Foliage.org: What are the projected dates for New Hampshire’s peak foliage season?
Figuring out the perfect time to catch peak foliage in New Hampshire can be a bit of a leap of faith, but here are some suggestions and tendencies that may help you select the perfect time to see nature’s fireworks.
Each September and October people from all over the world come to New Hampshire to see the fall foliage. No one can predict in advance when the color will peak; that’s why we offer the foliage report updates and change them weekly throughout the season. Other than that, here are some guidelines:
First, about mid-September, mountaintops and the swamp maples in the lowlands turn a flaming red, though a few will have sent off a first volley of color in late August. Some years, days will pass with little change, then overnight all the trees seem to explode with color so beautiful you wonder if it can be real. Other years, the color builds steadily to crescendo, changing each day.
Weather plays an important part in the process, but with so many variables, no one can truly predict how brilliant the foliage will be in any given year. However, we can predict that from the end of September through the first week in October, you can usually expect peak color in the far northern part of the state, while it can be anticipated in the southern part of the state from the first week in October to mid-month (and sometimes beyond).
Are there towns within New Hampshire that are known for their autumn foliage displays?
We can’t say that one town has better foliage displays than another; but it’s true that areas that have a denser population of maple trees will provide more expanded foliage views. During the early part of the season, most color is seen along small waterways and bogs. There are quite a few events that circle around the foliage season, also – please visit our website at www.visitnh.gov for a complete list.
What roads and highways in New Hampshire are popular scenic routes for fall tourists?
The Scenic Byways are very popular (and famous) scenic drives for visitors. Please visit www.whitemountainstrail.com and www.ctrivertravel.net for more information.
Please describe any fall festivals or other public events that place in New Hampshire during foliage season.
Lots of harvest time events take place during fall foliage season. You can search for events by date, region, town and/or keyword on our website at www.visitnh.gov.
Are there historic sites in New Hampshire that are also known for their fall foliage displays?
Check out https://www.nhparks.state.nh.us/state-parks/historic-sites/. Most of the listed historic sites are great stops during foliage season.
What are favorite tourist attractions of autumn travelers? What are some of the less well known but much loved attractions?
For a comprehensive list of attractions, visit our website at www.visitnh.gov. When you visit the site, follow the link to “What to Do” and click “Key Attractions” for more information.
Are there towns that are favorite destinations for history, literature, or architecture buffs, or antique collectors?
For a comprehensive list of New Hampshire’s historical and cultural opportunities, visit our website at www.visitnh.gov. When you visit the site, follow the link to What to Do and click NH Heritage for more information. For information on antiquing, visit the New Hampshire Antique Dealers Association’s website at www.nhada.org.
What are favorite fall destinations or activities of families traveling with children in the New Hampshire?
Favorite fall destinations include visiting agricultural farms; pick-your-own apple orchards, corn mazes, hay rides, agricultural fairs, scarecrow making, harvest festivals, hiking, biking, mountain climbing, wildlife watching and foliage viewing.
Please name a few helpful resources for discovering New Hampshire inns, B&B’s, and boutique hotels?
For a comprehensive list of lodging accommodations, visit our website at www.visitnh.gov. Once on the homepage, follow the link to Lodging. Select a lodging type or region from the menu, and enjoy browsing through the listings. We also have an Online Reservation System option on our homepage which is very user-friendly.
Anything else you would like to add to help visitors thinking about traveling New Hampshire for the fall foliage season?
Beginning in mid-September you can check out our online foliage report, or call 1-800-258-3608 to check on where the colors are brightest. The homepage at www.visitnh.gov also has a foliage tracker link. You can actually choose the dates you’d like to visit and the map will indicate where the foliage will be at that time. This is our busiest time of the year, so be sure to make lodging reservations early!
Special thanks to Betty Gagne, Customer Service Assistant, NH Division of Travel and Tourism Development for completing this informative interview on NH fall foliage.