Fall Foilage....Best Time? (Concord, Conway: rental, homes, safer)

[Captjob]

Hello New Hampshire Friends,

I am surprising the family with a one week NH vacation in October. What week would be best for color? The second Oct 5-12 or the third Oct 12-19th. Oh...I'll be in the White Mountain, Lakes region mostly.

Thanks everyone

Captjob

I'm still coming out solo in May.

[GraniteStater]

Early October is best for the Lakes Region.
Late September is ideal in the White Mountains Region.
The further south you go in the state the later the fall color lasts in the month of October.

[Verseau]

Actually, in my experience the fall foliage is very rarely at peak in the White Mountains in September.

Peak times vary quite a bit from year to year, although in the past few years, it seems like the peak has come a bit later than it used to. In 2007, colours peaked in the White Mountains around the second weekend of October, and in the Lakes Region around the third weekend, if I recall correctly.

This page provides maps of peak colours in 2005 and 2006. You should note that in 2005, the peak foliage was abnormally late. The 2006 peaks are closer to average.

It's kind of a gamble, but personally I would go with the third week in October... as long as you make sure to go to the White Mountains at the beginning of the week. You can then work your way south as the peak colours progress.

All in all, either week is a good choice, seeing as how unpredictable Mother Nature can be. Even the intensity of colours varies from year to year... sometimes the colours are abnormally dull, other times they're incredibly vibrant.

[Valerie C]

IMO the best foliage north of Concord is the 1st into the 2nd week of October. You'd not want to be here Columbus Day Weekend as Route 93, the Kancamagas (between Lincoln and North Conway) and Route 16/302 etc. is packed packed packed, motor homes driving 20 MPH up the hills. Come the week before for sure!

[Verseau]

I found another website that allows you see generally when the peak occurs across the state.

Columbus Day Weekend can get busy (probably because it's the best bet to see peak foliage), but the trick is to get off the beaten path or just get up early and drive the Kancamagus before everyone else.

The 5-12th actually might be the safer option... it's possible that the Lakes Region won't be quite at peak by the end of the week, but there will be some beautiful colour nonetheless.

[DareToDream]

The last 2 falls, we seemed to have peak color right around Columbus Day in Littleton and surrounding areas. The first fall we were here it was a little before Columbus Day, last year it seemed to peak a few days after. Val and Verseau are right - lots of people around up here during that period!

[GregW]

Don't worry about catching the "peak" colors. The entire fall in NH is spectacular. Try driving Rts 107 and 140 in ad around Gilmanton for some spectacular views of the Lakes Region Hills. A trip on the lake on the steamer Mt Washington is really cool. I also suggestion is to take the TRAM in Franconia Notch on I-93 in the early morning or around sunset. The view from the top of Cannon Mountain is also wonderful. Mid October is getting late for the Mt. Washington auto road but, if you don't want to walk, the Cog Railway is available from the west side of the mountain at Bretton Woods.

Lots of places to see and things to do in the fall in NH.

[bluegreen]

first week of october for sure! by the second week the colors will be drab.

[Captjob]

WOW!

Thaks to all. I was just about to hit the last key stroke for reservations on the 12-19th. Val and all, nice hit on the crowds. I forgot all about that holiday period.

It will be 5th through 12th. Now, to find that vacation rental home out there somewhere?

Captjob!

[GraniteStater]

I was probably thinking September had good fall color for the North Country. Most areas will still have great fall color in October