North Conway Fall Foliage Report & 2026 Guide

Mt. Washington Valley   •   White Mountains

Make the most of Fall Foliage in the North Conway Area and White Mountains of NH

Fall foliage reporting for this season is underway! Follow current color conditions throughout North Conway, the Mount Washington Valley, and the White Mountains.

Follow the changing colors with current 2026 fall foliage reports from North Conway, the Mount Washington Valley, and surrounding White Mountain areas. Our locally gathered updates track foliage conditions from the higher elevations of Bretton Woods and Pinkham Notch to North Conway, the Kancamagus Highway, Tamworth, and the southern Valley.

Fall color typically begins appearing in the higher elevations during September before progressing into the valleys. Peak foliage around North Conway often arrives from late September through mid-October, but timing varies with elevation, temperature, rainfall, and wind. Check the latest reports and photographs below before planning your scenic drive, hike, or fall getaway.

FALL FOLIAGE REPORT - Percent To Peak Color - 2026

  • Berlin and Gorham areas 25% 25%
  • Jackson into Pinkham Notch 15% 15%
  • Bartlett into Crawford Notch 20% 20%
  • Twin Mountain, Bretton Woods 20% 20%
  • Conway areas and North Conway 15% 15%
  • Tamworth/Freedom/Chocorua 10% 10%
  • Kancamagus Highway 25% 25%

2026 Fall Foliage Conditions by Location

When is peak foliage?

Peak foliage in the North Conway area most often occurs between late September and mid-October. Higher-elevation and northern locations—including Bretton Woods, Twin Mountain, and Pinkham Notch—generally change first. Color then progresses into Bartlett, Jackson, North Conway, Conway, Tamworth, and nearby lower-elevation communities. Because conditions can change quickly, visitors should use the latest local report rather than relying on a single predicted peak date.

Scenic drives

  • Kancamagus Highway - Route 112, from Lincoln to Conway, is a must-see! Hit this 32-mile byway early in the mornings for a special treat and lighter traffic.
  • Crawford Notch and Route 302 - Follow this route through Crawford Notch for some of the best fall foliage views in the region!
  • Pinkham Notch and Route 16 - This road brings you by Wildcat Mountain and the Mount Washington Auto Road. We may be biased, but the Mt. Washington Auto Road offers the best foliage drive in the Northeast!
  • Bear Notch Road - This short 8-mile road bysects Route 112 and Route 302 in Bartlett. A must-drive!
  • West Side Road - A winding 35-MPH country farm road that takes you in or out of the North Conway village area. Take your time on this road and continue on to the northern end into Bartlett. Yes, the popular Diana's Bath is off of this road.
  • Eaton and Crystal Lake - Route 153 is another twisty, winding road that takes you past the uber-scenic Crystal Lake.
  • Chocorua Lake and Route 16 - Coming from the south of the state, Chocorua is well worth the stop on your way north

Please respect landowners as you visit the area. Always practice: take out what you bring in!