
By early October, leaves expose all shades and hues of yellow, red, orange, and eventually brown. Fall colors peak in Boston in mid-October, but again, each year it might happen a week earlier or later. At this beautiful time of year about 50% of leaves turn gold or crimson.
When do the leaves change color in New England?
Fall foliage season brings “leaf peepers” throughout the entire region thanks to the beauty the changing leaves brings to the landscapes. The timing of foliage season in New England changes each year, but for the most part you’ll start to see signs of leaves changing by mid-September.
When is the best time to see fall leaves in Boston?
The best time for leaf peeping in Boston The fall foliage display starts in late September and continues into early November. October is the best time for a walk as fall colors peak and the weather is still pleasant. Fall colors paint Boston's landscapes at a different times each year.
Where can I see fall colors in Boston?
The Best Places to See Fall Colors Near Boston 1 Boston, MA. There are several great places to see fall foliage right within Boston’s city limits, all of which are free to visit. 2 Massachusetts. Outside of Boston, Massachusetts has lots to offer when it comes to foliage. ... 3 New Hampshire. ... 4 Connecticut. ...
How will the drought affect fall foliage in New England?
The drought will impact the color in some parts of New England. The White Mountains in New Hampshire during the fall. Photo courtesy of White Mountains New Hampshire Fall foliage will once again paint the New England region in red, yellow, and orange, but this year’s drought could mean a less than stellar season in some areas, experts say.

Are the leaves changing in Massachusetts?
The season starts in mid-to-late September, and peak color often coincides with Columbus Day weekend. The Smoky Mountains foliage tracker is a great tool to use to see where foliage is peaking throughout the state. Every region of the state enjoys gorgeous color.
Are the leaves turning in New England?
Peak fall foliage is expected to hit the northern region of New England in Maine and upper parts of New Hampshire and Vermont in late September and last through part of October.
What is the best time to see fall foliage in Massachusetts?
Leaf Peeping season starts around October 1st and peak color often coincides with Columbus Day.
Are the leaves starting to change in Maine?
Fall Colors are Spreading Throughout Maine Northern Maine (zones six and seven) is on track to reach peak conditions during the first week of October. Fall colors in all other areas of the state will occur from north to south through mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak color during mid-to-late October.
Which New England state has the best fall foliage?
New England leaf peeping is at its finest in Vermont, where wilderness covers 75 percent of the land. Surrounded by more maple trees than anywhere else in the region, you'll find the brightest of yellows, oranges, and reds on nearly every highway and country road.
How long does fall foliage last in Massachusetts?
While the timing is slightly different every year, Massachusetts sees its best fall color, moving from north to south, starting in mid-to-late September and extending through mid-October.
What is peak leaf season in New England?
It's still early — fall colors haven't peaked anywhere in New England yet. A map showing the fall foliage report across New England as of Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. Bright fall colors are enhanced by warm, sunny days and crisp, cool nights, with the peak running from late September into November.
Where is peak foliage in Maine?
Typically, the northern reaches of Maine are at (or near) peak foliage conditions during the last week of September or the first week of October. Then, the central and western mountains come alive with the most color around Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend.
Why are the leaves not changing color this year?
These unseasonably warm temperatures confused many deciduous trees. Normally trees begin to prepare themselves for winter dormancy by stopping the production of chlorophyll (which enables the leaves to remain green and vibrant) as the temperatures grow colder.
What is the best time to see fall colors in Acadia National Park?
Colors begin to appear throughout the parks higher and cooler elevations in late September, but the peak season for color is usually during the first few weeks of October.
Are the leaves turning in the Northeast?
Typically, leaves first begin to change color in the northern parts of Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire around mid-to-late September. In these states the vibrancy of the leaf colors usually peak around the middle of October. In the lower northeast, foliage changes later and can last up until November.
What is the best time to see the fall colors in New England?
Foliage conditions vary each year due to that year's weather and other factors. However, in general, you can expect to see fall foliage in New England from early/mid-September through the end of October. Peak foliage, when the leaves are at their best and brightest of the season, typically hits in early to mid October.
Where are the best fall colors in New England?
Lake Winnipesaukee Loop in New Hampshire. DenisTangneyJr//Getty Images. ... Vermont's Route 100. Getty Images. ... Maine's Coastal Route 1. Getty Images. ... Maine's Acadia National Park. Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park. ... Massachusetts's Mohawk Trail. Getty Images. ... Massachusetts's Route 6A. Getty Images. ... Boston, Massachusetts.
Why are the leaves changing early this year?
