Foliage update June 2025 – New England
I’ve been getting inquiries about when my next foliage update will be. Well, here it is! We are all in summer mode now, and in Salem, we are looking at 90+ degrees today. But in my heart, I’m dreaming of a morning like this one on Mirror Lake in Thornton, New Hampshire. A cool morning to be sure, causing a foggy mist to rise from the still warm waters.
Someone is thinking the same thoughts because this image has sold four times in the past 3 days in my Fine Art Gallery as products (yes, they have mugs and totes, you can get my artwork on them).
The Critical Factors, Temperatures, and Rainfall
Earlier this spring, I was very worried about the drought conditions throughout New England. Luckily, I’m able to keep an eye of the drought because NOAA has been able to produce this product despite all the crazy cutbacks to the scientists and critical technicians.
Read the Caption for this image…
Currently, we are not experiencing any droughts anywhere in New England. Additionally, as of today, we are expecting “AVERAGE” rainfall over the summer, from August through October. This does not mean a “guarantee” that we WILL have a perfect amount of rainfall. It only means that the statistical average shows that we “SHOULD” get an average amount of rain..

Does this mean we are out of danger of flooding?
No… This only means the people at NOAA who watch these things don’t “THINK” we will get more than we normally should expect. Also, there is the other shoe that IS getting ready to drop! I fully expect to see a higher incidence of Anthracnose fungus on the maples. Will this ruin an entire hillside or valley? NO… But you may see trees in a row that are awesome, but 1-2 trees in the row may be bare or brown instead of red and orange.
Temperatures
We had a bit of a cool spring, and we are expected to have a “hot” summer. The summer is supposed to be hot (in the 80s), but if we spend the summer in the 90s to 100s, then I’ll worry. Right now it is what it is, and what I’ve been telling you for many years is… When does it start to cool down?
Right now, it is supposed to be above average temps, and for the colors to start turning with really bright colors, we need the days to be sunny with highs in the 70s and lows in the mid to upper 30s.
What Jeff Thinks will happen
First, what I’m watching for as far as rainfall is this: can get through July without getting one of those massive flooding events that hit New England in July 2023 and July 2024. So I’ll start breathing again in August.
Second, for the temperatures, I’m expecting that we will (most likely) get the sunny part, definitely the 70s part, but the lows will be in the low 50s, and if we are lucky, the upper 40s. This means we will see a “slow-burn” as far as color development.

So, as I tell you Every Single Year, it really depends on the overall weather that we actually get. It really depends on the cumulative effects of the weather blended together that determine how bright and long-lasting the fall colors will be.
Make sure you sign up for my newsletters to stay abreast of what is happening with the fall colors.
How to Plan Your New England Fall Foliage Trip
To start your planning process, look at the menu at the top of any page on my website, click the planning menu, and this will show you things to help you START your Planning. I’ve gathered lots of ideas from Scenic drives to lodging ideas based on places we’ve stayed at.

Click the “Things to Do” and check out hiking tours, train tours, bike tours, farm stands, and so much more! I hope this tip will help you navigate my website.
Dates will “Maybe” start in Sept!
I think early arrivals in New England will see light color in northern Vermont and northern New Hampshire by the last 3-4 days of September. The better color will be more prevalent in the first week of October. In Maine, I think really good color will show up in Stratford and Eustis, Maine, which has for the past 5-9 years been showing above average fall colors from the 20th to the 30th of Sept. I assume this area turns earlier because of the geography of this area. It just turns early. BUT most of what is seen is in the wet bogs via drones. So take a run through there and let me know what you see.
Jeff Foliage Folger
Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage
- Visit my Fine Art America Gallery
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Hi Jeff. Great website. Stumbled on to this while searching about the NEK. We just moved to Stowe last year, from San Diego and getting “adjusted” (weather, rain, snow, constant cloudy days…). Looking forward to some landscape photography this year.
Yeah New England has it good and bad points. If you don’t like the weather, give it 5 minutes, it’ll change.
So many beautiful areas and most of what is on my site is good all year round… Questions? you know where to find me
Hi Jeff! Love your updates. I’m planning to visit Maine in Autumn 2025 and my dream is to be around for peak foliage colors.
