Fall Foliage Updates for New Hampshire

The Flume (photo from a previous  year), Franconia State Park, N.H.

Good morning, fans of New England travel! Just wanted to alert you that we just received the latest New Hampshire fall foliage updates from the State of New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Department. You can access the foliage update on Our Facebook New England Vacations Fan Page.

We are always looking, too, for reports from you on great "live time" foliage sightings throughout New England. Although it is a bit early now, keep this in mind as we are always grateful for your feedback!

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The Latest New Hampshire Fall Foliage Updates, Oct. 12, 2009

New Hampshire foliage press release source: VisitNH.com. Photo at Silver Lake State Park, Hollis, N.H., by Eric H.

We're into the New Hampshire fall foliage season home stretch here, with brilliant colors abundant in many areas of the state, according to the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development. Although most of the Great North Woods Region is past peak, strong color remains there while the White Mountains, Lakes, Dartmouth, Monadnock and Merrimack Regions at near or full peak. The Seacoast Region (Portsmouth-Dover area) is not quite yet at full peak, but shows advanced colors in many parts of this coastal area.

Without further delay, here is the latest detailed New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development press release report on foliage updates, from Oct. 12, 2009, throughout New Hampshire:

Great North Woods Region: There’s still a good amount of color in the Great North Woods region despite being just past peak. The wind and frost has taken down some of the leaves, but the good news is that the remaining colors are still strong, and there are expanded views now. Travelers to the region may even see some snow fall this week, which will contrast nicely with the lasting reds and oranges. There’s still plenty of hiking and wildlife watching to do in this area, so consider coming up for a quiet vacation or plan a hunting weekend with friends. Enjoy the solitude of this pristine part of the state.

White Mountains Region: Most of the White Mountains region remains at peak fall foliage, with the exception of parts of the Kancamagus Highway, which retains most of its color on its east side. There are lots of colorful patches throughout the region, including the panoramic views from Lincoln, the area around Franconia Notch State Park, and the Mount Washington Valley. There’s nothing like seeing the fall foliage from a train – please visit www.visitwhitemountains.com and click ‘Things to Do’ for a list of fall foliage train rides and other attractions. Traveling around this region will still reward you with beautiful fall color, so enjoy it while you can.

Lakes Region: The Lakes region is right on time with its near peak fall foliage conditions. We’re told that Lake Winnipesaukee is 80% changed right now. It seems every year this area reaches peak after Columbus Day, which extends the fall season for everyone. Now is the time to plan a scenic cruise on one of the lakes – please visit www.lakesregion.org for a list of cruise options. Click “Where to Play” on the home page, and choose Cruises and Boat Tours. You can see the leaves from any vessel, from a six passenger private charter boat to the high and mighty M/S Mount Washington.

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region: Although the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region is mostly at peak, some areas are just past. Still, the colors are bright and stunning, and a drive around this region will showcase a mix of sunny yellows, burnt oranges, and vibrant reds. A favorite scenic drive is Route 103 from Newport through Claremont, north on Route 12A to the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge. The foliage surrounding the bridge is vibrant and beautiful – it’s truly a photographer’s dream. Meander north on 12A for a taste of New Hampshire agriculture, as this road passes a number of farms and farms stands.

Monadnock Region: Colorful foliage awaits you in the Monadnock region, as the majority of the area is in its height of color. Although some of the early maples have dropped their leaves, the remaining colors are brilliant. Our leaf peepers are reporting that the oranges, reds and yellows are gorgeous, and it doesn’t matter if you’re driving or walking, the views are spectacular. From a distance, Mount Monadnock appears to be bathed in a smoky red haze, and the colors just pop as you get closer and closer. One leaf peeper described the forest as being lit from within when the sunlight shines through it.
Travel back roads through this region for rewarding panoramic views. The streets of Jaffrey are lined with scarecrows right now in celebration of the harvest season.