That means that a tree changing much earlier than those around it is breaking down chlorophyll faster than it is being manufactured. This is commonly a sign that the tree is under stress. This could be related to moisture stress (too much OR too little water), root damage, or the presence of insects/disease.
What to do in Boston if by land?
Enjoy both with Boston’s many diverse tours, trails and sails! Fun if by land, fun if by sea. Follow the Whale Trail, Walk the Freedom Trail , Black Heritage or Equality Trail. Take a harbor cruise or tour by foot, bicycle, trolley or "duck". Discover it all – your journey through Boston begins here!
Where to see fall colors in New England?
No other region of the country displays fall's colors like New England. A trip north of Boston to Kittery, Maine, will make for a dazzling show-and provide plenty of great shopping opportunities at the Kittery Outlets. Head south by car or rail to see Plimoth Plantation, and a replica ship, Mayflower II, based on the vessel that brought the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620. Look west to visit to Lexington and Concord, charming colonial towns with rich literary and Revolutionary War Era history. Read our Beyond Boston blog.
Where to take a ferry ride in Boston?
Take the quick ferry ride out to the Boston Harbor Islands or run and bike along the Charles River Esplanade or stroll along the Boston HarborWalk to take in views of Boston Harbor and the diverse neighborhoods that border the sea.
Is Oktoberfest in Boston?
In Boston the Oktoberfest celebrations have begun! The Hub hosts several such occasions over the next several weeks, so clean out your stein – or your lederhosen if you’ve got a pair – and prepare to indulge, or imbibe, in some seasonal festivities. Additionally, Savor the Square continues in Roxbury’s Nubian Square on September 18.
Is Boston a good place to eat?
Boston is a world-class culinary destination. Foodies will enjoy succulent seafood, scrumptious sweets, and ethnic enclaves with eclectic menus. For the social foodie, shared plates and tapas options are aplenty. Check out food halls such as the iconic Quincy Marke t or Time Out Market in the Fenway.
2. Boston Common
Located right next to the Public Garden, the Boston Common is the perfect spot for a picnic all year round. In the fall, you’ll find its chesnut, oak, maple and beech trees burst into beautiful hues of red and orange–a little piece of New England fall in the heart of an otherwise urban oasis.
3. Esplanade
We’re all about Autumn walks through Boston’s Esplanade. This beautiful park along the Charles River turns into a spectacular display of gold and orange in October when Boston’s fall foliage begins to reach its peak.
4. Beacon Hill
The oldest neighborhood in the city gives us major cozy vibes during the fall season. With its beautiful brownstownes decorated with totally cute pumpkin displays, its lovely coffeeshops, and its cobble-stoned streets, its the perfect city spot to bask in the beauty of the changing leaves and get into the spirit of the season!
5. Arnold Arboretum
The Arnold Arboretum is the hidden jewel of Boston’s Emerald Necklace.
6. Stowe, VT
Venture out of the city and check out Vermont’s stunning fall foliage at the town of Stowe. The beautiful mountainside outpost was recently voted by USA Today as one of the 10 most beautiful destinations for fall foliage in the U.S.
7. The Berkshires, MA
At the Berkshires, the changing leaves are expected to reach its peak around October 5. Hop on your car and head to Route 2, known as Massachusetts’ foliage highway, through Central and Western Mass for a breathtaking spectacle you won’t regret. Plus, it’s COVID-safe and the views are absolutely breathtaking!
8. The White Mountains, NH
Another great road trip and COVID-safe option if you’re looking to go leaf-peeping around Boston. Jump on the 35-mile-long road through Kancamagus pass and head straight to the White Mountain National Forest.
Where to take in fall foliage in Boston?
This includes destinations right in Boston, as well as others within relatively short driving distance from the city, including the Berkshires and New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Within these options you can walk, drive, hike and more, depending on where you are.
Where to see fall foliage in Connecticut?
Connecticut. Connecticut may not seem like the best place to see fall foliage, but there’s one drive in particular— State Route 169 —that will wow you during peak season. This is the first National Scenic Byway in the state of Connecticut and is considered part of New England’s “Last Green Valley.”.
What is the best thing about New England?
One of the best things about New England is that it’s a destination with four different seasons , so you get a different experience depending on the time of year. Fall foliage season brings “leaf peepers” throughout the entire region thanks to the beauty the changing leaves brings to the landscapes. The timing of foliage season in New England ...
Where is the New Hampshire border?
You may not realize it, but the New Hampshire border is only about an hour north of Boston, so it’s easy to get up there to explore a whole new state. Here are the best places to see foliage in the Granite State:
When is the best time to visit Boston?