1. What is your guess for which weeks to see the best colors on the coast: specifically Belfast, and Bar Harbor?
2. And should I hit one or the other first? Not sure if being north by an hour and being right on the water affect the colors.
Thanks!
Belfast is much further up there so 10-15 Oct and Bar Harbor 15 to 25 Oct…
Yes closeness to the water maters (delays) but further north sooner and further south later still applies
Hi Jeff. Would you recommend a trip to New hampshire Oct 2-7 or 16-20 for best color? Thanks for your help!
Northern NH (White Mountains) then 2-7. Way southern NH, then 16 to 20 but even then it may be slim pickings…
Hi!
I love your site. So informative and helpful! We are planning a small family trip but it’s not until October 16-22nd. Do you feel the colors will still be vibrant and leaves still on trees around then or is that typically too late. We would be looking to stay near Woodstock, VT. Please let me know your thoughts!
Well 16-22nd I would say Southern NH/VT or along the Maine coast and into Massachusetts…
Hi Jeff, great article! We are planning to come to NH, flume gorge, white mountains, and then driving to Stowe and Woodstock during 3rd Oct to 7th Oct. is this a good time to catch bright fall colors?
Thank you for your recommendation in advance!
As far as I can tell right now you should be good, Woodstock will just be beginning to color up but it will be pretty. Pick up a NH/VT Gazetteer in my amazon store.
Hi! If we wanted to do a trip to Woodstock, Kancamagus Highway and end in kennebunkport, do you think starting in Woodstock October 10 is too late for peak foliage? Or should we start earlier in Woodstock like October 3 or 6?
Here is Woodstock Vermont on Oct October 27th
But this is an oak tree so you trade one color for another. Usually the colors will come to Woodstock around 5-8 October so 10 Oct should be pretty…
But just because someone tells you a place is past peak, doesn’t mean it is, It might mean it didn’t impress them… I have to repeat this to myself… Often…
Check my comment to Marcela in the first foliage article this year https://jeff-foliage.com/2025/03/02/2025-fall-foliage-forecast-for-new-england/ She wanted to know the came things
Hi! Thank you for all of your insight! Would you suggest Kennebunkport with day trips to NH October 11-19 or go October 18-25?
This is a tough one, I might try the earlier dates because I could but now that I live an hour or 2 further away, I might play it safe. look at what you really want to see. Remember along the coast there are more oaks and less maples and the fall colors come later. so “In General” I will say later…
I would try the 11-19 but this is mostly just a soft guess because the coast is so hard to call. It really depends on what the air temps do… But I feel you will enjoy these dates… Let me know when you get back.
Jeff, Thanks for sharing your passion. I have to pick a week soon & live with it. I’m planning on starting in Boston & then hitting NH-Vermont- Gun to your head-what month/week would you choose? No pressure. haha
I would look at 5-10 October, Boston “might” have a little color by the 10th but most of it will be showing 25 Oct – 5 Nov…
So Plan on color up North in the White Mountains and the NEK (Northeast Kingdom) of Vermont
4-10 Oct
Hi Jeff, This is a great site. I’m trying to determine dates to see the fall foliage. My options are Sept 28 – Oct 6 or Oct 8 – Oct 17. We are planning go to Conway NH, Northeast Kingdom, Smuggler’s Notch, and then to Camden Maine area. What dates would you recommend? Thanks
with those locations and dates… do the 8-17 and start in Smugg Notch and NEK (Northeast Kingdom) moving to Conway (always later) and then lastly Camden…
Hi Jeff! Love your recommendations! We’re planning a trip through Upstate New York to Vermont (Stowe, Woodstock), possibly New Hampshire if there’s time. What dates would you recommend for good fall foliage but lesser crowds? Thank you!
I would do the weeks leading up to the Columbus Day Weekend 27 Sept to 9 Oct…
Hi Jeff! Love your site and am so appreciative of your insights! If we were to plan a fall trip the last weekend of Sept (26-28) where would you recommend we go for the best chances being on the early end? Thank you!
