As the Foliage Turns – Episode 11: Chasing Color, Cold Nights, and Columbus Day Weekend

Hey everybody, this is Jeff Foliage, and welcome to As the Foliage Turns, episode 11!

Today we’ll talk about where Lisa and I went on October 6th and 7th, what’s happening this Columbus Day weekend (October 11–13), a few reports and tips, and finally, the temperatures that could make or break the foliage this week.

October Weather: Sunshine and Drought

Here in Warren, New Hampshire, it’s another sunny day. Honestly, if you visited New England this past month, you might’ve thought you were in Southern California — warm, dry, and sunny nearly every day. Beautiful weather, sure, but that dryness has caused problems for the trees.

Normally, October brings rain, clouds, and more rain — and we photographers spend half the season shooting under overcast skies. But this year, I’m not sure what to do with all this sunshine! Below is what I’m used to in New England, way back in 2007. Lost River Road was wet when I took this.

October 6th: Around the White Mountains

On Monday, October 6th, Lisa and I headed out of Warren, took Route 118 to Route 3, then over Base Station Road and up through Jefferson Notch. We skipped the Kancamagus Highway this time (I’ve already been on it three times this season) and made a big loop — Route 2 to Route 113, then back home via Route 25.

Along Base Station Road near Crawford Notch, the color was quite pretty — pockets of reds, oranges, and yellows, mixed with some bare trees. I stopped at a small trail off the road (I believe it’s Tim Nash Trail), and even found a bit of water — rare this year! And yes, I found a red maple tree to hug.

Up at Marshfield Station, the two diesel locomotives and the steam train of the Mount Washington Cog Railway were getting ready to head out. I grabbed some video, and if you love trains and fall colors, check out this link — it’s six minutes of pure autumn magic as the trains climb into the colorful flanks of Mount Washington.

Jefferson Notch and Route 2

Heading down Base Station Road, I stopped a few times to frame Mount Washington over the road — lined with reds, yellows, and oranges. If you’re in the area this weekend, that stretch should still be beautiful.

We took Jefferson Notch Road as a connector to Route 2. It’s rough and rocky, but passable in a sedan if you take it slow. That said, there wasn’t much color along the way — many of the hills were bare or brown. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re just looking for a shortcut.

Once on Route 2 near Gorham, I began to see potential. The hills south of the road looked ready to pop, especially around Gorham. I saw reds, yellows, oranges, and greens just waiting for a cold snap to kick them into gear.

Route 113 and the Maine Border

Continuing over to Route 113, we started to see better roadside color — nice yellows from ash, beech, and birch trees, mixed with green maples. Lisa shot some video from the car, and it looked lovely. Even with the wind, most trees were still holding their leaves, so I expect this stretch to look great by the weekend.

At Evans Notch, the color was developing but not quite ready. My guess? Late Friday through Monday should be peak time.

We stopped at The Basin — and to my surprise, it looked better than expected! The sun hit the hills just right, lighting up the trees in soft oranges and golds. It’s not peak yet, but it’s worth a visit.

Along Route 113, the Wild River runs beside the road, and I climbed down on the rocks to get a better angle. My first photo was a wide landscape shot, but then I tightened in to capture a pool of water beneath an orange maple — and that close-up ended up being the stronger image.

Photography tip of the day: when color is spotty, narrow your vision. Focus on smaller vignettes instead of wide scenes. You’ll often find more beauty that way.

Down to Chocorua and Tamworth

Further south, near Chocorua and Tamworth, color was lighter but coming along. I think by this weekend it’ll be a nice area to explore.

On October 7th, Lisa and I met some friends for lunch in Ashland, then drove to Sandwich, New Hampshire. It’s a charming little town with about half its leaves gone, but still plenty of color for a photo or two — I got a great shot of the church framed by a white fence and a bright orange maple.

Fall Fairs This Weekend

Columbus Day weekend means fairs!

Sandwich Fair runs October 11–13. Parking is limited to designated lots (don’t park on side streets — there are no parking signs everywhere).
St. Johnsbury, Vermont also hosts a fair this weekend (Oct 11–12), complete with train rides. Check their website for times and tickets.
Topsfield Fair in Massachusetts runs through Monday.
King Richard’s Fair (also in MA) continues through October 19th — turkey legs, jousting, and all!
I forgot the Warner Fair (11 & 12)

Where to Look for Foliage This Weekend

This weekend will be a hit-or-miss kind of trip — patches of brilliance surrounded by areas where leaves have dropped. Here are my top picks:

Twin Mountain (Route 3 and 302 junction)
Route 2 between Gorham and Jefferson
Route 113 along the Maine–New Hampshire border
The Basin
North Conway, Center Conway, and the Swift River area — check out the Swift River and Saco covered bridges
Jackson, NH — always a favorite with its covered bridge
Chocorua, Tamworth, Eaton, and Peterborough southward
The five stone bridges of Hillsboro – a great Plan B for those who love history and New England charm

Rhode Island

Photographer Matt DiMaio says: “A quick update on northern Rhode Island this afternoon along Rt.. 7, Rt.. 5, Rt. 44 and Rt. 146. I found about 50% green, 30% muted colors, and 20% bare trees. Still time down this way, but nothing to write home about as of yet.”

Vermont

Photographer Benjamin Williamson says: There was a tiny bit of color hanging on in Cabot, VT covered bridge last night (8th), Seyon Pond in Groton, VT is done, it gives me November vibes., Smugglers Notch in Stowe had great understory color yesterday (8th), and here you see Leffert Pond was not a prize winner, but the color on the island was good. The hills behind were gone.

Vermont: Late Color and Covered Bridges

A photo from Montgomery, Vermont in 2023 — Montgomery alone has five covered bridges, so if you love them as much as I do, Maybe you can spot the Fuller covered bridge in this image.

From Montgomery, you can follow Route 15 west toward Burlington and Lake Champlain. Those areas didn’t suffer much from drought this year, so trees are still holding their leaves. I’d expect nice color along the lake this weekend and into next week.

Maine and Massachusetts Reports

In Maine, check out Rangeley, Rumford, Coos Canyon, and the Height of Land overlook. Even if peak has passed up north, there’s still color farther south around Paris, Poland, and Mexico, ME (no passport required!).

In Massachusetts, photographer John Burke reports good color near Shelburn Falls, Route 122, and Irving along the Mohawk Trail. The French King Bridge area has mixed colors but still offers some nice orange and yellow views. And for history buffs, don’t miss Historic Deerfield or the Yankee Candle Company — both great family stops.

Bonus Stop: Salem, Massachusetts

If you’re in a Halloween mood, Salem is in full swing this time of year. It’s crowded, though — parking is tough and expensive, so I recommend taking the train in. Salem offers both “witchy” fun and genuine historical sites, from museums to 17th-century homes.

Just be prepared for the crowds — especially this year, with Halloween falling on a Friday!

The Weather Factor

Now, let’s talk about what could make or break this weekend — temperature.

A cold front has moved in, bringing lows in the 30s across much of New England. Tonight, we’re looking at upper 20s here in the western White Mountains, but then it moderates That’s flirting with a hard freeze, which could damage the leaves if it gets too cold.

If we’re lucky, though, these chilly nights will spark one last burst of color across northern and central New England. So cross your fingers, knock on wood, and think warm thoughts for our foliage!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts this weekend, you’ll find beauty out there — maybe not everywhere, but enough to make the trip worthwhile.

Dress for cool mornings and mild afternoons (light fleece up north, t-shirts down south), drive carefully, and enjoy the show.

And as always, may you find all the fall colors you’re looking for.
Have a wonderful fall foliage day, everyone!

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.