Merrimack Valley Region: The red oaks have just begun to turn in the Merrimack Valley Region, and will join the myriad of bright reds, deep burgundies, golden yellows and bright oranges that have pushed this region into peak color. We are told that any road you travel in this area now is drenched with beautiful fall foliage. Look for stone walls lining these roads for vibrant sugar maples flashing stunning orange leaves. Narrower roads have trees arching over them, making you feel like you’re traveling through a tunnel of colors! Take a right, take a left, and enjoy the scenery.

Seacoast Region: Colors abound in the Seacoast region of the state. Although the area is not quite at peak, the foliage is very advanced in some areas and just beginning in others. Routes 27, 107, 108 and 16 provide stunning views and frequent patches of well-established color. Route 101 west from Hampton to Epping is displaying a mix of vibrant reds, sharp oranges, and deep yellows right now; so is Route 4 from Durham to Nottingham. This part of the state is best explored with no particular destination in mind.Travel back roads and look for farm stands, natural areas, and beautiful scenic views.

For a recorded report of fall foliage updates, please call the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development fall foliage hot line at: 1-800-258-3608.

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New Hampshire Fall Foliage Updates, Oct. 5

New Hampshire foliage press release source: VisitNH.com. Photo at Silver Lake State Park, Hollis, N.H., by Eric H.

The New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development foliage update press release update for Oct. 5, 2009, reports great progress in fall foliage colors over the past week, including "beautiful foliage" overtaking the Great North Woods Region and the White Mountains Regions on "the brink of reaching peak fall foliage color."

The rest of the state shines in splendid colors, too, with some of the best in New England! The Sunapee-Dartmouth Region is also near peak with "flashy reds, burnt oranges and fine yellows showing up everywhere." Leaf peepers report the Lakes Region displaying "a mix of colors here and there," while the "contrast of reds, oranges, pinks and yellows among the green is stunning" in the Monadnock Region. The Merrimack Valley Region "hillsides are ablaze with autumn color," while the Seacoast Region leaves are "nearly 50% changed now, with some areas more colorful than other."

Here is the detailed New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development press release report on foliage updates throughout New Hampshire:

Great North Woods Region: Beautiful foliage has overtaken the Great North Woods region. All roads throughout this area lead to explosive color. Bring your camera for plenty of breathtaking photo opportunities, especially near edges of rivers, lakes and ponds. Our leaf peepers are reporting 100% color everywhere! Deep oranges and reds, along with a few golden yellows, are dominating the landscape from the mountains to the valleys. Some wind has hit the area, which has created colorful carpets of leaves on the ground, but most trees are holding on firmly to the vivid autumn foliage. All lakes are reported to look stunning as the colors reflect onto the water’s surface.

White Mountains Region: The White Mountains region is on the brink of reaching peak fall foliage color, and is expected to be there by this weekend. Reports from our leaf peepers in this area are saying that the colors are great everywhere! Several mountain passes and notches have reached the height of grand autumn color, including the west end of the Kancamagus Highway, Pinkham Notch, Kinsman Notch, and Crawford Notch. Waterville Valley is 90% changed and is showcasing vibrant reds, clear oranges, and lemon yellows, all against a backdrop of green pines. Most any road you travel in this region will reward you with visions of beautiful fall colors.

Lakes Region: Our leaf peepers in the Lakes Region are reporting a mix of colors here and there. Some roads have well-established color, while other areas have just begun to change. The Ossipee Mountain Range is nearly 50% changed, while the Belknap Mountains are still predominantly green. The land surrounding the northern part of Lake Winnipesaukee is showcasing a blend of deep reds and oranges with scattered yellows, while the southern end is 20 to 30% turned. The good news is that the area still has plenty of green, which means lots of change to come.

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region: The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region is near peak, with flashy reds, burnt oranges and fine yellows showing up everywhere. Our leaf peepers in this area are reporting great splashes of color throughout, with a fair amount of green trees yet to turn. This area has a number of covered bridges and scenic drives, so don’t be afraid to explore the back roads – the most unexpected scenic vistas can be found by taking a right here and a left there. Overall, the region is about 80% turned and will be near peak by this weekend.

