As the Foliage Turns – Episode 13: Surprises from the Mighty Oaks

Well folks, it’s that time again — Welcome to Episode 13 of As the Foliage Turns — I’m Jeff, or as some like to call me, Joe Foliage. To all my leaf aficionados (or “leaf peepers,” depending on how brave you’re feeling), thanks for tuning in. Today we’re diving into some late-season surprises — and yes, there’s still color out there!

Late-Season Surprises: Oaks Take the Stage

Just when I thought the color was done, Mother Nature proved me wrong again. Across much of New England, the oaks are popping — and they’re putting on a real show this year. From the Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts to the hills of western New Hampshire, the golds, russets, and deep burnt oranges are taking over where the maples left off.

My photographer friend John Burke reports that the Pioneer Valley is glowing with oak color — especially around Irving and Mount Holyoke. Late to turn maples are also putting on a show in residential areas.

Down in Rhode Island, Butch Lombardi says the color around the reservoirs near Warren is spectacular. This is a shot looking north from Child Street in Warren.

Photographer Joanne Vitali spotted incredible color around Bellows Falls, VT, and Shelburne Falls, MA, especially near the rivers and farm stands.

Photographer Mark Spremulli is finding fall color down around Providence, Rhode Island.

Real Reports from Real Travelers

Over in our New England Fall Foliage Facebook group (Here’s the link to the group), folks are sharing 10–15 updates a day from all over: Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Maria in Medfield, MA visited a scarecrow festival earlier this week and said the oaks along Route 495 were bright and beautiful from Bolton to Littleton.
Chuck-Deb Woodman Found color just a couple of days ago in Lincoln, NH, among the Birches
Kirk Giglio Photo found fall color in Vernon, Connecticut, on the 18th
Moore Than Nature Photography found fall colors at the Lane Homestead in Foxboro, Massachusetts, just yesterday (23rd)
and there are more every hour…
If you haven’t already joined the Facebook group, it’s a great way to see real-time foliage updates from people on the ground. It’s not about perfect photos — it’s about what the leaves actually look like right now.

Western White Mountains: A Photographer’s Dream

Earlier this week I got the drone up just after a rainstorm, and the light was magic. The sky took on a reddish-pink glow and a little ground fog rose over the Baker River, which, by the way, finally has water again!

If you’d like to see some of those moments, head over to my Fine Art America gallery, where I’ve uploaded a few of those images. You’ll find scenes from the Baker River Valley, the oaks of the western slopes, and a few late maples still hanging on. They’re all available as prints, wall art, or even puzzles — perfect for autumn lovers year-round.

The Comeback of the Oaks

Honestly, I was worried about the oaks this year. Back in late September, many were brown and bare, and I thought the show was over. But nature had other plans — and now we’re seeing some of the best oak color in years.

The hills above me here in the western Whites are glowing with oranges, yellows, and russet tones. Sure, the maples came and went fast, but the oaks are making up for it. And here’s the bonus: oaks hang on to their leaves for weeks — even after a few early snows. So if you’re planning a late-October or even early-November foliage drive, this is your time.

Where to Go for Late October Color

If you’re still out there chasing color this weekend (October 25–26), here’s what I’d suggest:

New Hampshire: The Lakes Region and points south are showing strong color. Western areas around Route 25 are full of warm oak tones.
Vermont: Southern regions like Bellows Falls and along the Connecticut River are still glowing.
Massachusetts: Try the Mohawk Trail, Route 2, or towns west of Boston like Groton, Townsend, and Shelburne Falls.
Connecticut: The Quiet Corner — places like Pomfret and Thompson — are picturesque and well worth the trip.
Rhode Island: Head near the reservoirs or along Routes 44 and 102. Oak color around Warren and Providence has been beautiful.

Remember — if the colors aren’t where you expect them, make a Plan B. Visit covered bridges, local farms, or harvest festivals. Fall exploring is about more than chasing the perfect tree — it’s about discovering the small-town magic along the way.

The Final Show and What’s Next

My next episode will likely be the season finale — Episode 14, where I’ll do a recap of the 2025 foliage season with a slideshow and some of my favorite images. Probably less talking and more beauty (which might be a relief for some of you!). Look for that in early November.

In the meantime, if you want to bring a bit of autumn home, check out:

🍁 My Fine Art America Gallery — where you can browse and purchase my latest foliage photography from across New England.
📅 My Foliage Calendars on Lulu — perfect for your wall, or as a gift for fellow foliage lovers.

And as always, if you have questions, suggestions, or places you’d like me to feature, leave a comment below or on YouTube. I love hearing from you — even if it’s just to tell me your favorite backroad for fall color.

Until next time — enjoy these last golden days of autumn, be safe out there, and keep chasing the color.

🍂 Have a wonderful fall foliage day!

Jeff Foliage Folger

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

Visit my Amazon affiliate store for items that Lisa and I have curated for you. These items are either New England-made or things we think will make your fall foliage trip more successful.