Foliage Report for October 8, 2024
Great North Woods: Peak Foliage
The state’s northernmost region continues to shine with brilliant foliage as sunny yellow, bold orange, and crimson leaves adorn the treetops. There have been reports of some leaf loss particularly around Pittsburg, so a visit this week will likely grant the best views of the remaining foliage. The foliage is beginning to dull in Dixville Notch, but the orange and red hues are still worth a trip north this week. We hear the leaves in the areas surrounding Lancaster continue to illuminate the landscapes with glowy colors, so a drive along Route 16 north should be a scenic ride this week.
White Mountains Region: 70% - Peak Foliage
The foliage continues to drench the White Mountains in electric fall tones. The Bretton Woods area seems to be hovering around peak, so be sure to pay a visit over this next week or so to find the best sights. In the eastern part of the region, the colors have arrived at a slower pace this season – but the vibrant shades of orange and deep rouge have certainly been worth the wait. You’ll find forests in a camouflage of autumn colors near Conway – and we hear the ride along Route 16 north is currently awash in magnificent colors. On the western side of the mountains, you’ll find great colors present in the North Woodstock area, and we recommend a ride along Route 112 to take in the sights. Throughout Waterville Valley, glowing orange, lime green, and golden leaves shimmer in the treetops; and a scenic drive along NH Route 49 might be worth your time.
Lakes Region: 40 - 60% Color Change
Over the weekend, a rush of color arrived to the southern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee near Gilford, where striking orange, yellow, and red hues have splattered the forests among unchanged trees. Landscapes continue to lighten in color in the northwest part of the region through Rumney; and Plymouth has welcomed strikingly bold red and orange foliage to the current mix. From higher elevations in Holderness, you’ll see the gentle glow of lime green and pale yellow beginning to cloak the forests. For a leaf peeping adventure this week, the 12-mile
Cotton Valley Rail Trail from Wolfeboro through Wakefield is hiding some colorful foliage sites, so why not carve out time to get out and hunt for color as the season progresses!
Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region: 70 - 85% Color Change
Lebanon, Hanover and Lyme continue to glow with striking autumn colors, and Route 10 along the Connecticut River is shaping up to be a scenic ride this week. Route 4 between Enfield and Canaan is also a good bet for striking color, with great views across Mascoma Lake. From Andover through New London, the forests are drenched in a dusty haze of orange and gold, with bright colored trees calling attention in the landscapes at lower elevations. The forests surrounding Lake Sunapee are breathtaking at the moment, with peak conditions likely to present over this weekend and into next.
Monadnock Region: 75% - Peak Foliage
Forests in the Monadnock Region have begun to shed some leaves, but the landscapes are still studded with plenty of autumn color. Within the overall landscapes, the maples and other deciduous trees are presenting peak foliage with bright and bold hues, while the oak and beech leaves hold out for their transition. The leaves from Peterborough through Keene continue to glow in shades of orange, gold, and fiery red – and we hear Route 124 has an abundance of scenic vistas in store. Our leaf peepers say Route 101 between Keene and Milford continues to show off the best colors, with scenic mountains in the distance cloaked in full color against a forefront of evergreens. The
Wapack National Wildlife Refuge in Greenfield is also shining with colorful foliage, with the best views at higher elevations. The back roads that wind through the region are also in full color, so any recreational activities like biking will have the best experience along the quieter routes.
Merrimack Valley: 60 – 75% Color Change
Since our last report, the Merrimack Valley has taken on much more color – and we could even see peak conditions in some areas as soon as this weekend. We hear Route 202 East is displaying colorful roadsides, so a short detour to see the sights may be worth your time. In the Hillsborough area, you’ll find landscapes camouflaged in muted tones of rust and golden, and the sweeping views accessed along the
Hedgehog Ridge Trail offer views of the surrounding forests for miles. There has been great color spotted along roadsides from Loudon through Belmont, and reports of dazzling orange and yellow leaves in Canterbury may be worth a look this week.
Seacoast: 30 – 45% Color Change
Swirls of crimson and auburn are displaying along Route 101 from Raymond east, and as the weather begins to cool – it finally feels like fall! The same is true along Route 16 from Dover through Rochester, where huddles of electric orange and maroon leaves illuminate roadsides. Downtown Portsmouth is speckled with bold red and soft yellow leaves among early-turned trees. Along the coastline, landscapes continue to collect more color by the day – especially from Hampton through Exeter. It’s still fairly early for widespread color, but we can look for more foliage to develop in the coming weeks.