Fall Foliage Report 9/24/09

Grab your camera and start exploring.

In the past 2 days I have driven around the region from Lincoln to Lancaster up to Groveton over to Stark, and then up to 13 Mile Woods in Dummer & Milan. I have also driven around Twin Mountain, Franconia and Bretton Woods. There is some incredible color to be found. I found the area along Route 3 off Exit 35 up into Twin Mountain to be excellent. The stretch of road along Route 302 heading towards Crawford Notch is spectacular with color.

As you are out and about watch for slower drivers and people making sudden turns or stops as they hop out of their car for that picture.

White Mountains Region Foliage Report

The White Mountains Region is showing a blast of color in and around the area of Waterville Valley. Our leaf peepers in this part of the state are recommending visitors to travel Route 93 to Exit 28 and follow Route 49. This winding road runs alongside rocky Mad River, and provides mountain views. There are lots of fiery reds, rusty oranges and occasional bright yellows all along this drive. On the eastern side of the region, Route 16 through Pinkham Notch is coloring up nicely, and the view of Mount Washington from here is worth the trip. Continue on Route 16 to Gorham, and take a left onto Route 2 west; continue to Route 115, and take Route 302 west in Twin Mountain. The Local Works Farmers Market and Outdoor Marketplace along Bethlehem’s Main Street on Route 302 is open on Saturday from 9am to 1pm; take home some locally grown food, baked goods, crafts, flowers and plants while you enjoy music and demonstrations outside.

Great North Woods Region Foliage Report

It’s autumn splendor in the Great North Woods region! Our leaf peepers are reporting 60% color change on the west side of the area, while the eastern side is nearly 40% changed. Roadside trees are showing spectacular reds and oranges, and mountain views are getting more colorful each day. The area is expected to reach peak foliage by early October. Visitors will want to travel Route 110B from Milan to Route 110A to Route 16 north. Follow Route 16 along the Androscoggin River to Route 26 in Errol. Route 26 winds through Dixville Notch to Route 3 in Colebrook, and provides stunning views of Mount Magalloway. Stop at the Great North Woods Interpretive Center on Route 3 for maps and area information. Follow Route 3 north toward Pittsburg and beyond for beautiful views along the Connecticut Lakes. This road will almost always guarantee a moose sighting, so stay alert and have your camera ready.

Lakes Region Foliage Report
The fall foliage in the Lakes Region is becoming more vibrant with each day. Here’s a back roads trip that will provide plenty of deep reds and rusty oranges all over: begin on Route 28 in Wolfeboro – the ash trees along the downtown are turning from bright green to shimmering yellow. Take Route 109A to Route 109 through Moultonborough and continue to Center Sandwich. This trip runs past watery areas surrounded by red and orange maple trees. From here, you can either take Route 113 south to Route 3 south toward Holderness and Ashland, or go north on 113 to Tamworth.