Carrabassett Maine, (Eustis, and Stratton)

This was a shot from 28 Sept 2021
My husband and I just booked a trip where we will be flying into Boston September 29 and driving straight through to Waterbury or Stowe VT for a night. We plan on getting up early AM and driving around the area on September 30 and then down Kancamagus Hwy. to North Conway for one night. From there we would like to head to the coast in lower Maine and travel down back to Boston. We are flying back home on October 3rd. Should we reverse our trip starting with the coast first to ensure a better fall foliage on our drive through Stowe VT and Conway NH? Any recommendation would be of great value.
do the coast by flying into Portland and see the lighthouse and have some lobster. Drive to Bethlehem or Twin Mtn (I stayed here: https://jeff-foliage.com/2022/12/31/allegory-inn-in-carroll-new-hampshire/)
North side of the White mtns will be better. Drive down 302 (Crawford Notch and the Kanc)
Stowe can be pricy so make sure you look at surrounding towns as well and you can either return to Portland (cheaper for the rental car or drop off in Boston.
Hi Jeff,
Great New England source. Looking to spend 2 weeks in New England starting in Boston. We would like to include MA,NH,VT,CT and ME. Want some color but less crowds, which 2 week period would you suggest?
last week of Sept to the first week of Oct
Thanks so much!!!!
Hi Jeff!
I really enjoyed your article—it was such an insightful read! I’m currently planning a wedding for 2026 in Plymouth, NH, and we’re trying to lock in a date. Right now, we’re deciding between September 29th and October 9th.I know it’s still quite a ways off, but I’d love your thoughts: which of those dates do you think would be the safer bet for peak foliage and beautiful fall colors?
Thanks so much in advance!
Lexie Smith
I would go for Oct 9th
hi Jeff!
I am Italian and would love this October to visit New England with its beautiful fall colors.
I had thought about the dates from October 15 to the 25th, do you think it’s too late?
In case I should maybe move up a week? Thank you very much
Buongiorno Edoardo
It all depends on where… You want to see the fall colors!
Those dates would be good from the Lakes region of New Hampshire (NH) and south into Massachusetts (MA). If you are looking for the mountains (northern New England) to include the White Mtns of NH and the Green Mtns of Vermont, then I would say earlier by a week or two. (5-14 October). To help you plan your trips I recommend picking up a Gazetteer map book this is a link to my Amazon store and I have these in my car at all times. When planning a route, I find they are invaluable…
also…
check my Locations by state page where you can click on a state and read articles that feature something in that state.
I hope this helps
Thank you Jeff! I will pick the map, and thanks for the advise
I am a pastor taking a sabbatical for the month of September. Was planning a driving trip from Kansas City. Would I see any color the mid week of September (14-21 time frame?). I know if I pushed it off to the last week the chances would be better, but I would like a restful period (no driving, maybe sitting on a beach)before returning to work.
I think you should have good, comfortable weather during September. Even out in Kansas the Temps will have started to drop (or should have). The humidity in New England should be gone and the air will begin to get crisp, especially at night with lows in the 40s-50s. Depending on where you look will determine what your chances are. BUT! based on little driving and a beach residence I would say just pick a spot… Out on the Cape in Massachusetts, Along Rye Beach in New Hampshire, or Ogunquit/Camden Maine, you will find restful views, quiet gardens with autumn flowers putting on a fall show.
But the beach views and fall colors don’t “usually” mix (The fall colors show at the shoreline in late Oct-Nov). You should see some color in marshy areas where bushes and trees have their feet in water (or nearly). I’m sorry I can’t give you a bit more hope but If you talk to your host, they may know of some spots to check out locally…
Let me know what you find!
Hello Jeff! Thank you for your website!
My husband and I are planning to spend 7 days in New Hampshire and Vermont for the fall and it’s our first time here. We are looking for vibrant fall colors. What dates would you recommend approximately? Thank you for all you do 🙂
1-15 October are usually safe bets
I also recommending picking up a NH/VT Gazetteer in my Amazon store. I rarely leave home without one.
