Foliage Report for November 1, 2024
As the evidence of autumn slowly disappears from the treetops, the foliage season has officially concluded. The once vibrant canopy of colorful leaves has all but abandoned the landscapes, and temperatures continue to drop as Mother Nature prepares for winter. Romantic sleigh rides, steamy hot chocolate, and pure wonder are just on the horizon as winter makes its descent to transform the seasons!
Great North Woods: Past Peak
New Hampshire’s northernmost region passed its peak foliage in the first weeks of October, and since has been working on its transition to winter. Golden leaves rustle along forest floors as the temperatures continue to fall, and the peaceful quietness of the in-between seasons settles in. Now, and through the winter months, is a great time to visit the region to enjoy unbridled wilderness where endless outdoor recreation opportunities lure you to the great outdoors. Soon, snowmobilers, ice fishers, cross country skiers and snowshoers will enjoy the Great North Woods as winter makes its long anticipated arrival.
White Mountains Region: Past Peak
Foliage in the White Mountains continues to wane as leaves abandon the treetops on their graceful descent to carpet forest floors. The region saw peak conditions in the first few weeks of October, when dazzling shades of orange, crimson, peach, plum, and golden leaves cloaked the mountains in fiery color. Now that the curtains have closed on foliage season, winter will begin its journey to transform the mountains into snowy playgrounds where alpine skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and warming up to a cozy fire become priorities. There are endless ways to enjoy winter in the White Mountains, so plan a visit for the next season and enjoy the coming winter wonderland!
Lakes Region: Past Peak
There are outstanding trees that continue to hold tight to their leaves in the northern Lakes Region, though the area as a whole is certainly past its peak. The foliage has begun to rain from the treetops, carried by the wind to their new home on the forest floors. We will soon see waterbodies across the region start to freeze, transforming into playgrounds of glassy ice where ice fishers, skaters, and more will arrive to enjoy this frozen wonderland. With winter and holiday events planned throughout the season, there are plenty of ways to enjoy winter in the Lakes Region.
Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region: Past Peak
Treetops in the Dartmouth Lake Sunapee Region continue to shed their leaves as the autumn wonderland fades from the landscapes. The leaves displayed breathtaking color by late September and into early October, delivering a wonderfully scenic and long-lasting foliage show this year. Next, we can look forward to snowy landscapes and snowshoeing along serene trails, skiing down scenic mountains, winter carnivals, and other seasonal events once winter arrives!
Monadnock Region: Past Peak
Leaves in the Monadnock region transitioned slowly this year, surmounting to peak conditions by the end of September into early October. The landscapes were simply glowing with electric orange, red and golden leaves across the area. Now that the forests have begun to release their leaves in a flurry of autumn color, trails and paths throughout the region have become colorful sights. Once winter arrives to cloak the landscapes—a flurry of winter adventure begins from romantic sleigh rides through snowy fields, to soft trails enjoyed by cross country skiers and snowshoers.
Merrimack Valley: Past Peak
The Merrimack Valley saw peak foliage conditions as soon as mid-October through the end of the month, with showstopping crimson leaves remaining as longstanding color among the trees. Currently, any leaves that remain on treetops call attention among bare branches, and huddles of fallen leaves stir along the grounds. As the temperatures continue to drop, folks will warm up in cozy cafes, huddle by the fire in the base lodge of ski mountains, and brave the cold for a jaunt on snowshoes through sparkling snowy landscapes once winter arrives.
Seacoast: Past Peak
New Hampshire’s coastal region saw peak foliage conditions during the last few weeks of October, when treetops were swirled in a masterpiece of auburn, crimson, gold, and lime green leaves. More leaves fall to litter cobblestone streets in Portsmouth and along forest floors across the region each day. But just because the foliage season has passed, doesn’t mean we can’t look forward to the charming wonderland winter transforms the coast into. Where holiday celebrations and shopping draw in the crowds, classic theatre productions captivate audiences, and ice skating along glassy ponds and rinks lures winter fanatics to enjoy winter on the seacoast.
