Best time for leaves?

[PaulS]

I've got family coming up, and they want to know the best time to see the fall colors. I'm assuming late September/early October would be ideal, but I thought I'd see what the forum's input is.

Thanks.

[66WINN]

Each year is different, but ususally starts last week in September and peaks by Columbus Day. If you still have the boat in the lake, a ride at this time can be great. There are hardly any boats on the lake and the colors are spectacular.

[Pepper]

Paul, believe it or not, I actually keep track of the dates from year to year. It can start as early as the third week in September, or as late as the second week in October! Sometimes it takes two weeks or more to peak, and sometimes only one week. I'll check my graphs and give you the past few years data. I'll either post it here or give it to you personally the next time you're in.

[Bear Islander]

Below is a link to a site that tracks the foliage and gives a weekly report. The lakes region peaks a little after most of NH. There is a graph you can drag a leaf across to see the foliage change. It predicts peak will be around October 18.


http://foliage.visitnh.gov/index-flash.html

[Pepper]

Thanks, Bear Islander! Very cool link! ;)

[PaulS]

Thank you both. The link is great, and Pepper, we'll probably be in this weekend.

[Island Girl]

The foliage closer to the lake can be a little later because the water is so warm, still.

[SIKSUKR]

Actually.the temperature has very little to do with the timing of the foliage.And methinks Pepper has overdosed on lobster.Just kidding P.Foliage onslaught is overwhelming determined by the amount of daylight, at a certain point which stops the formation of chloriphyll,which is the green color you see in the leaves.That might not be exactly scientifically correct but that is the process.The brilliant colors are always there,just hidden behind the green.I believe the timing only changes no more than 3-5 days,with an occasional on week difference.One of the variables in how intense the colors are is reallly just how much of the leaves have not been stripped away by a big storm before full foliage.You can almost bet on peak colors at Winni the first week of October.

[PROPELLER]

My experience has been that the colors you see by boat on the lake are not all that spectacular compared to driving around on different country roads around the lakes region & further north into the White MTS. I'm wondering if that is because many trees you see from the lake are Evergreen trees with needles that do not turn color. The last 3 years I saw much better colors driving down route 28 south of the lake & driving north to N. Conway.

September is too early for the lakes region. I would wait until the 2nd - 3rd week in October.

[trfour]

I have seen it when the islands peak in color, after the mainlands leafs are on the ground. I may have a photo that will show this... The best view whowever, of this was when I looked out from Scenic Drive, the islands were like Gems in spectacular colors!!.... Yes, I did not have my camera with!
What a dope! :)

Love,
T.

[jkjoshuatree]

If you decide to come up during Columbus Day, beware of all the traffic. It's much worse than any other weekend of the year (July 4th and Labor Day included!).

So plan accordingly.