Monadnock Region: If you travel the Monadnock Region this week, you will find that fall foliage color is everywhere. The contrast of reds, oranges, pinks and yellows among the green is stunning. The colors below the summit of Mount Monadnock are coming in very nicely, and all areas surrounding waterways and ponds are reported to be magnificent. Some trees are showing several colors during this transformation – it’s not unusual to find a blend of harvest golds, warm russets and peachy oranges on some trees. Lakes and ponds are reflective pools of color. The region is about 70% changed, and will look spectacular as the season progresses.

Merrimack Valley Region: In the Merrimack Valley region, the hillsides are ablaze with autumn color. All the fall colors are on display throughout this area, from pastels to bright oranges, strong reds, and shy yellows, and the shades are more vibrant in the northern parts of the region than in the southern parts. Generally the edges of meadows and along the banks of rivers and ponds are showing bright colors, while distances beyond are holding on to the greens of summer. This region overall still has some time to go before reaching its full peak of color.

Seacoast Region: The leaves in the Seacoast region are nearly 50% changed now, with some areas more colorful than others. The red and sugar maples are still vibrant, with areas surrounding waterways showing remarkable colors. The oranges and yellows throughout natural areas are most dramatic when viewed in the early morning and late afternoon, when the sun glows through the trees. The eastern side of the region is still mostly green, but that will change in the days ahead, especially with the cold nights and warm days of autumn to help push things along.

For a recorded report of fall foliage update, please call the New Hampshire state tourism hot line at: 1-800-258-3608.

Editor's note: For great reading on New England fall foliage, we recommend checking out The Colors of Fall: A Celebration of New England's Foliage Seasonby Jerry and Marcy Monkman.

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More New Hampshire Fall Foliage Updates!

Photo of Echo Lake, Franconia Notch State Park, N.H., by Eric H.

When you hear the words and phrases "spectacular," "vibrant," and "near peak," that means New Hampshire fall foliage is virtually on your New England travel doorstep.

With the Great North Woods and White Mountains Regions showing the most vibrant colors, make no mistake that the rest of the "Granite State" has shown increasing amounts of tremendous foliage. Even the Seacoast Region (Portsmouth, Dover, Rye, Hampton Beach area) -- typically the last to display optimal fall foliage colors -- has shown some brighter moments.

Here is the latest New Hampshire fall foliage press release update, courtesy of the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism:


Great North Woods Region: Spectacular fall colors are taking over the Great North Woods region. Maple trees which were still green last week are now becoming splashed with bright oranges and vibrant reds. The colors are changing at all elevations now, and it will just be a matter of days before this area reaches peak fall foliage. Moose are being sighted frequently along Routes 26 from Errol to Colebrook and also along Route 3 from Pittsburg to Canada. The area overall is nearly 75% changed.


White Mountains Region: More beautiful foliage awaits you in the White Mountains region. Most roads throughout the area are coloring up nicely, including Route 302, especially through Crawford Notch; Route 2, which provides panoramic views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range; and Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway, mostly on the western end. Waterfalls are framed in splashes of yellow, red and orange right now, and covered bridges are surrounded with color. The towns of Franconia, Easton and Sugar Hill – all accessible by Exit 38 off Interstate 93 – are drenched in bright fall colors right now and are worth exploring.


Lakes Region: Some parts of the Lakes region are beginning to change into fall color, while other areas are still very green. Our leaf peepers here are reporting beautiful reds and oranges along Route 3 from Ashland to Meredith, and on Route 16 from Union to West Ossipee. The colors here are bright and beautiful, with lots of clear oranges and golden yellows. The trees are green with splotches of red, orange and yellow – it looks like the leaves were spray painted with dots of color. Although the area is not at peak yet, the views are pretty, and the mountain ranges are starting to show change, too.


Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region: The leaves in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region are showing some established color among the green. Covered bridge lovers will want to travel Route 12A north from Claremont to pass three covered bridges: The Dingleton Hill Bridge in Cornish Mills, the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, and the Blow-Me-Down Bridge just south of Plainfield. This road also brings you by the St. Gaudens National Historic Site, home of the celebrated artist. Route 4 from Lebanon to Canaan and Route118 through Orange and Dorchester is displaying nice fall color, also.


Monadnock Region: Parts of the Monadnock region are nearly 40% changed right now, with the lowlands and waterways almost at peak color. Other areas haven’t begun to change yet, so there’s plenty of time left for this region to move into the height of foliage color. Mount Monadnock is just beginning to show some yellow and orange with a speckle of red, mostly on its eastern side. Route 202 from Peterborough to Route 119 in West Rindge to Route 12 in Fitzwilliam is a nice scenic drive, as is Route 10 from Keene.


Merrimack Valley Region: It’s still pretty green in the Merrimack Valley region of the state. Despite bright reds in lowlands, the rest of the region is just beginning to change here and there. Milford and points south is in the beginning stages of fall, with low lying areas displaying a great assortment of deeps reds and golden yellows. Burning bushes are ablaze in dark reds. Route 101 between New Boston and Manchester is nearly 50% changed.


Seacoast Region: It’s beginning to look a lot like fall in the Seacoast region. Route 88 in Hampton Falls is a favorite drive, and it’s getting brighter and more beautiful every day. Route 108 from Exeter to Durham is showing some spotty color, while Route 1 is maintaining its lush summer greens. A scenic drive along Route 1A from Seabrook to Portsmouth is a must-do right now – the beaches are less crowded, and the ocean glitters in the sunlight like a cache of sparkling diamonds. Look for migrating water birds and wild hares along this road.

Editor's note: For recorded report of the latest New Hampshire fall foliage updates, please call 1-800-258-3608. For a great photo guide of New England fall foliage, we recommend reading The Colors of Fall: A Celebration of New England's Foliage Season

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The Latest New Hampshire Fall Foliage Updates

(2008 photo of Concord, N.H., by Eric H.) Fall Foliage report source: New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism)

The New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development just sent us an update on the latest fall foliage reports across New Hampshire. As could be expected, this is the time of the year when trees start to turn over an "old leaf," many transforming into bright colors. While we still have a ways to go to reach peak fall foliage in the "Granite State," areas like the Great North Woods, the Monadnock and Merrimack Valley regions and, surprisingly, the Seacoast Region have sectors of impressive colors, according to New Hampshire Travel and Tourism.

Regardless of level of fall foliage color, anytime is a great time to visit New Hampshire. Personally, we simply can't get enough of the pristine, small lake towns in the Lakes Region (Wolfeboro and Meredith, in particular), the rugged and scenic White Mountains, the charming coastline splendor of Portsmouth and Rye, the "Courier and Ives" communities of the Monadnock Region, and the classic New England Towns of Hollis, Amherst and Milford in the Merrimack Valley region. So, yes, fall foliage brings out a special element of New Hampshire. But even if the colors aren't brilliant, New Hampshire certainly is when it comes to scenic travel and vacation destinations!

We highly recommended calling the State of New Hampshire recorded fall foliage report hotline at 1-800-258-3608. For now, here is the latest report, thanks to the New Hampshire Divison of Travel and Tourism:

Great North Woods Region: The warm days and cool nights are pushing a little more color into the Great North Woods region, and the most color change is taking place along the banks of the Connecticut River, and on exposed trees that stand alone. Mountain views provide occasional reds and yellows among the green. Bull Moose and bald eagles were spotted this week near the Pontook Dam on Route 16 in Dummer. The area overall is less than 25% changed, but with a frost expected this weekend, that could change by next week. The Balsams is hosting the Grand Lumberjack Challenge on Saturday – watch the wood chips fly as lumberjacks compete in this one-day challenge where strength, skill and determination will decide who wins. For more information, please call 603-255-3122.

