As the Foliage Turns – Episode 10: Early October Foliage Update
Hey everyone, Jeff Foliage here! Welcome to As the Foliage Turns, Episode 10. Hard to believe I’m already ten episodes in this season—I thought we’d still be in the early stages, but Mother Nature has kept me on the road. Since late August, I’ve driven over 1,500 miles chasing the colors across New England. That’s a lot earlier (and farther) than in ALL my past years.
Normally, I don’t start my official foliage reports until around September 25th. This year, however, conditions have pushed things forward. Between the drought stress and cooler temps, we’ve been seeing changes much earlier than usual. Let’s dive into what Lisa and I have found this week across New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and beyond.
OH! and Saturday through Tuesday are warmer than average for this time of year, just to make sure Jeff has no clue!
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Current Conditions – October 2, 2025
New Hampshire
Over the weekend, Lisa and I drove a loop through the western White Mountains. Unfortunately, it was disappointing—mostly browns and faded yellows. I made a few decent shots, but overall, not the color I hoped for. Everything looks dry and stressed.
On Monday, I explored alone while Lisa recovered from a cold (yes, I generously shared mine with her!). I stopped at Indian Head Resort on Route 3—if you’re looking for an inexpensive adventure, their seven-story observation tower only costs $1 to climb. From the top, you get sweeping views toward Lincoln and down Franconia Notch. The colors looked nice, but soft and muted—not the fiery tones we usually crave. Go to my YouTube channel and time stamp 5:17 to see if I survived the 7-story climb.
From there, I headed into Franconia Notch. Artist Bluff was crowded, but the hike is well worth it. It’s a beginner-friendly trail, and the payoff views are always spectacular. While the colors are still subdued, there are pops of red and gold worth seeing. This link will take you back to my YouTube Channel and time stamp 9:13 to find out more about Artist’s Bluff.
Vermont
From Franconia, I drove west through St. Johnsbury, Joe’s Pond, and Morrisville. The best foliage by far was inside Smuggler’s Notch—bright, solid color with plenty of pull-offs for photos. Outside of the notch, though, it was lackluster.
Later, Lisa and I explored Okemo State Forest near Ludlow, but sadly, the hillsides looked mostly brown and tired. The understory trees tended to be bright, but overall, not much to write home about.
Woodstock had some color, and the locust trees around the town common added their bright yellows to the mix. The oaks still look healthy, so perhaps later this month they’ll provide more drama. Just a heads-up: the Quechee Gorge bridge is down to one lane, so expect bottlenecks.
Photographer John Rowe says: Mt Pisgah this afternoon at Lake Willoughby. Most of the parking lots were packed.
Maine
Good news for foliage seekers—Maine seems to be shining! Reports from Height of Land near Rangeley and Quill Hill suggest strong color, some of the best in New England right now. If you’re up for the drive, Rangeley is a beautiful town with fantastic views around the lake.
Massachusetts & Beyond
It’s still too early for Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Expect real color later in October, closer to the 8th–15th. For now, only roadside color is showing along routes like the Mohawk Trail.
John Burk Photography says: In northern Massachusetts and the Monadnock region, colorful red maples continue at many ponds and wetlands. Many birch groves, which overall have been turning since late summer, are peaking now with high leaf drop; there are colorful spots in the woods. Sugar maples, affected by both rain and drought, are also rapidly dropping leaves.
Plan B Adventures
When the foliage isn’t delivering, I always recommend having “Plan B” stops in your back pocket. Covered bridges, small town festivals, and roadside attractions can fill the day with memorable experiences.
This week, I discovered three new covered bridges for my collection, including the Titcomb Bridge. Flying the drone over it provided a new perspective, even if the colors weren’t peak, they were very nice. Here is a link to watch a reel on my Instagram of the bridge.
Also, if you’re near Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, don’t miss the Groton Fall Festival this Saturday (7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.). Food, crafts, and small-town fun make it a perfect foliage Plan B.
And let’s not forget the ultimate Vermont treat: maple creemees. I grabbed one near Joe’s Pond, and as always, it was worth the stop!
Final Thoughts
This has been a tricky foliage season. Drought and early cold nights have muted the color in many places, leaving us with softer tones instead of blazing reds and oranges. Still, the views are breathtaking, the hikes are rewarding, and with a little patience, you can still find those magical moments.
If you’re planning trips for this weekend, I’d recommend:
- Smuggler’s Notch, VT – Best color I’ve seen so far.
- Rangeley, ME – Outstanding reports from Height of Land and Quill Hill.
- Northeast Kingdom, VT – Always a strong bet for early October.
As always, travel safely, be flexible, and have those Plan B stops ready. Even when the colors aren’t perfect, New England still delivers unforgettable views.
Until next time—have a wonderful fall foliage day!
Jeff Foliage Folger
Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage
Beautiful Jeff
thanks Mitch!
Hello, do you think there will still be colors in the berkshires on October 20?
Thats a good questions peak – NO, but fall colors, YES… Maybe not picture book but they will be there along with some bare trees…
Jeff, do you think there will be much to see in White Mountain, Smugglers Notch, Woodstock Oct 10-13? I’m wondering if we should change plans to go south, but two out of four nights are already past free cancellation. Thanks!
There won’t be any of the normal fall foliage (peak) up north next weekend. I would canx and move BUT!!! for those two days I would pour over my posts and find some fun things to do. Take a train ride that you haven’t done before take a hike up Artists Bluff (before you say you’re too old). I’m 66 and out of shape, except round is a shape and I made it.
go on Route 3 to Clarks Bears…
Basically relax and find run things to do. Drive down to the Vermont Country Store…
Other than that try to enjoy yourself!!!