5 Leaf-Peeping Road Trips In New Hampshire: When Foliage Peaks

NEW HAMPSHIRE — Fall foliage has hit peak brilliance in New Hampshire. The 2023 Fall Foliage Prediction Map indicates leaves will peak in most parts of the state this week.

The predictive map, from the travel site Smokymountains.com, uses a refined data model based on historical and forecast temperatures and precipitation, the types of trees prominent in specific geographic areas, and real-time user reports.

The map is easy to use. The slider at the bottom resets weekly to include the latest data. To see when leaves are expected to peak, move the slider to the right. Leaves haven’t started changing yet in green areas, and the brown color means foliage has passed its peak.

As with any meteorological forecast dependent upon weather variables, leaf predictions aren’t always 100 percent accurate, but the map does give New Hampshire leaf-peepers a pretty good shot at seeing autumn leaves when they turn their most blazing reds, vibrant orange and sunny yellows.

For people planning to travel, the site curated a list of the best places to see fall foliage in every state.

Here are a few suggestions:

• The Kancamagus Highway, a 34.5-mile scenic drive along New Hampshire Route 112 in the northern part of the state, is considered one of the best vistas in the world to see brilliant fall foliage. It is a designated American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty in culture.
• Flume Gorge, 852 Daniel Webster Highway (Route 3) in Franconia Notch State Park, is one of the prettiest spots in New Hampshire. The Flume is a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty.
• Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the first mountain-climbing train in the country, from the Marshfield Base Station up to the summit of Mount Washington.
• Connecticut River Route near Lebanon Loop is a 70-mile drive that offers stunning views of the Connecticut River.
• Close to both Mount Monadnock—thought to be one of the most-climbed mountains in the world—and Monadnock State Park, the pretty town of Peterborough is the perfect road trip destination that can spark bonus adventures.