Fall Foliage Report: Peak Foliage Has Arrived in the White Mountains!
Fall color is taking over the White Mountains, and the views are getting even more impressive! 🍁 Brilliant yellows, fiery oranges, and vibrant reds are spreading across the mountainsides, with peak foliage hitting in many areas in the White Mountains. Keep reading to find out where we're spotting the best colors.
October 9, 2026:
Where to Find the Best Color Right Now
Franconia Notch & Western White Mountains - 100%-Past Peak
While we may be experiencing "past peak" conditions in certain parts of the western white mountains (including the western end of the Kanc), that doesn't mean that won't find beautiful color! Some trees may have lost their luster and due to wind, others may be scattered on the ground, but our Leaf Peeps have noticed that there are still pockets of orange, yellow, and some pops of red. HOLIDAY WEEKEND ALERT: Please be aware that vehicle and foot traffic will be heightened as head into the weekend so plan ahead, leave early, and if you have reservations at certain attractions or restaurants, allow more time to arrive than you think you will need. Pack your patience, but enjoy the beauty around you!
Make a day of it: Explore our One Day Western White Mountains Fall Itinerary for ideas to pair your foliage drive with local attractions, seasonal treats and stops around the Lincoln-Woodstock area.
North of the Notches - 100%-Past Peak
The same remarks apply to this area of the Whites. Pops of beautiful color amongst trees that are past their prime. Each day brings something new, so keep your eyes open as you explore and enjoy the foliage treasure hunt!
Make a day of it: Follow our One Day Northern White Mountains Fall Itinerary and combine your drive through Crawford Notch with more fall adventures throughout the northern part of the region
The same remarks apply to this area of the Whites. Pops of beautiful color amongst trees that are past their prime. Each day brings something new, so keep your eyes open as you explore and enjoy the foliage treasure hunt!
Make a day of it: Follow our One Day Northern White Mountains Fall Itinerary and combine your drive through Crawford Notch with more fall adventures throughout the northern part of the region
Mount Washington Valley & Eastern White Mountains - 95%
The Mount Washington Valley and Eastern White Mountains always take a little longer to reach peak which works out for everyone as it keeps people moving throughout the Whites. If you are over in the Valley, take some extra time to drive the self-guided Pumpkin People tour. Brochures listing all the stops can be found at the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock, and at participating businesses in North Conway and Jackson.
Plan ahead: Our One Day Eastern White Mountains Fall Itinerary is a great starting point for exploring the Mount Washington Valley as the color continues to develop.
Waterville Valley & Southern White Mountains - 85%-Past Peak
Waterville Valley's leaves started to turn a little bit on the early side but is still looking quite beautiful! Some spots may be past peak while others are very close to hitting peak. If Waterville Valley is on your fall list, you’ll want to make your way this direction soon! Spend the day walking the trails in Waterville Valley, renting a bike, taking a scenic chair ride, or enjoying a meal in Town Square. They also have some great events going on. The Lakes Region hasn't quite hit peak yet but the leaves are quite vibrant. Looking for a fall fair this weekend? Be sure to make a stop in Sandwich for the Sandwich Fair.
Take the scenic route: Our One Day Southern White Mountains Fall Itinerary offers ideas for turning a foliage drive into a full day of exploring.
Turn Your Foliage Drive Into a Road Trip
One of the best things about foliage season in the White Mountains is that you don't need to have just one destination. Pick a route, give yourself plenty of time, and enjoy the stops along the way.
For classic White Mountains scenery: Travel the Kancamagus Highway between Lincoln and Conway. Stop at designated overlooks and recreation areas along the way, then continue into the Mount Washington Valley or return to Lincoln-Woodstock.
For a full-day foliage loop: Follow the White Mountains Trail, our 100-mile National Scenic Byway through some of the region's most spectacular mountain scenery, including Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch and the Kancamagus Highway.
For something a little quieter: Skip the busiest routes and explore one of our Scenic Foliage Drives Off the Beaten Path, where you'll find colorful backroads, small towns and plenty of reasons to slow down.
🚗 A Few Tips for Your Foliage Drive
Leaf-peeping traffic is beginning to pick up, particularly along the Kancamagus Highway and through Franconia and Crawford Notches. Give yourself extra time, watch for pedestrians around overlooks and trailheads, and please only pull over in designated parking areas.
Foliage conditions can vary considerably by elevation and even from one side of the mountains to the other. That means there is no single "peak" day for the entire White Mountains — and that's good news! Over the next couple of weeks, there should be plenty of opportunities to find beautiful color somewhere in the region.
Our best advice? Don't just chase "peak." Pick an area that's showing good color, choose a scenic route or itinerary, and enjoy everything you discover along the way.
The colors are here, and every day brings something new to see!
See something spectacular while you're exploring? Share the view by tagging @yeswhitemountains or upload your foliage photo below to help others see what's happening around the White Mountains. Share your foliage photos to our Public Uploader for a chance to be featured. Tag us (#whitemountains, @whitemountains).
