How far north do you have to go to find September fall colors?

In past years, I’ve gone all the way north to the Canadian border during the last 2 weeks of Sept (22/30) and found nice or really good fall colors. (depending on the year) But do you have to???

Today we will look at:

• New England fall foliage in Stark New Hampshire
• A Northern Scenic Route for September

Heading to Northern New Hampshire for the fall colors

Rule number one is to pick up a Gazetteer and rule number two is that the earlier you arrive, the further north you have to travel to find good fall colors. Seldom is this wrong but you may be driving up I-93 to get north (way north) and see a tree on the side of the road, all ablaze in red and orange and go, “What the hell does Jeff know?”. Yes, you will most likely see one or even three trees in full color, but when I say good fall color, I mean better than 40% turned on their way to peak fall colors. This is big game we’re going after (cameras only please, no shooting holes in the leaves) We want to see an expanse of fall colors not 1 or 2 trees…

Today we’re heading to Stark NH

The town of Stark NH lies along the Ammonoosuc River and Route 110.  As you can see from this topographical map, much of the surrounding landscape is hilly if not mountainous.

Mountainous means 2,000 to 3,000 foot peaks, Yes I’m a flatlander too…

As you pick up Route 110 in Groveton (don’t miss the Groveton Covered Bridge) you will quickly note that the valley you are traveling through has very high sides and you will get views of fall colors covering the sides of the hills. You will find parking very conveniently next to the post office which is next to the covered bridge.. BUT! This also means that your car may also be in the shot. I usually use Photoshop to take the cars out. If you aren’t a Photoshop wiz then you might park further away and walk back.

Many shots I see are from the cemetery across the road on the hill. Please be respectful, If you shoot from this spot. I’ve seen at least one marker laying down and my worry is that someone stood on it to get “THAT” shot. If I catch anyone doing that… Well, let’s just say I won’t be pleasant about it…

Other shots involve walking down the road and down the bank to get side views but I’ve never seen a good one. I also like going through to the other side and photographing the bridge and the church from the other side.

Now! about the Timing

I’ve photographed it as early as 27 Sept and as late as 1 Oct and I’ve been happy with both dates but the better color was on the 27th. I don’t know if there is much color before the 27th. If you are arriving in mid-September, then you will still be getting pre-color or early color with only 10-35% of its way toward peak. This is nice but spotty. So arrive between 25 Sept to 5 October.

My recommendation is for 15-25 September, you will still need to be further north for the fall colors, and I think it will still be hit or miss depending on the road you travel. And how lucky you are!

A Scenic Fall Color Route for September

I usually don’t go too far north in September, so this is a bucket list drive for me. Maybe we’ll see each other on it next month? Back at Groveton, you would get on Route 3 and head further north. and you have a choice, at Route 26 you can take that east to Dixville Notch which is home to the Balsam’s Hotel (now fancy timeshares, I hear) and follow that south and east into Errol (seen at left) and then into Maine.

If this isn’t presenting you with any fall colors then jump on 145 north to Pittsburg NH. Now we’re talking about The Great North Woods! And to be honest I’ve never needed to go that far north to find beautiful fall colors. Route 26 has always been far enough. 🙂 But I have been up to First Connecticut Lake. We found it Mostly green, so it’s not that inviting.

Now if you still aren’t finding good fall color, make sure your passport is up to date because if you keep following Route 3 north, then you will hit the border patrol for crossing into Canada. It’s up to you if you go any further…

You see, I have mentioned this once or twice. If, for whatever reason, you are not finding fall colors, then have a backup plan and look for events that are going on that will interest you. Leave the long miles to me and I will hopefully have good luck and post on my Twitter/Facebook page (links are below) where I’m finding good color.

Do you want a really nice scenic drive for 1-2 October? Try this scenic New Hampshire drive!

Jeff Foliage Folger

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

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