The peak in Concord NH is usually around Columbus Day weekend. I think you are coming too late for good color in Stowe and northern NH. You can still have a good time but you'll probably see the best color in Dover (if you mean Dover NH).

Are you zigzaging back and forth between VT and NH? Stowe VT to Newport NH to Bethleham NH to Shelburne VT?

I would suggest changing to a more southerly route but keep in mind to check for road closures in southern VT due to recent hurricane. West Lebanon commercial district near the river also suffered serious damage. We drove Rt 4 toward Concord NH last weekend. The road was fine but it's not a scenic stretch. I would avoid N Conway on any weekend day but you could head there first. It's pretty all the time but also congested with traffic.

I'm getting dizzy trying to follow your route . As dfrostnh mentioned, you're a little late for the northern areas (but there will still be some), but great for central and south. Stowe is beautiful, as is Bethlehem & North Conway NH (North Conway will be crowded). Both Newport Vt & NH are old mill towns. Concord NH is a pleasant little city, but not particularly scenic although the outlying countryside is nice. Shaker Village just north of Concord in Canterbury NH is wonderful. Unfortunately, many central & southern towns in Vermont were very hard hit by flooding. The Connecticut River valley area of both states is relatively ok, and is very scenic. Look at Woodstock VT (may still have some damage), Thetford VT, Ascutney Vt, Orford,Lyme,Hanover NH., Sunapee & New London NH.

Thanks for your advice. We are originally coming from the Montreal area after visiting family then are booked two nights in Stowe, one night at Concord, NH then two nights at The Inn at Mount Snow. I think my husband picked up the route from either Fodors or Frommers tour guide so it sounds as if we should omit our northeast route and head south. Will see if we can change add a night in the south. Thanks again.

Check road conditions in the Mount Snow area. That was one of the hard hit areas.

I know the Woodstock VT area was hit pretty hard (the Woodstock Inn is closed for the month of September) but they are thinking that things will be in good shape for the foliage season. I agree that foliage in the Northeast Kingdom (Newport) will almost certainly be past peak by October 11.

The Burlington/Shelburne area was virtually untouched and should be nice in mid-October.

Just listening to a report on Vt Public Radio about road closures. "Only" about 30 roads are still closed, and the conditions are improving every day and will be much better in October. Conditions on some major east-west roads are not great. According to the governor,
“Vermonters can expect on damaged roads like Route 4 and Route 9 to be traveling on highways more reminiscent of their great-grandparents’ highways rather than the highways of 2011." The maps of road closures will give you an idea of where the major damage was.
http://www.aot.state.vt.us/

Thanks again everyone. You have been a great help.