Peak Northern New England Fall Foliage

Where, When to Find Autumn Color in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont

Sep 1, 2009 Karen Berger

Peak foliage in Northern New England depends on latitude, elevation, and distance from the Atlantic. Best autumn color occurs between late September and mid October.

Northern New England's autumn foliage is legendary worldwide. Give credit to the suddenly cold autumn nights, which send a signal for the trees to change color en masse. Or credit the sugar maples, those signature north-country show-offs, which flaunt their brilliant reds against the more common mixes of yellows, oranges, and golds. And factor in the evergreens, as well, which provide a dark green frame for the riot of deciduous autumn color.

When and where to find peak color is slightly different from year to year, but in general, New England's peak foliage season runs from late September through late October, depending on latitude and elevation.

Peak New England Foliage Highlights in Maine

Rambling in Coastal Maine: An autumnal foliage trip to coastal Maine should take in Arcadia National Park. The combination of fall foliage with autumn's "wine-dark sea" is unforgettable. Peak foliage is in early October, although at higher elevations, the mountains will be carpeted with bright red blueberry bushes in September.

Hiking in Central Maine: To find spectacular mountain foliage in Maine, simply look at a map of the Appalachian Trail. Any small town the trail passes through or near (Andover, Oquossoc, Rangeley, Stratton, Caratunk. Monson, Millinocket) makes a great base camp for an autumn foliage ramble, bicycling the country roads, hiking, or trail running. Foliage starts peaking in late September to early October depending on the elevation. Autumn color is generally finished well before Halloween, when "hunter's colors'"(browns and dark oranges of the leaves not yet fallen) take over. Hikers should be aware that after October 1, it may not be possible to climb Mt Katahdin in Baxter State Park due to early winter storms.

Peak New England Foliage Highlights in New Hampshire and Vermont

Hiking in the White Mountains, New Hampshire: Autumn hiking in the White Mountains is spectacular, but the dangerously, famously unsettled weather means taking extra clothing and emergency supplies, and hiking with at least a small group. Or stay low: The Pemigawasset Wilderness has countless miles of forested trails that meander past creeks and waterfalls.

Scenic Drives in the White Mountains: Don't want to hike? There are plenty of beautiful autumn drives, in the White Mountains starting with easy meandering on the Kancamagus Highway The pullouts along Franconia Notch are spectacular, with lots of hiking trails to explore. Day-trips include the caves of the Lost River, Echo Lake, Pinkham Notch, and the Flume. Visitors to the White Mountains can also ride gondolas to the mountain tops at ski areas like Loon Mountain, or take the cog-railway ride to the summit of Mt. Washington. The Mt. Washington Auto Road (weather permitting) will give views of the entire region.

Bicycling The Connecticut River Valley: The Connecticut River divides the White Mountains from the Green Mountains. Because elevations are lower, peak foliage is later, usually in early October. The college town of Hanover, New Hampshire (home to Dartmouth College) sparkles in the autumn. Cycling is a popular activity up and down the river, and the Appalachian Trail runs right past the town green.

Visiting the Green Mountains, Vermont: The Green Mountains run the length of Vermont. Close to the Canadian border, autumn color peaks in late September; down south, near Bennington and Manchester Center, it's more likely to peak in early to mid October. Visitors to Manchester Center will want a credit card in hand: In addition to being a typical New England town complete with village green and white-steepled churches, Manchester Center has some of the best outlet shopping around.

Climbing in southern Vermont: Near Bennington, the climb up to the shelter and fire toewer on Glastonbury Mountain give one of the best views in southern Vermont. Stratton Mountain is another highlight, both for its glimmering lower-elevation ponds, and for its views from the summit. Peak foliage for these hikes is early October.

New England is a relatively small part of the United States, but because of its great variety in elevation and latitude, it has a wide variety of microclimates, meaning that peak foliage comes at different times throughout the autumn. Anyone in the Northeast who has a free weekend in September or October is likely to be able to find peak foliage within a reasonable weekend driving distance.

For more artciles on where and when to see autumn colors nationwide, check out Where to See Peak Foliage.

The copyright of the article Peak Northern New England Fall Foliage in Volunteer & Eco Adventures is owned by Karen Berger. Permission to republish Peak Northern New England Fall Foliage in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

White Mountains, N.H., in Autumn