By mid- to late-October, the peak of foliage season has arrived. This is one of the best times to visit Boston aside from the foliage, as the weather is nice and October is on the late edge of peak tourism season. Read on for recommendations on the best places to take in fall foliage near Boston. This includes destinations right in Boston, as well ...
What is the best route to drive in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts. Outside of Boston, Massachusetts has lots to offer when it comes to foliage. The best option is driving on Route 2, known as the Mohawk Trail, which was named New England’s first official scenic road and opened back in 1914.
Where to See Fall Foliage and Feast in Boston
It’s that time friendssss! Where the leaves are changing and the leaf peepers are peeping. You know what peeping all those leaves makes us…HUNGRY; hungry for comfort food in this crisp fall air. So, we’ve complied a list of great places for you to enjoy the fall foliage in Boston with suggestions of where to get some comfort food as well.
Back Bay Fens & Tiger Mama
After strolling around the Fens peeping the leaves, make your way over to Tiger Mama for a big bowl of Singapore Street Noodles. They are packed with flavor and a little punch of heat to warm you right up from that chilly fall air. Don’t forget to try one of their amazing tiki cocktails to wash it all down, you know, in the spirit of warming up.
Arnold Arboretum & Cafe Beirut
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a botanical research institution and free public park, located in the Jamaica Plain and Roslindale neighborhoods of Boston. It offers a beautiful setting to take in the fall foliage and build up an appetite to head to Cafe Beirut after for some modern Lebanese food.
City Square Park & Monument
Nothing quite says comfort them a bowl soup with bread on top and cheese oozing down the sides. #AMIRIGHT Monument is one of our Charlestown staples. And when we’re not going for their brick oven pizza we of course need to bring the cheese in another way.
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Leaves have started to change colors on Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire. (Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
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The drought will impact the color in some parts of New England
The White Mountains in New Hampshire during the fall. Photo courtesy of White Mountains New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Peak foliage at Stockbridge Bowl, known better to some as Lake Mahkeenac. – The Boston Globe
New Hampshire
Fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains. – Nic Antaya for The Boston Globe
Vermont
A barn in the foreground at Belvidere Center Vermont with the fall colors on the mountainside at dusk. – David L. Ryan / The Boston Globe
Maine
The State House is surrounded by fall foliage in Augusta, Maine. – The Associated Press
Rhode Island
Brown University’s campus in Provincetown provides a nice Ivy League setting for viewing the changing landscape. – Flickr / Stephanie
Connecticut
Fall foliage surrounding Hueblein Tower on Talcott Mountain in Bloomfield, Conn. – Kindra Clineff / Connecticut Office of Tourism via AP
When is the peak of foliage in Massachusetts?from nbcboston.com
Peak foliage usually occurs in mid-October from the Berkshires to northwestern Connecticut, late October in interior Massachusetts and Rhode Island and early November for Cape Cod. This season we may be 1-2 weeks delayed, potentially with color lingering on the Cape through Thanksgiving!
When will New Hampshire get its peak foliage?from nbcboston.com
We expect peak foliage in northern New Hampshire and moderate color south to the Merrimack Valley by the first week of October, which would be 1-2 weeks behind average.
What happens if you miss peak color in one place?from newengland.com
Factors like temperature and moisture are different every year, meaning we never see the same show twice. If you miss peak color in one place, you can always look somewhere else later — at least until the end of October! To see how the color rolls through New England, click on the “play” button to the right.
When will Vermont see peak foliage?from nbcboston.com
In higher elevations, there are reports of “some” color in Vermont and no color in lower valleys. Most of the state will see peak foliage in early October, but we expect a 1-2 week delay.
Which state has the best fall foliage?from newengland.com
Prettiest Fall Foliage Villages in Vermont. Vermont recently declared itself home of the World’s Best Foliage. With forest covering three-quarters of the state and the highest percentage of maple trees in the country, it’s easy to see why.
Is fall foliage in New England?from newengland.com
New England’s fall foliage rarely disappoints, but some years feature bolder and longer-lasting colors than others. In general, you want a seasonably mild and reasonably wet spring, a summer with adequate rainfall and, most important, plenty of warm, sunny days and clear, cool nights in the weeks leading up to autumn.
Is fall in the air?from nbcboston.com
Fall is in the air! We are starting to feel the cooler, less-humid air occasionally as the season changes. And it is beginning to look like autumn as the leaves start their changeover to the brilliant colors New England proudly displays to tourists everywhere.
