Foliage in the North Country

At every corner and around every bend in NH White Mountains, autumn is bursting with color as the three-day Columbus Day weekend approaches.

"Although we saw the brightest colors come on in Franconia Notch at the beginning of the month, they are really hanging on this year," says Jayne O'Connor, president of White Mountains Attractions in North Woodstock. "Many of our longtime observers tell us that this year has had some of the best fall foliage they can remember."

People from all over the world will follow a trail through northern and central New Hampshire this weekend.

"When the leaves turn color, it happens in a gradual sweep, falling down the state from the northwest to the southeast direction," O'Connor says. "It's not unusual, especially this weekend, to go a few miles from one area that may have peaked two days ago to another spot where it's at peak at that moment. The degree of color that can be seen on a mountain drive is part of the fun and adventure of fall."

Travelers should expect to encounter traffic along popular drives around the White Mountains, particularly Franconia Notch and the Kancamagus Highway, between Conway and Lincoln.

"Robert Frost wasn't wrong when he wrote about taking the road less traveled," O'Connor says. "A good rule to follow this busy upcoming weekend is to turn left if everyone else is going right."

These less traveled roads are called shunpikes, she said, but the views are no less spectacular.

"Kinsman Notch is really a lovely ride," she says, referring to the notch west of downtown North Woodstock on Route 112. "A favorite spot for people who head that way is the Beaver Pond, where the foliage looks as if it falls down the mountain and spills into the pond."

Continuing a few miles west on Route 112 will take visitors to the intersection of Route 116, where they can follow that road through Easton Valley and come out in Franconia Village.

Another pretty drive is along Routes 16 between Glen and Gorham, she said, then continue on Route 2 through the pretty towns of Jefferson and Lancaster, where there are several pull-offs and beautiful views of the Presidential Mountain Range.

Since Columbus Day weekend is one of the busiest of the season, travelers coming from a distance should be sure to secure lodging reservations before they leave home.

"If you wait until you get to places like Lincoln and Conway on Saturday, you may spend the day looking for a bed to sleep in that night, rather than enjoying the scenery," O'Connor says. "We highly recommend spending a few minutes talking with local chambers of commerce or lodging bureaus to make that reservation."

For information about the White Mountains, the visitors' center is located off exit 32 on Interstate 93 in North Woodstock. Visit www.visitwhitemountains.com or call 800-FIND-MTS to learn more.

For more information on touring the State of New Hampshire, go to www.visitNH.gov.