Foliage Season Hacks to get the Best Colors

Nobody wants to drive endlessly or sit in traffic to see the fall colors of New England. The only thing worse might be to miss the fall colors entirely, by heading to the wrong place at the wrong time. Here are a few tips for enjoying New Hampshire's fall colors in the right place, at the right time, and by getting out of your car and into nature.

New Hampshire’s fall colors are an annual topic of debate. Some say that too much sun--or is it too much rain?--will dull the colors. State officials then offer opinions to the contrary. Truth be known, it's really kind of a mystery, with Mother Nature calling all the shots. 

But, as the locals say, “Those leaves gotta come down some way or the other.” Want to save time and avoid crowds – then skip those “foliage tours” touted on websites and try these tips from the locals: New Hampshire’s foliage season runs roughly from mid-September to mid-October, but this varies widely depending on weather, topography and geography. Even as early as late August, the swamp maples surrounding some ponds and lakes may turn a fiery red, and the deciduous trees of northern New Hampshire may already begin their transformation.

Indigenous Peoples Day is often the focal point of fall foliage excursions, but the White Mountains can tend to have earlier colors, and be fading wit the car fumes… So, try the Concord Region for great colors and no crowds.

Indigenous Peoples Day is often the focal point of fall foliage excursions, but the White Mountains can tend to have earlier colors, and be fading wit the car fumes… So, try the Concord Region for great colors and no crowds.

Kicking off the fall outdoor festival season in Concord will be the Capital Arts Fest, a free event with locations throughout the city aimed at celebrating and highlighting art and artists from around the region. Hosted by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and in collaboration with the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, Capital Center for the Arts and the Concord Community Music School, the event will be held September 25 to 26, 2021.

Whatever the year, there's no need to hurry. The leaves hang around a long time. Travelers can make a full weekend of it by visiting local apple orchards or pumpkins patches--there are plenty around--and picking their own bushels of each. There are also plenty of historical landmarks and museums to capture your interest and to learn more about the beautiful scenery you'll be passing through.