Foliage Report for October 22, 2024
Across the Granite State, forests are simply glowing with electric color and leaf peepers will find evidence of fall just about anywhere. Get off the beaten path to find those hidden views, and
be courteous to other leaf peepers as we all enjoy this seasonal show.
Great North Woods: Past Peak
While the forests have surpassed peak foliage conditions, that doesn’t mean the landscapes are colorless. In the southern portion of the region, you’ll find shimmering scenes where the last of the leaves have clung tight to the treetops, especially in the Lancaster area. We hear a ride along Route 135 from Littleton north still hides some colorful views, but leaf loss continues to slowly strip the landscapes. On the east side, we hear the areas of Gorham, Berlin, and Shelburne are shining with color despite the beginning of leaf loss, so following Route 2 through 16 north will offer a scenic ride while the last of the leaves hang on to the treetops.
White Mountains Region: Peak / Past Peak
The White Mountains region has not given up the foliage yet! While the entire region has begun to see leaf loss, rest assured there are still plenty of opportunities to find bountiful forests decked in bold autumn color. We hear the western portion of the White Mountains continues to shine with landscapes enveloped in a mosaic of auburn, crimson, and golden leaves from Campton through North Woodstock. To the east, dazzling colors are still present in the landscapes around North Conway, where deep plum and fiery orange leaves stand out among colorful forests. The Mount Washington Valley remains colored in foliage as well, and we hear there are plenty of seasonal sights lingering in North Conway. Make plans to see the last of the foliage over the next week for the best views!
Lakes Region: Peak Foliage
In the Lakes Region, the forests are shining with mesmerizing hues of sunny yellow and blazing orange – especially along the northern border of the region from Plymouth through Ossipee and Effingham. We hear reports of peak foliage conditions in the eastern part of the region – and leaf peepers looking for an outdoor excursion can try the Cotton Valley Rail Trail near the intersection of Rt. 16 in Wakefield and along NH Rt. 109 past Lovell Lake for colorful views. In Sanbornton, the landscapes have begun to shed some leaves – but the overall scenery remains in bountiful color. Route 109 from Wolfeboro through Moultonborough along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee will show off views of the state’s largest lake framed in deep autumn hues for those looking for another scenic ride.
Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region: Peak / Past Peak
The foliage continues to shine in the Dartmouth / Lake Sunapee region. While many trees have begun to shed their leaves, the foliage left behind remains vibrant with golden shades of yellow, orange, and red seen along the treetops. Higher elevations in the Wilmot and New London areas reveal landscapes under a thick canopy of colorful foliage, along with significant leaf loss seen in the forests below. We hear reports of great color in the southwestern towns of Langdon and Charlestown; those looking for a scenic ride can follow Route 12A north from Langdon to find roadside views this week. At this point in the season we are losing leaves quickly, so be sure to get out and see the wonderland of fall color while you can!
Monadnock Region: Past Peak
As the Monadnock Region moves past peak foliage, you’ll find many of the vibrant leaves rustling along forest floors with bare trees evident in the landscapes. But there are still plenty of beautiful foliage sights left to be seen as the colors wane to deeper shades of tan, russet, and orange. We hear the ride from Francestown to Peterborough along Route 136 is a colorful drive, and Route 101 has held its color well through this point in the season. Towns along the southern border of the state are still seeing lively color, especially from Fitzwilliam through Mason. Leaf peeping in this picturesque region is a delight in itself with less crowds and more space to explore the colorful landscapes in their prime!
Merrimack Valley: Peak Foliage
The Merrimack Valley is currently decked in spectacular color, with glowing orange and sunny yellow leaves shining along the treetops. Cherry red leaves accent the forests and offer dynamic foliage views across the region. We hear of great views along Route 101 east from Manchester, so be sure to save time for a detour to see the sights! Areas surrounding Canterbury have seen the start of leaf loss, and the remaining foliage has begun to fade into deeper autumn shades along the treetops. Further south, you’ll spot breathtaking color along the roadsides all the way down to the Massachusetts border. Now is the perfect time to enjoy a detour along back roads to hunt for those hidden foliage views while the region is under a camouflage of bright color!
Seacoast: 85% Color Change - Peak Foliage
The Seacoast has welcomed more color to the landscapes and the forests have become illuminated in bold color throughout the region. Along Route 101 east, the roadsides are cloaked in a bounty of autumn color with deep orange, golden, and rouge leaves lighting up the landscapes. I-95 from Seabrook through Portsmouth is flanked by colorful foliage, where a variety of hues including coral and plum have been spotted along roadsides. Higher elevations in Raymond depict forests washed in autumn color – and while some leaf loss is already evident, the overall landscapes are studded with breathtaking fall sights. You’ll want to plan your leaf peeping excursion this week or next for the best color!