I'm planning a fall foliage trip to NH for the first week of October. What part of the state is usually best at that time for seeing the fall foliage?

USUALLY, by early October the foliage is at its best in the southern half of the state.

I was in NH for fall last year and the foliage was peaking right around the Columbus Day weekend. It was absolutely beautiful in the NH mountains. Hope you won't be a bit early but foliage can vary from year to year depending upon conditions. I would suggest a ride along the Kancamangus Highway. Absolutely the best. Have fun and take lots of pictures. You will love it.

The foliage is usually great for Columbus Day weekend in the Concord area. The foliage is beautiful for several weeks so it will be wonderful when you are here. Even the interstate will be beautiful.

I went to NH a few years ago to view foliage. It was Columbus day weekend, and we took a gondola ride to the top of Loon mountain and the scenery was spectacular! I also recommend a drive on the Kancamangus. Enjoy!

I live in Southern NH and I think that the first week of October, you would be safest around the White Mountains/ Lakes Region. It's usually too early for peak foliage in the southern part of the state then.

also consider the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee area, which peaks around the first week of October.

I live in southern New Hampshire too. The first week of October, we always head for the White Mountains (or the Green Mountains of Vermont). Varies from year to year, but almost always gorgeous all along Route 2, Route 302 and the Kangamangus. Even 1-93. There's always more colors in some areas than others, even varies greatly from one side of a mountain to the other. While the leaves begin changing at the end of September, it doesn't get really colorful until the second week of October, usually, where we live.

Columbus day weekend is about the last of the good viewing in Franconia Notch. In the higher elevations, there is a good chance for snow, as well. I have a stunning picture of Cannon Mt., the summit covered in snow, and the surrounding valleys an electric crimson!

DO NOT, however, plan to stay on the Conway side of the forest, unless you like your foliage with exhaust gas!

I second the White Mountains!!