2025 New England Fall Foliage Update | Expect Brighter Reds, Faster Fades

Signs of fall are emerging all over New England, and the earliest peak colors will be arriving soon! Conditions have changed significantly since summer, though, so a few adjustments to the original fall forecast are needed. What can we expect from the autumn colors now? Read on!

Jim, you’ve certainly been busy discussing fall foliage with local and national media since the original forecast in August. How have you been describing the outlook for this fall?  

In our original forecast, we predicted that the impacts of spring rain and fungus would likely lead to a patchwork of colors. We also expressed worry about drought, because it was a dry second half of summer.  

Drought stress is now a huge story in New England, and with both factors impacting the trees, they’re sure to create the predicted patchwork look. Some trees will go early, some will go dull, and others will hold out for brilliance.

I’ve definitely seen this change in my own yard. How is it impacting the trees?

You’re not alone—many people are noticing it at home, and in the forests as well. Some roadside trees are beginning to change colors, as these forest edges are typically hotter and drier than the interior forests. The other places people are seeing the stress are ledges, where birches are turning yellow and brown. Trees are showing stress in many different ways, though. Some leaves are crisping or browning without much color, and others are dropping before they’ve had a chance to turn.

At the same time, healthier or deeper-rooted trees are still on track to produce bright color. The interior forest also has a moderating effect on temperatures and water loss. That’s why we’ll see such a mixed, patchwork look this year—not every tree is responding the same way.

You had thought we’d reach peak on time or a bit earlier than normal. Has this forecast changed?

It has. The drought has further compressed the forecast, and we definitely expect more early color and an earlier peak. The broad north-to-south wave of peak color will still take place, but it’ll be more fragmented than usual. Additionally, instead of an extended peak, we’re likely to see quicker bursts, followed by a faster fade.

And what about the brightness of the colors? Do you think there will be areas that are brighter than others? 

Absolutely! Even in a stressful year, there are always places that shine. Trees with good water access, especially those on north-facing slopes, in valleys, or along rivers, should still produce vivid color. The sunny days and cool nights we’ve had recently are perfect for strong reds, especially in sugar maples. But brightness will vary. Some hillsides will be dazzling, while others may look muted or thinned out by leaf drop.

Already, a few northern areas are responding to the changing light and cool nights with some very early hillside color, and some of it has been very eye-catching.

With all this in mind, when do you expect peak colors to arrive?  

The first bursts of peak will show up in the far north and higher elevations during the last week of September. From there, bright color will build into central Vermont and the higher elevations of New Hampshire and western Maine by early October. Even western Massachusetts will see some strong colors by early October.

Where in New England will colors really wow this year?

Drought can really bring out bright reds, so despite it being an especially dry year in Vermont and the western White Mountains, I’d look to those areas for standout pockets of bright (but brief) color. These areas have the right mix of species and elevations, and despite the stress, they should still deliver picture-perfect foliage. Pockets of Maine’s western mountains will also impress.

Are there any drives that should be especially scenic this year?

Vermont’s Route 100, which runs north to south along the Green Mountains, will offer plenty of opportunities. In Massachusetts, the Mohawk Trail has a good mix of elevations and microclimates that should produce a rewarding drive. This year, the key is flexibility—you may need to chase the best pockets rather than expecting an entire region to be glowing at once.

Where should people head in the next couple of weeks to see some early color? 

Head north and go up in elevation. Northern New Hampshire, northern Vermont, and western Maine are already showing strong early color. Ledges, wetlands, and hillsides with stressed trees will also turn faster, so you don’t need to go far off the beaten path to find early splashes of red and gold.

Finally, what’s on your list for fun this foliage season?

I always look forward to simply getting outside and experiencing it myself. I’ll be hiking, photographing, and exploring some of my favorite routes to see how this unusual season plays out. Every year is different, but I am always learning while I explore. I’m especially curious to see where the brightest surprises emerge, as sometimes the most stressed trees turn the most vivid reds.

For the latest foliage news, keep watching our Where to See Foliage This Weekend page for weekly updates starting next week for the weekend of September 27-28, 2025!

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Jim Salge

As a former meteorologist at the Mount Washington Observatory, foliage reporter Jim Salge is a keen observer of the progression of the seasons in New England. He uses his knowledge of weather, geography, and climate to pinpoint the best time to visit various New England locations to find the best light, atmosphere, and, most importantly, color.

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