Fall Foliage Report

Foliage Report for October 2, 2026

Autumn continues to rapidly unfold across New Hampshire, with shades of seasonal colors deepening from the northern valleys to the southern hills.  The upcoming weekend is looking fantastic for leaf peepers- don't miss out!

Great North Woods:  75-100% Color Change 

This is it, folks! Peak foliage has arrived to illuminate Dixville Notch in a glowing, unmistakable display of vibrant autumn colors. The hillsides are cloaked in electrifying shades of sepia, scarlet, and gold—and the display is simply mesmerizing! Across the rest of this region, a true autumn wonderland has unfolded where the quiet forests are aglow in rich, captivating hues. This weekend, paying a visit to Jericho Mountain State Park will grant a showstopping backdrop to hiking, OHRVing, kayaking, or simply breathing in the fresh mountain air. For a scenic route this weekend to take in the foliage, follow along the Great North Woods Ride for a grand tour of the region in all its autumn splendor!

White Mountains Region: 45-70% Color Change 

The color is really starting to pop across the White Mountains! We hear Route 115 between Carroll and Jefferson is coasted in fiery shades of red and orange, and the area may see peak foliage conditions by early next week, so make your plans now! While there is still green present in the landscapes, the leaves are changing quickly and the contrast only makes the colors more hypnotizing. Along the eastern border of the region near Warren, the forests are slowly welcoming more color by each new day. The forests are splattered with brilliant shades of orange and red, but the evidence of summer’s verdant shades of green still lingers along the treetops. The dramatic landscapes of Franconia Notch are seeing waves of electric color illuminating forests, where peak conditions are rapidly transforming the hillsides!

Lakes Region:  25-35% Color Change 

Forests in the northern Lakes Region are peppered with shades of orange and red which stand out amongst primarily green landscapes. We hear of exciting shades along treetops in Plymouth and surrounding the Squam Lakes, so be on the lookout for signs of fall settling in to stay! Higher elevations reveal the forests in an early stage of transition near Gilford, where gold and lime colored leaves shimmer with muted tones of orange just starting to emerge. This weekend, we hear Route 106 may be a colorful drive between Loudon and Meredith, and more color is expected to develop over the next couple weeks, so stay tuned for the exciting transition still to come!  

Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region: 35-50% Color Change

From Warner through Lebanon, bold colors are emerging to transition the terrain into a wonderland of autumn color. The crimson red and orange tones from eager sumacs have been stealing the show thus far, but leaves along the treetops are beginning to match with bright auburn and golden colors decorating roadsides. In downtown Claremont, the city center is budding with transitioning foliage where maples are beginning to blaze with swirls of green, gold, orange, and ruby which make for a showstopping sight as the transition unfolds. Shimmering golden leaves at the summit of Mount Sunapee create a breathtaking view against the rolling blue skyline in the distance. This weekend will offer a perfect opportunity for an early-season hike or outdoor adventure to take in the transitional foliage!

Monadnock Region: 45-65% Color Change 

Fall color is rapidly building in the Monadnock Region, with hillsides and backroads glowing in exciting tones of red and deep orange. We hear Route 137 from Jaffrey to Bennington is a spectacular drive this week, with colorful sights also reported near the state line in Rindge. Throughout the region, pockets of vivid foliage are emerging in forests, neighborhoods, and along well‑traveled corridors as the area moves steadily toward peak. Pockets of peak foliage are showing off among forests with plenty of unchanged leaves still in the mix, but we can expect more of a transition in the coming week! This weekend will be a great opportunity to get out and see the early sights, enjoy a leisurely walk through transitioning forests or visit the many charming small towns of the region under the guise of early autumn.

Merrimack Valley: 35-40% Color Change 

Across the Merrimack Valley, foliage is slowly igniting the landscapes in a vibrant foliage display, where bursts of color set against lingering green leaves create a striking contrast.  We hear Route 202 through Hillsborough is boasting a mosaic of lemon lime and orange leaves lighting up the drive. The soft signs of fall are visible across this central region just about everywhere you look, though peak foliage conditions won’t completely transform the landscapes for a few more weeks. This weekend will be an ideal time to enjoy classic fall activities like apple picking at local orchards or taking part in seasonal events like the NH Book Festival in Concord or the Deerfield Fair. As the foliage continues to brighten the region, you’ll find plenty of colorful scenery to complement your autumn adventures!

Seacoast: 25-35% Color Change 

The cooler temperatures overnight have begun to leave their impression on forests across the Seacoast, ushering in more signs of a vibrant fall to come. Route 101 continues to be studded with early color, and we hear the cherry red leaves are simply showstopping against the contrast of unchanged leaves. We are beginning to see more color emerge across the region, and leaves along Route 16 are shimmering in a bubbly mix of lemon and lime hues. This weekend will be a great opportunity to explore local trails to hunt for transitioning foliage and witness the first signs of fall!