White Mountains Region: There hasn’t been much change in the foliage in the White Mountains region since Monday. The area remains mostly green with sprinkled oranges and reds along waterways and swamps. Some cold nights will push this area into colorful autumn glory soon. The weather is looking fine this weekend for a scenic drive; you can photograph waterfalls, walk across covered bridges, visit roadside farm stands, see panoramic views, and explore years of history in this part of the state, so take your time and enjoy these last traces of summer. Loon Mountain in Lincoln is the site of the 34th Annual Highland Games, the largest Scottish cultural festival in the northeast, from Friday through Sunday. For information, please call 1-800-358-7268.

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region: The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region remains draped in green right now, with just hints of color change in watery parts of the area. Some of the trees have that iced look that takes over before changing to bold orange and blazing red. Travelers may want to drive Route 4A, which runs along Mascoma Lake, and visit the Enfield Shaker Village Museum. Nature lovers will want to visit Rollins State Park and Mount Kearsarge State Forest this weekend. Take exit 8 off Route 89; follow Route 103 about one mile and turn right onto Kearsarge Mountain Road. Follow signs to the state park. This time of the year brings hawk migration, where thousands of broad-winged hawks can be seen flying over this small mountain. The upcoming cold nights should push some color into this region soon.

Lakes Region: A few more pockets of color have appeared in the Lakes Region this week, but overall this area is green. Route 25 toward Tamworth is a colorful ride, and Route 3 up through Weirs Beach, Meredith, and Holderness will be spectacular once the color strikes. For a real taste of New Hampshire’s fall-time heritage, a visit to the 134th Annual Rochester Fair is a must-do. This lively festival has livestock shows, motor sports, live entertainment, rides, tons of food, and lots of fair exhibits, including massive pumpkins and other prize-winning fruits and vegetables. Please visit www.rochesterfair.com for more information.

Monadnock Region: Low valleys and swamps are colored with vivid reds in the Monadnock Region of the state. Some developed color can be seen along Route 124, also. Our leaf peepers in this region tell us that Route 101 through Marlborough has the best overall color so far this season, and Route 202 south is showing some definite change. This “Currier and Ives” corner of the state has much to offer visitors, including quiet back roads, farm stands, apple orchards and country stores. The Stone Arch Bridges of Hillsborough are worth a trip to see – these marvels of yesteryear were constructed simply of stone blocks cut to fit perfectly without any mortar to keep them together. For information about these bridges, please visit www.hillsboroughnhchamber.com. The town of Antrim is holding a Home & Harvest Festival this weekend. Food, arts & crafts, children’s activities, music, and a pumpkin regatta will be featured, topped off by an awesome fireworks display on Saturday night. Please call 603-588-4835 for more information.

Merrimack Valley Region: More and more of the maples are starting to turn their familiar reds in the Merrimack Valley region. Peak colors of blazing reds and sunny yellows are alive in some bogs and meadows, while other swampy areas still have a way to go. Some of the tops of trees have turned bright orange, but the area overall is predominantly green. If you travel to this region during the weekend, you may want to attend the Hollis Old Home Days. This small-town gathering really demonstrates a slice of New Hampshire’s heritage. Enjoy music, a parade, rides, a barbecue, a dunk tank, crafts – even a pet parade – and more. Please visit www.hollisoldhomedays.org for more information.

Seacoast Region: The Seacoast region, usually the last to herald fall, is showing colors already! Our leaf peepers in this area are reporting beautiful reds and oranges along Route 27 from Hampton to Exeter, and vibrant red maples coming to life in the lowlands that surround the marshes. Route 88, a beautiful country road, is beginning to display some fiery reds and blazing oranges. Even the Spaulding Turnpike is coming alive with spotty reds and oranges here and there. Families will want to visit Portsmouth this weekend for the 5th annual Fairy House Tours. The tours are held Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4pm, starting at Pierce Island and meandering through various Portsmouth gardens and historic homes. Everyone is invited to bring natural materials to help build a Fairy House village. For more information, please visit www.fairyhouses.com.