Hi Jeff,
This site is so helpful. I live in Georgia, and our schools have a week off in October for “Fall Break.” We would be flying up, probably to Boston, and renting a car specifically to travel around New England for leaf peeping and to experience all the quaint New England activities and culture with our kids, ages 6 and 9. We are not afraid of road tripping several hours in the car, and I am happy to stay one to two nights in a place and then move on in order to see as much as we can. Not only would I love your tips on places to go for color during that week, but also New England activities that are must-dos for families. Thanks!
Hi Megan, what dates are you planning on traveling. If earlier in October then I would land in Manchester New Hampshire (It’s a large airport) or if you are arriving later you can do Boston.
if earlier I will give you two words… CLARKS BEARS… Plus maybe more words… The kids will love that place. check this article, https://jeff-foliage.com/2022/08/05/fall-foliage-trip-planning-with-kids-in-mind/
And there is this article as well… https://jeff-foliage.com/2020/03/08/top-10-fall-foliage-things-to-do-in-new-england/
I also recommending picking up a NH/VT Gazetteer in my Amazon store
Hello! So thrilled I found this site! We are scheduled for North Woodstock October 13-15. Afterwards we head south into NY and PA, for a week. I’m getting the feeling we’ll be on the late side for peak color in the North Woodstock area. Even though it will likely be past peak maybe there will still be some nice color? If we trade a little less traffic for a little past peak maybe that’s ok? We’ll pick up more color heading south I guess. Do you think that’s an ok plan? I’m unable to change it at this point. Thanks so much!
Hi, you may want to put VT or NH depending on which state you are visiting… In other words both Vermont and New Hampshire have towns called Woodstock. BUT, luckily either one will look nice on those dates… Peak? that is anyone’s guess. In Woodstock Vermont last year on 31 Oct I was still finding pretty fall colors because when the maples start to go bare, the Oak trees begin to turn red… So, one person’s peak is another’s just gone by… but central NH or VT will look nice on those dates
My husband and I have used your site to help plan our last 2 trips to New England in the fall – thank you for being such a great resource! We are working on this year’s plans. Due to work obligations we are going later than usual – planning for October 30th through November 6th. Thinking of flying in/out of Boston as it’s an easier airport for flying to/from the west coast, but currently flying in/out of Portland, ME would be a suitable option as well. We LOVE Portland and plan to spend a couple days there again this time around. But we are trying to decide another place or two to spend some time in and see some pretty fall color during the late time of year we will be going – especially along the coast. Do you have some recommendations you can share with us? We are in our mid 30s, no kids (yet), and enjoy both quiet towns where we can explore the outdoors more, as well as the bustle of cities with plenty to do and see. Thank you again for your amazing site!
Congrats on traveling while you are young… I was that way myself at one time… 🙂
In Maine you have Ogunquit and Kennebunk (a short drive from Portland) In fact I would fly into portland and out of Boston. Salem will be winding down but you should still find it interesting but without so many people…
Take a ride into Concord MA and maybe a drive along the Mohawk Trail and down into the Litchfield hills of CT (Connecticut) and the quiet corner (pomfret and Woodstock CT)
Does this help?
go to my Amazon store and pick up a Maine, Massachusetts, or Connecticut Gazetteer.
This does help, thank you! Since I left my comment, we have researched a little more. What are your thoughts on either Portsmouth, NH or Camden, ME? Or Providence, RI?
Camden and Portsmouth are beautiful towns and Providence is as well but you have to go through Massachusetts which is a traffic nightmare… This is why we moved out of Salem… Traffic and too peopley…
Hi Jeff,
We’re from Phoenix, AZ, and excited to experience New England’s fall colors for the first time. While we have beautiful aspens up north, we’ve heard the foliage in your region is unmatched!
We’ll be in Boston from October 3–13 and would love your advice on the best route for peak foliage sightings. Also, should we book accommodations in advance, or is it feasible to reserve rooms as we go?
Thanks so much for your help—I found your site while researching our trip and really appreciate your insights!
