Tracking 2023 Fall Foliage Color Around North Conway, NH

The fall season is upon us in North Conway and throughout the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Fall color in this area of New England, especially during peak fall foliage, is some of the very best you’ll find, thanks to the many lakes, rivers, and mountains in the region.

October – Week 2

The 2nd week of October has seen some explosive color in many areas north of North Conway, such as in Pinkham and Crawford Notches … while some areas are slightly washed out in the Bretton Woods area. We’re getting picky here folks though as most of the color we’ve seen has been fantastic.

If you haven’t visited yet, we’re guessing that most of the fall color is 5-7 days behind a typical White Mountain season so there is still plenty of time. The North Conway area and south are looking close to peak but still many areas are mostly green, such as the Rattlesnake Mountain area on the east Conway side. 

October – Week 1

This week’s photos are from just south of North Conway in the Conway Lake and Route 153 area from Conway, Eaton, and Freedom – including breathtaking Crystal Lake in Eaton and the Little White Church along its banks. As peak color approaches from the north above Crawford, Pinkham, and Evans Notches, foliage in this area is just beginning to fill in with more widespread oranges, yellows, and reds. Still plenty of green to turn, but we are seemingly within a week from hitting peak color in this area.

So far there are some slight signs of premature browning (dry leaves dropping) of some stressed trees, perhaps from caterpillar damage in the past couple of years–but certainly not as bad as some had predicted. Overall, the entire White Mountain and Lakes region, even as far south as Portsmouth, has shown signs of brilliant color.

SEPTEMBER WEEK 3

Our first fall foliage report of the season begins in the Berlin/Gorham area. We’re beginning to see hints of color, especially around rivers and lakes. Though still 95% green, we’re seeing the same right through the Conways into Madison and Freedom. Share and stay tuned for more!