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A Return to Franconia State Park in New Hampshire

Article and photos by Eric H.

On a recent trip to Northeast Kingdom Vermont, we drove through one of New England's most beautiful regions, Franconia State Park in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The mountain scenery and fall foliage colors were beautiful, as always, but the brief visit brought back equally beautiful memories of spending time here as a child.

I remember my Mom and Dad taking us with great frequency to Franconia State Park during the 1960s and 1970s. In the back seat of our phony-paneled wood Ford LTD station wagon, we recorded our voices on a $59.00 Hitachi cassette recorder with a fading phony wood panel and a powerful built-in mike that picked up the road noise more significantly than our voices. With WFEA radio 1370 AM playing the greatest hits of the 1960s and 1970s on the analog car radio and an occasional ABC Contemporary Radio newscast, we shouted over all the musical and road noise-- documenting each landmark of our day or extended weekend trip.

Often, the journey is as exciting as the destination, but in this case, the destination slightly edged the journey. How could it not with attractions like the Flume, the Basin, Echo Lake Beach and the eight miles of scenic highway between the high, dramatic, larger-than-life peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges? Also sweetening the pot was a ride back to North Woodstock where we feasted on BBQ chicken and blueberry pie at the Longhorn Palace restaurant, and watching the trained bear show at Clark's Trading Post.

We enjoyed everything about Franconia State Park with perhaps the exception of the Old Man of the Mountain, a series of five granite cliff ledges. Some people said one of the ledges looked like the profile of a face, but to me it looked like just another piece of granite. The Old Man of the Mountain collapsed in 2003, bringing some people to tears on the nightly newscast!

Everything else on our recent visit remained intact, as nature does not go out of business. The Flume is a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty and towering granite walls rising to a height of 90 ft. The Basin features a pleasing waterfall and a 20 ft. diameter pothole. Echo Lake Beach is one of New Hampshire's most beautiful lakes -- 28 acres of water serenity and framed by the slopes of Cannon Mountain and the Franconia and Kinsman Ranges.

In my early 30s, I hiked Cannon Mountain and found one of the most amazing scenic attractions: Lonesome Lake. Located about 2,760 ft. up Cannon Mountain (about a 45 minute hike), the view of the Franconia Range across a clear glacial tarn were simply spectacular, and no doubt, still remain that way. Lonesome Lake, seemingly in the middle of a mountain, kept the flame alive in regards to my love for the Franconia Notch area.

Nearly 15 years later, this brief return to Franconia inspired future plans to come back to this simply beautiful area of New Hampshire. After all, there's an eternal connection to the White Mountains, its fresh air, fun attractions, and scenery that created fond memories from yesteryear and, surely, travel plans for the future.

Visit the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation for more information on Franconia State Park.

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The Perfect New Hampshire Lake Travel Getaway

Article and Photo by Eric H.

Echo Lake Beach is located right off busy Route 93 in Franconia Notch, NH, on the slopes of popular Cannon Mountain in the White Mountains, but seems like a million miles away from civilization. This pristine 28-acre beach features incredibly peaceful views of where the Franconia and Kinsman Ranges meet, thus creating a notch. In the fall, the foliage is "top-notch," while the June 20-Sept. 1 timeframe brings visitors a perfect lake beach travel getaway with lifeguards on duty for safety purposes, a snack bar for hunger purposes, and the chance to rent a kayak or canoe for scenic splendor purposes. New Hampshire lakes -- or New England, for that matter -- don't get much prettier than Echo Lake Beach. The good thing for you is that it's right off the highway in the heart of the White Mountains.

Visit the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation for more information on Echo Lake Beach.

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