Best,
Mary and Joe
After 20 years I’ve written about much of what you are interested in… I usually answer with article links to get you going…
https://jeff-foliage.com/2020/03/08/top-10-fall-foliage-things-to-do-in-new-england/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2024/09/14/hidden-gems-of-vermont-5-picture-perfect-towns-to-explore/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2023/12/21/tips-for-creating-your-autumn-vacation-itinerary-for-new-england/
and
https://jeff-foliage.com/2017/06/29/fall-foliage-primer-leaf-peeping/
These will get you going and when you get your plans together, go to my Amazon store and pick up a Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire/Vermont, or Connecticut Gazetteer
I suspect you will be more up in NH and VT with your dates and you can go to my locations by state page. Here you can choose a state and view articles centered on that state…
Hi Jeff,
How are you?
I’m from Italy, and I’m looking for a great road trip around New England, obviously want to see the vibrant colours of fall in Vermont, so I was thinking to spend a days in NH and VT, driving across the kancamago, between 10-15 October, you think it’s a good choice or too late?
Thank you in advance
Ciao!
Buongiorno…
I think in some areas of northern NH/VT you may be a little late but not too late.
IF the weather holds and we dont get any major storms ( and the leaves stay on the trees). You should be good.
Pick up a map book like the NH/VT Gazetteer either from my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/jeff_foliage/list/2B7NT3EYIIBN5?ref_=aip_sf_cur_spv_ofs_m
You can find them at gas stations or book stores locally but they are great for planning a trip. Points of interest, covered bridges or places that sound interesting…
Thank you Jeff for your response, so I will buy your guide and maybe think to get in NH VT at 8-10 October, will be better?
If you are looking for the White Mtns of New Hampshire of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont then yes 8-10 is better
Hi Jeff,
This is a great article! We are planning to fly in from Chicago to Manchester on 3rd Oct. planning to visit flume gorge, artists bluff, and cog railway with the kids (3-6th) and then drive up to Stowe and Woodstock. Is this the right time for peak foliage or shall I move my tickets? Please let me know. Thank you so much.
I don’t think these are too terrible. You will miss the Columbus Day traffic… Check out Clarks Bears in the White Mtn area. Great for kids. It’s much more than just the bears. Pick up a NH/VT Gazetteer in my amazon store.
Hello Jeff. Your site is amazing! Was wondering if you can help sn Arizona girl out. I am surprising my husband with a 10 year anniversary trip to New England to do a road trip. We are big hikers and I LOVE fall so I really want to go as close to peak as I can. I am tentivley looking at Oct 9-18th.
My plan is Day 1-3 do Bar Harbor, Maine so we can explore Acadia National Park.
Then Sunday Oct 12th wake up and drive to New Hampshire to visit the White Mountains for nights 4-6. (Franconia Notch State Park and Kancamagus Hwy). Wed Oct 15th do Stowe, VT and Thursday Oct 16th Woodstock, VT. Last Oct 17th Salem, MA to finish off before we fly home the next day.
Is this ok for “leaf peeping” and seeing the colors or should I reverse my order? I was told to start north and work my way down? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!
I would do Acadia last to have a chance of seeing much color but if not it will be very pretty otherwise. I would do the White Mtns first then Vermont, then Bar Harbor and then Salem. Salem will be fun from Sept into Oct 31st. Google Haunted Happenings to get a schedule of events and the town is very walkable. (roughly a mile across)
Pick up a NH/VT or Maine Gazetteer in my amazon store.
(I swear by them)
Hi Jeff,
My husband and I are planning to come to New England Oct. 11-18. Can you please give us a couple different areas that you think would be best during that time to see peak fall colors?
Thank you,
Amy
Woodstock Vermont
Rutland VT
Bennington VT
The Kancamagus Highway New Hampshire, Route 112
Meredith NH
Rumney NH
Portland Maine
Kennebunkport ME
Ogunquit ME
York ME
Alfred ME
Pick up a NH/VT or Maine Gazetteer in my amazon store.
Thanks so much for your suggestions!
Hi Jeff! We love your website. We’re taking a trip, driving from Rochester, NY to Burlington, VT this fall. When would you guess peak foliage would be around Burlington? When might be the most beautiful t time for that drive? Thank you!!
