Beech trees are among the last to turn in New England each year, but are stunning in late October. Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham, NH.
Photo Credit : Jim Salge
Every autumn, Jim Salge, Yankee′s official fall foliage forecaster, is very busy.
As a former meteorologist at the Mount Washington Observatory and a current science teacher, Jim knows New England foliage. From the first color predictions in mid-August until the last leaf falls, he keeps tabs on the weather, forest health, and most importantly, the fall foliage colors throughout New England and shares his insights and observations with NewEngland.com all season long.
But that’s not all! As a photographer, Jim is also out chasing peak color in his favorite spots, hoping to capture the very best of autumn through his lens. Jim’s images have graced our magazine, posts on NewEngland.com, and most importantly, Yankee‘s foliage forecasts, for nearly a decade. The images here are some of his recent favorites, showing beautiful but rare moments of the calm, quieter times out and about during autumn in New England.
Scenes of Autumn in New England From Foliage Forecaster Jim Salge
Early autumn brings cool temperatures, valley fog, and mist over lakes. First Connecticut Lake, Pittsburg, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgeRed maple trees near wetlands tend to turn early in September across New England. Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgeThe alpine zones high above the treeline turn a kaleidoscope of colors in mid-September. Lion Head Trail, Mount Washington, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgeWhen hikers hit the trails early, they are often greeted with views over morning valley fog. Percy Peaks, Stark, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgeEarly color mixes in with a sea of green in the maple forest of the White Mountains. Mount Tremont, Crawford Notch, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgePeak color arrives first in northern New England, seen through the birches of and morning mist. Jericho Lake, Berlin, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgeThe blueberry scrub and the moonrise compliment a colorful scene in the White Mountains. Welch Mountain, Waterville Valley, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgePeak color in the White Mountains is a mix of yellow, orange and red with evergreen accents! Mount Pemigewasset, North Woodstock, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgeFall color along the river valleys can create beautiful scenes like at this waterfall. Kancamagus Highway, Lincoln, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgePast peak colors in the mountains can still look stunning under amazing skies. Mount Hayes, Gotham, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgeFall colors need not be in faraway places. This loon and peak foliage was captured in Manchester, NH. Lake Massabesic, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgeQuiet mornings and calm places, like in this self-portrait, are some of the photographer’s favorite things to capture. Stonehouse Pond, Barrington, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgeAfter the maples fall, rusty colors in oaks and beech trees remain on the landscape. Avery Peak, Alton, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgeBeech trees are among the last to turn in New England each year, but are stunning in late October. Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham, NH. Photo Credit : Jim SalgeThis post was first published in 2020 and has been updated.