September – Week 4 – 2026
As we wind down the final days of September, lots of brilliant fall foliage is beginning to pop up throughout the Mount Washington Valley. Every town we visited this past week has strong pockets of color, except Fryeburg, ME. Fryeburg is showing lots and lots of green, even near the Saco River (see photos). Unlike last year, we have seen very little leaf drop … even after the storm has moved through. Overall, we have no reason to believe that this season will be nothing but exceptional!
Here is what we saw this past week …
The Conway area (see photos)
While the Conway area is still well over 50% green, we saw some surprisingly brilliant colors pop this week. Lots and lots of color near the Saco River bed.
Jackson, Pinkham Notch
Plenty of fantastic color popping throughout the notch, from Jackson to Gorham… you won’t be disappointed! A drive up to Black Mountain is well worth it and then back to Jackson Falls … if you find a spot to park. Stop by Jackson Village to visit the Pumpkin People!
Bretton Woods
This area is coming along nicely and is sooo much better than 2025 already. Upper elevations are well over 50%, but lots of green to go down near the roadways. Stay tuned for photos.
East Conway, Fryeburg, Maine (see photos)
It’s almost Fryeburg Fair week (Oct 4-11) and town is beginning to buzz. Surprisingly, things are still very green in the village area and around town. This should begin to change fast, and by the time the fair begins, we expect colors to show.
Twin Mountain, Bethlehem
Lots of good color in this area, especially high above the roadways. Some leaf drop is visible but very minimal compared to last year, 2025. Lots of reports telling us the color is awesome!
Whitefield, Randolf, Jefferson (see photos)
No report as of 9/29/26. Stay tuned!
Tamworth, Freedom, Chocorua
Color, green, color, green, color, green! Still early but very impressive pockets of color along Route 16 and Route 153. Stay tuned for photos.
Kancamagus Highway
As always, it’s best to drive this road early in the morning or late in the evening. The colors are more vivid, and the traffic is much lighter than during the height of the day. The entire road looks good, and vibrant colors began to show today after the storm moved out. By this time next week, this area will likely be peaking … yes, before the holiday. But even after peak, Route 112 never disappoints. Stop by Sasquatch Crossing on the Conway side for some snacks, lunch, or souvenirs.
Jackson and Pinkham Notch to Gorham
Conway and North Conway area
Fryeburg, Maine area
Kancamagus Highway – Route 112
