2017 Foliage Report | Peak Colors Hold On in Southern New England
As we head into November, where can you find peak foliage right now? Learn more in our latest New England fall foliage report.
By Jim Salge|Oct 26 2017|
Perfect peak colors in Southern NH last weekend show the spread of conditions across the region right now.
Credit: Jim Salge
A water skier and peak foliage in New Hampshire’s lakes region last weekend
Credit: Robert J. KozlowCredit: Robert J. Kozlow The warm weather also continues to affect the fall foliage in ways we could not have foreseen at the beginning of the season. Since the official start of fall, there have been only four days with below-normal temperatures in Boston, which is on track to end the month nearly eight degrees above normal. This kind of warmth has largely delayed the foliage, moving the timetable of peak fall colors in New England back a week — or even two, in some cases.
2017 FOLIAGE UPDATE: WHERE TO FIND PEAK COLOR NOW
The prime area for peak colors this weekend will be central Massachusetts as well as the northern and western suburbs of Boston. Northern Connecticut and Rhode Island will also provide peak viewing, including in Kent, Connecticut, and Woonsocket, Rhode Island, which are central to favorite autumn locations. Some lingering areas of peak color will hold along the Maine coast all the way up to Acadia, as well as in central and southern New Hampshire.
Near Peak Colors In Acadia National Park Last Weekend.
Credit: White Mountain Images – Chris WhitonCredit: White Mountain Images - Chris Whiton Besides the lateness of all the peak color in these areas, we also are seeing a true decoupling of different species, specifically the oaks. Near my house in southern New Hampshire, the oak trees are still completely green — not showing even the slightest sign of autumn — despite beautiful reds and oranges everywhere. After the maple and birch leaves fall over the coming week, another wave of rusty colors in these oaks should arrive, even well into November.
Maples have been showing great color, while these oaks in the Southern Berkshires are still very green!
Credit: John BurkCredit: John Burk South of the peak areas this weekend, you will still see areas of low color. Along the Long Island Sound, there are places that even look quite summery. And thanks in large part to Boston’s “urban heat island” phenomenon, Boston Common is completely green as well, though there is some color coming on along the Esplanade. North of the peak areas, autumn’s colors are fading fast, and much of the brightest hues are on the ground. Tamaracks and beeches remain golden, but stick season is very much in effect on the ridges and hillsides, and snow will be flying soon.
The leaves have largely fallen in Pinkham Notch, NH, including on the tree photographer Ryan Knapp shared last weekend.
Credit: Ryan Knapp
Northern Vermont: B+/B.