Foliage season in New England is among the best you will find in the world. Starting in mid-September and lasting through mid-October, New England is full of bright crimsons and brilliant golds. Peak foliage varies depending on the region you are visiting.
The timing of when the peak of the fall foliage season depends on a wide variety of factors. The foliage season beings sooner the farther north one travels. The foliage is an affect of the trees preparing for the winter. So, the colder weather is what tells the trees to prepare for the coming winter. How much rain an area has received affects how much and what variety of colors are in that area.
The most popular time for venturing north to view the beautiful New England foliage is Columbus Day Weekend. This is the weekend that the crowds tend to be the highest so make travel plans as far in advance as possible.
If you would like avoid the crowds travel earlier in the season. In general, the farther north you travel the earlier the autumn season will be found. In fact, fall foliage colors can be seen in the areas the northern White Mountains in early September!
There are several different ways to view the foliage. A planned driving route would allow for the viewing of a wide variety of foliage. A walk, hike or biking tour is another way of soaking in the whole New England fall experience. The brightly colored leaves, crisp fresh air, and wonderful vistas really make autumn in New England a wonderful time of year.
Learn more about the trees and leaves of Northern New England
