Fall Foliage on Kancamagus Highway: Peak Fall Foliage

Fall Foliage season at the Kancamagus Highway is by far one of the best times to visit the Kancamagus. Most people come to the Kancamagus Highway during the foliage season to see the bright colored leaves. The crisp fall air and the smell of the sun warming up the changing leaves is something you will remember for the rest of your life, it will always take you back to the memories of being at the Kanc.

When do the leaves change color along the Kancamagus Highway?
The leaves on the Kancamagus Highway normally start to change color around the middle of September. Peak fall foliage can be seen in the first two weeks of October. Normally, by the third to fourth week of October, the color of the leaves start turning brownish as the foliage season heads past peak in this region of New Hampshire.

Peak Fall Foliage season on the Kancamagus Highway can vary from above. The weather plays the most important role in determining the exact times the foliage will change colors, and when the leaves reach the brightest colors, known as “Peak Fall Foliage”.

The Fall foliage in New Hampshire normally changes from North & West to South and East. Almost the entire 2 months of September and October there is peak fall Foliage in one place or another in the Granite State.

The great part of leaf peeping is the fact that it is beautiful to see the leaves in any weather, so don’t let a poor weather day keep you from seeing the Fall foliage at the Kancamagus Highway. The best weather of course is a nice sunny, dry, warm day right after a recent rainfall.

If you are visiting the Kancamagus Highway from far away it is always best to give yourself a few days here in New Hampshire to be sure you get to see the Fall foliage during nice weather on the Kancamagus.

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Current Fall Foliage Conditions

Fall foliage conditions on the Kancamagus and in New Hampshire can vary dramatically even just driving a few miles. We put together a few resources for ways to see what stage the NH fall foliage is at and where you might find peak foliage colors. Check the two links below for current conditions:

Fall Foliage Webcams

Our FaceBook Group

Also check the bottom of this page to see if anyone posted their fall foliage photos here.

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Gregory Holden

There’s nothing prettier in the whole world 🌍 than the FALL FOILAGE in New Hampshire along the Kangamangus Highway 🛣️ the visions will be embedded in your mind forever as you see the vast color’s of millions of beautiful leaf’s in the trees along the roadways and in the wilderness, something everyone should see

Maureen Backman

We are visiting the Kangamangus Highway/White Mountains on Oct. 19. Any chance there will still be color then. Can’t seem to find whether the color change has started yet but see some information on the internet that by the third weeks things are brown. Going regardless but curious.

Maureen Backman

Well I will hope for the best – any other suggestions ?

Maureen Backman

Or ideas that will show us some foliage on the way from Boston to that area?

Jolanda

Hello, I’m planning to drive from S. Lancaster, MA, and would like to know how long or how many hours will it take for the detour in case I’m taking detour directions from Route 2 West to Route 12 up into NH, then 12A in Keene, then Route 10 to Route 116 then finally to Route 112?
Appreciate your comments.

Last edited 2 years ago by Jolanda
Carolyn

Will be peak by Oct 12?

Marie

Yes it will be perfect also.

PappyB

I’m headed up tomorrow morning…here’s a link that may help – https://www.visitnh.gov/seasonal-trips/fall/foliage-tracker

Marie

Sadly it will be brown by then. It’s leaking right now. We just drove it today.

Amy Dempsey

We will be driving on the Kancamangus Highway on Saturday, Oct. 16.. Any chance there will still be foilage to see?

Abdul Rehman

We are planning Oct 7 (Thu) to avoid weekend rush) on the Kanc. Will it be early or just the right time?

Abdul Rehman

Sure. Thank you very much

PappyB
Rene L
  • We’re going to drive on kancamangus highway on the 14th this month, do you think the leaves will be at peak by that time… we are coming from Florida …
Erika

What percentage of leaves are already changed this weekend (10/2-10/3)?

Pre

We are thinking of coming this week (10/5 to 10/7). What’s the current status of foliage? Live Webcams seem to be out of date or not working. Thanks!

Marie

Maybe 5% or a bit more.

Eric Anthony

Heading to the Kanc this Saturday October 9th. Will there be good color / foliage this weekend? Thanks!

Laura Ramirez

Heading to North Conway from Manchester NH Sunday Oct. 10th. What is most enjoyable route up? I see there is no real cold snap in the forecast for next 10 days except Saturday. I am wondering if I should push our trip out a week? Thank you for providing any information.  The picture attached last time we visited Oct 14, 2018. Sites were stunning!!! I am bringing my son this time and hoping will behold what we did in 2018.

12087693_10205011764960271_4376373542784171108_o.jpg
Justin Lane

Thinking of coming over from Vermont to drive the Kanc this weekend, what’s the foliage looking like? Would next weekend be better? Just would like to know before heading out, thanks!

Vaibhav

Has anybody visited Kancamagus highway recently and how it is looking?

Sherri K

I will be in Exeter for work next week. Can anyone suggest a no e route to drive to see fall foliage that is 3-4 hours round trip? Maybe also a great place to hav lunch!

Kasturi R

Is fall colors peak in Kancamagus highway ?

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