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Early peak fall foliage hits New England this week

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 3:17 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Early Peak Foliage

New England foliage season is reaching peak color a few days to a week early.
Cooler-than-average temperatures and low precipitation have accelerated the color transition in northern New England.
Peak foliage remains in the Berkshires and lower New Hampshire elevations and on Mount Greylock and Mount Wachusett.
Recommended viewing spots include Vermont’s Route 100 and New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway and Massachusetts’ Mohawk Trail.

Summary

Scientists Reveal Pigments

Scientists say reduced chlorophyll reveals orange and yellow pigments as days shorten.
Cold nights trap sugars in leaves, producing red pigments that deepen autumn colors.
Cotner reports Colorado drought limited foliage, while Utah’s rain yielded vibrant leaves.
Foliage season runs from mid-August in Alaska to late December in Florida, but not in Hawaii.
Leaf-peeker Kirk Giglio says autumn trekking provides mental escape from his cardiac nursing work.

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Early Peak Foliage

New England foliage season is reaching peak color a few days to a week early.
Cooler-than-average temperatures and low precipitation have accelerated the color transition in northern New England.
Peak foliage remains in the Berkshires and lower New Hampshire elevations and on Mount Greylock and Mount Wachusett.
Recommended viewing spots include Vermont’s Route 100 and New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway and Massachusetts’ Mohawk Trail.

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