Fall Foliage Report

The leaves are changing colors in the Great North Woods region. Travelers will find spots of color along Route 3, and on the Indian Stream Road. Pittsburg is showing about 25 percent color change, with spotty oranges and reds coming to life along the Connecticut Lakes. It's still warm enough to enjoy a paddle in a canoe or kayak in the waterways and ponds that grace this northern section of the state, and moose have been spotted taking a drink on the waters' edge. On Route 16 from Gorham to Errol, the leaves are just starting to turn.

Parts of the White Mountains region are showing early signs of color. Sugar maples in low-lying areas are developing nice reds and oranges. Examples of this may be found in Sugar Hill, along Route 17 between Routes 18 and 302. Leaves in Waterville Valley are transforming into the yellows, reds, and oranges. These colors look spectacular when seen among the warm greens of summer. Cool nights will push some color change into this region very soon.

Fall color show is just beginning to appear in the Lakes region. While some reds and oranges are popping up along swamps and wetlands, those spots are few and far between. Colors are just beginning to emerge in the eastern sections of the region, and the higher ridges of the Ossipee Mountain Range. Along routes 153 and 17, there are occasional colored trees, and burning bushes are becoming deep scarlet. A few trees along the lakes are fading to lighter colors, showing a blend of pale orange and yellowish-green. Route 11 through Alton Bay to Weirs Beach has scenic views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the state's largest lake.

Small splashes of fall color are beginning to show up in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region. Route 120 south from Lebanon to Claremont is showing the best early fall reds and oranges. Swamp maples are bright and are turning different shades of red on the Blackwater River near Salisbury and Webster. Valleys are coming to life in shades of scarlet and crimson, and the town of Warner is showing a blend of oranges and reds. It's high season for agriculture right now, and there are plenty of farmers' markets in this region of the state. For information on where to pick apples and other harvest foods. Visit our website at www.visitnh.gov and click "What to Do," and choose Markets and Fairs.

The Monadnock region is primarily green with scattered patches of color. Route 101 between Keene and Peterborough iwith its views of mountain valleys and lakes, will be beautiful once the color strikes. Some patchy deep reds are coming to life along Routes 202 and 124, and the roadside ferns are turning warm brown. Geese and wild turkeys populate many of the open fields. Mount Monadnock, the second most-climbed mountain in the world, is a great fall hike with at least a dozen trails for climbers of all abilities. The summit rewards hikers with spectacular panoramas extending to all six New England states.

The wetlands in the Merrimack Valley region are surrounded by deep reds and yellows, a sure sign that fall is approaching. Occasional branches and tops of the maple trees are changing to shades of orange along Route 101 from Wilton to Bedford. Low lying areas, wetlands, and bogs are showing beautiful reds and yellows; some of these bright colors can be seen around the new Boston and Greenville areas. Overall, this region is just beginning to turn, and it may be a while before true fall colors come to life here.

Seacoast leaf peepers are reporting mostly green conditions, with some low branches showing a hint of change. Little splashes of yellow and orange can be seen in some areas, and waterways are surrounded by red swamp maples. Country roads, like Route 108 from Newton to Exeter, and Route 107 from Seabrook to Kingston, are still mostly green with occasional smears of orange and yellow. Historically, the Seacoast is the last region to show peak fall color. There are plenty of golf courses in this region; for a complete list, please visit www.visitnh.gov; go to What to Do, and click Sports to find the golf course link.