Burlington being on the lake turns later rather than further away from the lake. Try 4-8 October for Burlington, Stowe, Groton and areas like this.
Pick up a Vermont Gazetteer in my Amazon store. Also check this article: https://jeff-foliage.com/2024/09/14/hidden-gems-of-vermont-5-picture-perfect-towns-to-explore/
Hi Jeff, thanks for this incredible post with great insight. We are planning a trip either from Oct 1-6 or Oct 8-13 , landing in Boston, and planning to drive through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine . Which of those two periods will be better to visit to mainly experience the fall colors ?
And any specific cities of highlight to drive via ? Like Stowe? Thank you once again for your time and reply!
Both are good times to visit. The old Farmers Almanac is calling for an early autumn but I’m not sure we will get the required low temps. But 1-6 will give beautiful colors a bit further north and 8-13 will give beautiful colors slightly more south…
There’s no bad choices here…
The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, Bethlehem in New Hampshire, Bethel in Maine
Try this link for articles aimed a particular state.
try these articles as well: https://jeff-foliage.com/2017/06/29/fall-foliage-primer-leaf-peeping/
and
https://jeff-foliage.com/2020/03/08/top-10-fall-foliage-things-to-do-in-new-england/
AND do visit my amazon store to pick up a Gazetteer and/or guide book to help plan your trip.
Hi Jeff, I wondered is it better to visit Stowe area or White mountains first if visiting from around 5th October? Or anywhere else you would recommend? Looking to end the trip in Boston.
Thank you so much!
Hi Harriet, if your visit starts the 5th, I would start in the White mountains and then slide over to Stowe a few days later. (elsewhere I would recommend)??? Everywhere of course! But I’m not you but a ride up the Loon Mountain gondola (or Cannon Mtn in Franconia Notch)
As ALWAYS, I swear by getting a Gazetteer and if you click this link it will take you to my Amazon affiliate store…
Here are a couple article links that might shed some light.
https://jeff-foliage.com/2017/06/29/fall-foliage-primer-leaf-peeping/
sign up for my forecasts here https://jeff-foliage.com/subscribe/
https://jeff-foliage.com/beginning-your-foliage-journey/
Hi Jeff, I really appreciate the detail in your article! My wife and I have booked a weekend getaway to Vermont (Stowe/Waterbury) for October 24-27th. We did a little research before but I think we were misguided by the times that we see the peak colors in the Western NC mountains. We have time to make changes to our trip so I wanted to ask your thoughts. Do you think the Stowe VT area will be past it’s colorful period by that weekend in October?
Thank you!
most likely the color will be fading by that time and for Stowe I would look at 5-10 Oct for better color.
I just started a weekly update on my YouTube channel. Subscribe here… https://youtu.be/hSH8bsgZm_k?si=YryiRIHGhf8zhDkg
My wedding is September 20th on top of Cranmore Mountain. I’m thinking this is 1-2 weeks too early for good color. But I would rather a green back drop than a brown or stick season one so I’m fine with this. Do you agree with my assessment that we will be early for any real color?
Congrats Helen!!!
Something tells me you can’t or won’t want to change the date… 🙂
They have events there, about that time and you are at higher elevation so you are likely to see “some” light colors which if your photographer is good, can be worked into the wedding shots. You can check this link I found for the mountain, https://cranmore.com/news/cranmores-insider-guide-to-fall-in-north-conway
Also once the hoopla is over and things settle down you can go exploring early and you might try to see how many kissing bridges (covered bridges) you can find and sneak a kiss in…
Check my YouTube channel and subscribe to stay up on what is going on. This is my first one for 2025… https://youtu.be/hSH8bsgZm_k?si=YryiRIHGhf8zhDkg
I hope this helps
Hi Jeff, thanks for the great post! My boyfriend has never been to New England before and we’re planning a weekend trip for this October. I want him to love the White Mountains as much as I do (I grew up spending summers with my grandparents there), and I keep going back and forth between October 3-6 and 10-13. Which dates do you think are a better bet to see the Whites in all their glory this year? For additional context, I’m hoping to stay near Jackson. Thank you so much for your help!
