with color! Continue on to join Holbrook Ave, which will lead you to Westport Village Road where the Slate Covered Bridge will serve as your destination and perfect photo opp! Or, we hear Nelson Road which connects Nelson and Harrisville is also shining with color this week. For another way to enjoy the seasonal sights, why not explore the Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail or paddle along one of the region’s many lakes, ponds, or rivers to appreciate the color!

Merrimack Valley: 45-65% Color Change

Conditions continue to develop in the Merrimack Valley, and this week has brought new swatches of color to the landscapes. We are seeing a mix of colorful leaves standing in clusters of bare trees and trees that still have green leaves. Routes going East are showing off brighter shades of red and orange along treetops, especially along Route 101 and 202 towards the coast. Livingston Park in Manchester offers wooded trails that may show off color this week, so be sure to get off the beaten path and explore to find those seasonal sights! With mostly clear weather through the rest of the week, now is a great time for dining in outdoor patios to take in the fall color, visiting a winery while colorful leaves brighten the views, or visiting a local farm to get in the autumn spirit as the colors continue to develop!  

Seacoast:  40-55% Color Change

The foliage has developed quickly on New Hampshire’s coast, with some spots bragging with near-peak conditions as others just begin to welcome color! The transition is magical to witness, but if you’re looking for more developed color, we hear of strong hues reported in Newmarket. The drive along Bay Road is reportedly colorful, which traces along the shores of the Great Bay where deep shades of orange and red have been spotted along the coastline. This week may be a great time to take the short hike up Stratham Hill to enjoy views from the fire tower, or walk the trail at Wiggin Farm off Grant Road in Newmarket. From Durham through Rochester, exciting bursts of orange and red have left their mark on treetops. The conditions are shaping up fast in this region so stay tuned for updates!