2017 Foliage Report | Fall Color Arriving Early in Northern New England
The autumn foliage is fast approaching! Learn more about this year’s forecast in our latest New England fall foliage report.
By Jim Salge|Sep 21 2017|
The northern woodlands of Maine, NH and Vermont will be showing high color this weekend!
Credit: Jim Salge2017 FOLIAGE UPDATE: COLOR ARRIVING EARLY IN NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND
This year, emerging patches of bright foliage prove that some trees haven’t waited for the calendar before changing color. We’ve been hearing reports throughout the region of leaves beginning to turn already, and images of this early color are filling our social media.
Swamp maples are putting on quite a show this year. This was roadside in Eaton, NH.
Credit: Jim SalgeCredit: Jim Salge Most of these photographs have been taken where the swamp maples — which are in the earliest ecosystems to turn — are having a brilliant year. Other pictures highlight such things as an orange tree on the town green, still showing signs of stress from last year’s drought, and birch trees on the ledge along a road where the soils are thin. These small scenes offer a sneak peek at the big show coming in a few weeks.
Early color has been spotted all over Northern New England.
Credit: John ComptonCredit: John Compton This year, though, we are most intrigued by the shots coming from the far north, where more widespread color has quickly speckled the landscape with some stunning early reds. Specifically, the high elevations of the northern White Mountains in New Hampshire and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont have localized foliage color that is about a week ahead of schedule. [text_ad]
THE REASON FOR EARLY FALL COLOR
The reason for this early foliage display is simple: We’ve had a run of the type of classic autumn weather that brings out the best colors. The Mount Washington Observatory, located on a summit renowned for its severe weather, has had nine days without a drop of precipitation. A few cool nights in mid-September kick-started the process, and the recent string of warm, sunny days is promoting the formation of the strong red pigments.
Early foliage is popping in Pinkham Notch this year!
Credit: Jim SalgeCredit: Jim Salge We don’t expect anywhere in New England to quite reach peak foliage by this weekend, but there are some great options for early leaf-peepers.
GREAT ROUTES FOR EARLY LEAF-PEEPERS
Routes 5 and 5A through the Northeast Kingdom feature the type of variation in terrain that brings travelers close to some early color. Route 26 in New Hampshire through Dixville Notch has lots of early color this year. And Route 16 from Rangeley to Eustis, Maine, has rapidly emerging autumn color as well.
The northern woodlands of Maine, NH and Vermont will be showing high color this weekend!
Credit: Jim Salge
9-22 I’m driving up I-91 to St Johnsbury. 9-23 driving 302 and 113 to I-95, down to Boston. Is this the best way to see the fall foliage in two days? thanks!
I was able to find a great deal on plane tickets to fly up with my kids from FL next weekend. Where would I get the most bang for my buck next weekend for foliage, apples, maple syrup and easy to moderate hiking (9/29-10/1)? Thank you!
How about this weekend 9/30? Is there any area where we can witness the fall peak? When can we expect the peak this year? Appreciate any info