I would do 10-13, my best color in Jackson was on the 15 (Oct) in 2019
follow my weekly YouTube updates to see what is up in the White Mountains (https://youtu.be/hSH8bsgZm_k?si=YryiRIHGhf8zhDkg)
This one you should know already but check this article out, https://jeff-foliage.com/art-of-getting-lost/
Also maybe this will help… https://jeff-foliage.com/2020/03/08/top-10-fall-foliage-things-to-do-in-new-england/
Hi Jeff! Thanks for a great site. I’m planning a fall foliage trip for October 12th-17th. Where would you suggest as starting and ending locations? I would like to see rolling hills/mountains of fall color along the path.
Also, I’m planning a second fall foliage trip for October 24th for 5 days. Given it’s on the late side of fall, where would you suggest for locations of fall foliage at that time? I’m wondering if I need to go further south into PA, VA, or TN?
Thanks in advance!
I’ll start with the later first… I grew up in PA but never really looked for the fall colors in those places, but that said, The Smokey Mtns might be nice,,,
(Also depending on the weather we receive over the next month or so Massachusetts (west-central) down into the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut “should” be nice at the time as well.
As for 12-17, I might plan to be around Conway NH (I did a write up on the Kearsarge Inn) and you can use this as a central jumping off point to any and all color to the north in Franconia or Crawford Notches and the Kanc. You will also be able to hit the lakes region… Visit my locations by state and choose the state you want to visit.
Thanks Jeff! Will it be too late for most of Vermont by Oct 12th-17th?
Find Woodstock VT and I don’t want to say this year will be the same but…

Here is 30 Oct 2024…
Even though some trees may be done, the Oaks come later and can put on a show as well…
But for 12-17 October the southern half of Vermont and anywhere close to Lake Champlain with or “should” have color during that time…
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for posting great blogs loaded with information!
We have planned a 5 day trip to cover NH and Vermont. We arrive at Boston on 9th morning and drive to Vermont and NH. Is it better to drive the same day to Vermont/NH or start on 10th morning? I ask this considering the holiday weekend. In your experience does the traffic start to build up on Friday?
Friday can be nutz to drive north on any of the main arteries… (I-91, I-93, Route 16) I drove I-93 (ONCE and only once) on the Friday before (and NEVER again)
If you are coming in on the 9th you would be good, BUT as I think about it… IF you leave Boston first thing in the morning, I think you will be ok (7-8AM) I won’t swear to that but I believe most of the traffic will build up after 2-3PM.
You may have heavy go to work traffic but most of that will be going south to Boston and it won’t be to heavy… (knock on wood)!!!
Hello Jeff,
Great page, lots of tips. Many thanks for your hard work. I’m a landscape photographer from the Dominican Republic. First time traveling to New England. Based on your recommendations, I’m thinking of arriving to Boston on Sept. 29 at 6:30pm (I know, work traffic) and leaving 2 week later (Oct. 13). I know that you recommend to start north and then progressively move south. I’m planning to see mostly VT and NH. What is your itinerary recommendation for the best towns, mountains, highways notchs, mountain overlooks, lakes to photograph (drone + mirrorless camera)?
Thanks!
