The best time for fall foliage in New England, is?

Is in the fall!  But you knew that was coming… 🙂 Actually, it will be during Columbus Day Weekend more on this below…

Leaf peeping is, of all the activities in New England, one of the easiest to do. You just get on a bus, train, car, or even on your bike and go. You can even step out the back door if you are so lucky as to live in New England and take a walk through the fall foliage colors.

The things that make fall foliage leaf peeping popular.

1. You don’t even have to be a professional, all it takes is 1  tree and you’re considered successful.
2. You don’t need special tools; it can be done in the backyard. (assumes you live in New England)
3. You can travel to where the color is or just wait for it to get to you… (see No #2 assumption)
4. You DO have to get off the computer, (but finish reading this first!)
5. Walking or riding yields excellent results and it makes a great family activity.

I said above that Columbus Day Weekend is the best… Why do I suggest you travel on the BUSIEST weekend in October???

I constantly tell people in my blog that, “there is a reason why Columbus Day weekend is so popular”. As the color moves south across New England, it does so in leaps and bounds across the landscape.

If the weather cooperates and we have bright sunny days and cool star-filled nights then the color will stretch across the map in a wide swath of red, orange, and gold.

And this weekend is historically the time of the widest band of color! From somewhere in Northern New England down to Massachusetts (If we are lucky) will be at high color. Notice I didn’t say “Peak”, high color where 50% or greater of the trees have or are turning various colors of the rainbow is a real possibility. Peak is subjective and when found, is usually in small swaths of hillsides. I’ll be quite happy finding a huge area of “high” color any day.

CDW (Columbus Day) is just one weekend what about the other 3+ weeks?

You may not be able to or even want to arrive during the 7 day period (6-12 Oct) Early works in the more Northern areas and will sometimes slide down as far as the Kancamagus Hwy (Route 112 in the White Mountains). But in general, you are looking at higher elevations. I have found good or spots of great color on the Kanc around the 1st of Oct but in Conway/Jackson which is North of the Kanc, the colors are only 5-15% towards turning.

Does each week passing mean I HAVE to move further South?

NO! Well Maybe… Hmmm, I don’t know… How is that for a firm answer? 🙂 Generally, the waves of color don’t start or end on a weekly basis. The fall colors are very fluid in their movement south and if the temps warm up they can even slow down and you could arrive during a heatwave… (none of us want this but it can happen…)

Each week from the last week of Sept through Halloween you will/should continue to move further south till you hit the Ocean. Please stop at this point because at this point I guarantee you will not find much color under the ocean no matter what the Beatles might say about an underwater garden… Talk to my friend Tom Gaitley who will disagree about the underwater garden and beautiful colors. But no maples, birch, or oaks in those gardens. (He’s a master dive instructor)

Exploring other methods of travel

I’m usually in the car trying to get ideas for what to report for all of you, so speed is important for me. You may like biking or hiking to go and explore the colors but no matter what you choose to get around, there are a ton of ways to explore the New England fall colors. Below is one idea…

Taking a relaxing trip through the autumn colors

There are so many ways to get out and enjoy New England’s fall colors, from walking trails to old-time railroads. The Hobo Railroad in New Hampshire is in Meredith, on Lake Winnipesaukee which will take you on a short trip along the lake.

Another RR is up in Lincoln, The “Hobo” follows along the Pemigewasset River on a memorable journey through the heart of the White Mountains.

Then there is the Conway Scenic Railway that travels through the heart of the White Mountains from North Conway to Fabyan and then back again. A separate Valley Train explores the countryside with trips to Conway and Bartlett. Highlights include dining cars on both routes and the first-class Notch dome car.

Vermont also has its Green Mountain Railroad and the White River flyer with summer and fall round-trip excursions. More information can be found on my train touring page.

I also need to mention that each year will be different as far as when and where all this glorious fall color will show up. so stay tuned to my blog for up-to-date articles about the state of the fall colors looks like to me.

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

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