I know this is probably an impossible question to ask, but does anyone know when foliage will peak around coastal Maine and lakes area of New Hampshire this year. I think I heard because of the drought it might peak early this year. Does anyone know how early? We have a trip scheduled for coastal Maine 9/22-25 and Lake Winnepesaukee area 9/25 to 10/2. If it peaks about a week early we should hit it about right according to the average if I'm reading my information right.

I've lived in New England for 25 years. Trying to predict the foliage peak is about as accurate as the weather forecast. I haven't heard of any significant drought, either. In fact, the foliage, flowers and grass are lush and beautiful everywhere right now. I would advise, however, that the best foliage is seen in the mountains and valleys, not around the lakes or along the ocean (there are lots more trees and variation in elevations). "Peak" is another strange term. I, personally, find the foliage its most beautiful the week preceeding the annual proclaimed "peak".

Though it might be too early for any foliage reports, here are the phone numbers and websites from last year that gave out reports:
Maine--800-533-9595; www.visitmaine.com
New Hampshire--800-262-6660; www.visitnh.gov
Also, the National Forest Service's Fall Color Hotline is 800-354-4595. Right now it's a wildflower hotline, so it's too early to check there.

Sharon,

I live in Southern Maine and we are seeing bright reds and oranges already!! The cool nights have afforded some early color. What this means I have no idea, but the foliage will be early for sure. I cannot remember ever seeing color this early. How about those up north? Have you seen any color in the mountains?

Michael Froning

As I posted somewhere on this site, we usually start to see some color about now in the Monadnock Region in the areas near water (swamp maples, etc.). However, the rivers and marsh areas have little or no water; I've never seen anything like it. It may be a different story around lakes, but both Dublin Lake and Lake Nubanusit, which are low but not dry, still are very green around the shorelines. Donna's right; it's all slightly unpredictable under the best of circumstances.