Afternoon Hans
I’m going to post several articles for you to read over. I suggest on picking up a Gazetteer ASAP and this one will give you the biggest bang for the buck: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194649447X?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzjefffoli-20&creativeASIN=194649447X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2B7NT3EYIIBN5&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin
I haven’t done a “real” drone piece but Vermont is more friendly drone wise than the White mtns of NH. Basically there is no flying from roadside on Route 16, 302, 3, 112 (the Kanc), also no pulling in at trailheads or along trails to launch from ($240 fine IF caught) Google the rules for the White Mtn National Forest…
Read these articles to get a good idea
https://jeff-foliage.com/locations-state/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2020/03/08/top-10-fall-foliage-things-to-do-in-new-england/
https://jeff-foliage.com/beginning-your-foliage-journey/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2023/12/21/tips-for-creating-your-autumn-vacation-itinerary-for-new-england/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2019/09/21/finding-peak-fall-foliage-in-new-england-2/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2019/11/04/exploring-jackson-new-hampshire-in-fall/
https://jeff-foliage.com/2024/09/14/hidden-gems-of-vermont-5-picture-perfect-towns-to-explore/
I hope that gives you a good start…
Check my Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@Jeff-Foliage
Hi Jeff! Thanks so much for your very helpful website! I am planning my first fall foliage trip, and I am so excited to see the colors and experience some of that lovely fall magic. Unfortunately with work I won’t be able to make it out until Oct 24-28. Planning on spending some time in Boston and Salem, but I am hoping for some advice on where to drive for some good views of the foliage. I am considering exploring other areas of Massachusetts or Connecticut or maybe southern NH? Would you be able to share any thoughts on what might be the best area to target in late October?
Well, Becky, Those are certainly late dates but they could be worse… you could be hoping for Thanksgiving…
There is a train ride down in Essex CT that is very nice.
Sturbridge Village in MA
You can go from Olde Salem to New Salem out near the Quabbin Reservoir (https://jeff-foliage.com/2012/06/11/journey-from-olde-salem-to-new-salem/)
Mount Tom in the Pioneer Valley of MA
Try Groton MA on Route 119
Concord MA and in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery has Author’s Ridge (Alcott, Emerson, Hawthorne…)
Check my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jeff-Foliage
Pick up a Gazetteer in my Amazon Store…
Good Luck
Been reading your blog and got a few ideas from it already so thank you! I will be traveling early for fall foliage season (Sept 12-17) leaving from Boston and ending up in Burlington. Have lots of flexibility in between, any ideas for best chances of seeing some fall colors early in season?
A couple things “Might” work in your favor. Stress on the trees due to drought or at least not a lot of rain… Second, IF…I say again IF… the temperatures stay moderate to cool (the next 7 days are in the 70s for highs and mid-40s for lows up north and upper 50s in southern New England… If that continued and even dropped further once we get into September… Then you could see a bit more color 12-17 Sept.
But the primary push for the changing colors is the amount of daylight and nothing you or I do or say will make this happen earlier.
On 12 September 2012 I went up to Dixville Notch in New Hampshire and this is how much color I saw.
Will you see this much color? Same location but last year (2024) with the drought we had and 19 September…

Normally we see this level of color between 25 Sept to 5 October… What you will see further south will be a lot more green…
Here are two articles from last September and you can judge your chances…
https://jeff-foliage.com/2024/09/27/fall-foliage-report-for-27-sept-2024/
and
https://jeff-foliage.com/2024/09/20/fall-foliage-report-20-sept-2024-early-color/
Hi Jeff, thank you for your delightful website. Could you please share your opinion, do you think a trip to the Northeast Kingdom region from Oct 11 – Oct 15 this year will still have a good chance of seeing peak fall foliage in that region during those days, or will it be too late? Thanks again for your advice.
Its a tough one this year, my best images were taken closer to 7 Oct (and some earlier) I would say 5-12 October for Peacham…
If you are locked in for those dates, a lot will depend on the current drought. If it continues the leases may drop quickly or worse… brown and down as someone posted… These could be very good dates of as the WX people are saying that mid to late Sept is warming up. This will slow down progression which will work good for you… At this point that is the best I can do…
Hi Jeff, we’re planning a fall trip to Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Boston. We’ll be landing in Boston on October 7 and leaving early morning on October 13. Do you think this timing is good for peak fall colors in New England, or would you suggest adjusting our dates?
Right now, our plan is:
Oct 7–9: Vermont and New Hampshire
Oct 10–11: Maine
Oct 12: Boston
Do you think this is a good itinerary, or would you recommend rearranging the days? We’re also open to any suggestions you may have. Thank you so much!
No, this looks pretty good, We’ll see what kinds of weather we get between now and then…
You might want a NH/VT and Maine Gazetteer and you can get them in my Amazon store (https://www.amazon.com/shop/jeff_foliage/list/2B7NT3EYIIBN5?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d)