Foliage 2007
 

How is the foliage at the lake. We were up the weekend of Columbus Day and the colors had not even started. Any updates would be appreciated. Wish we were there!!:)

Right now it looks like next weekend might be peak color.

We were up at Castle In The Clouds on Saturday and it was certainly scenic, but there seemed to be as much green as color.

We were at the Lake over the weekend. There was a lot of color, but it probably hasn't reached peak yet. The distant mountains were a beautiful burnt orange color. Lots of green, yes, but it's hard to get those pine trees to turn colors. :)

The white mountains are starting to get past peak and the lake should be close this coming weekend. It sure is beautiful this time of year.

Drive from Meredith?
 

Howdy Forum Friends!

I’m here on vacation from to see the folks and do a little leaf peeping. Unfortunately, I’m solo at the moment, but my wife will be here Thursday! She has never seen fall in New Hampshire and I really want to WOW her (we’ve been married 1.5 years, together about 7 total and all she’s heard about is how incredible the NH fall is; she’s been here several times, but either for summer or Christmas).

<O:p
Considering the lake is surprisingly green (I’d say 50/50), I was thinking of taking her up along the Kancamagus. I’m in Meredith and would like some advice:
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- Is the Kancamagus past peak already? Would it be best to stay on 93 and go north just a little ways for picnic lunch, say to Franconia Notch or Lincoln? As for overlooks etc, am I better on 93 or DWHW(3) heading north?<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
If anyone can give me a tip for a scenic foliage drive from Meredith (say a round trip in 4 hours +/-), PLEASE chime in! I’m hoping with the overcast skies and cool temps the last few days the lake will come around in time – and we don’t leave until Monday the 22<SUP>nd</SUP>.

BTW: my first stop when I got in: Waldo Peppers...mmmmmmm :D

Thanks everyone!

Update: Forgot to mention the water is low indeed, although compared to last year I bet it's a relief for most of you!

Geez, still green here in my yard in Mass. It's going to be a race whether I shovel snow or pick up leaves first this year!:rolleye2:

Foliage - DPG
 

This probably isn't the best year for foliage in the north country. On Tuesday, 10/9 we drove up as far as Littleton and also through Bethleham to Bretton Woods. Color was much more subdued than usual although there were some small sections that were beautiful. We stopped at several areas near streams/brooks and found more color there. I think the lack of water or cold nights are the cause of the difference.
Driving up through Meredith to Rt. 175 to Rt. 49 and into Waterville Valley might be a good trip this week. We haven't gone across the Kanc this year so cannot comment on that area.
Enjoy your "leaf peeping".

scenic drives
 

[ She has never seen fall in New Hampshire and I really want to WOW her

Hi csuhockey,
How about staying on the "back roads" instead of 93 so that you and your wife can enjoy the lovely New England towns and sights in addition to the foliage. From Meredith you could go up around Squam Lake.....there's a short hike off of 113 I believe that is a "knock your socks off" view. Then go through Sandwich, and then either up to Conway or down the east side of the lake stopping at Castle in the Clouds for more spectacular views, climb up Abenaki tower just south of Melvin Village on route 109. Lucky you !!! I would love to be up there now just driving around taking it all in. Have fun and let us know where you ended up going and how the foliage is.

Thanks LadyJane!
 

Not a bad idea! Going through Sandwich would be nice, perhaps the pot holes too and believe it or not I have never been to Abenaki tower myself -- sounds like a good option! She would love to see the older homes/buildings with all the New england charm and I don't think I've taken her around Squam. A slower paced drive sounds nice to me too, so I can take it all in as well. Thanks for the input!

Pictures will come soon! :)

As I mentioned on another thread, and as was noted above, color not so intense in the north country but still beautiful. A ride up the east side of the lake on rt. 171 and then going further east on Canaan road and thereabouts is very nice as color seems to be peaking on Mt. Shaw.

I haven't been, but a friend said that the Kanc was close to peak a few weekends ago, but even past peak can you really beat it? Maybe a hike up Locke's Hill or Mt. Major to enjoy the lake and beyond as well? A nice drive up 93 to Rt. 2 and then follow that for a while may be nice as well.

The mountain on Rt113 is West Rattlesnake. Its about a half hour walk to the top. If you decide to do the hike you might want to stop in at Water's Basin for the Brunch on Sunday's. From Meredith take Rt25 North to Holderness, its right next to the bridge. Rt113 is just north of the restaurant to the Mtn.
Also if your heading towards N. Conway you might want to stop at Catheral Ledge. Take Rt16 pass Kanc. At the set of lights(on hill) in Conway take a left onto West Side Rd. Follow to the end and take a left, signs point the way to Ledge. This is a fantastic view of all the valley, good whether color is there or not. You can drive up to the Ledge and walk around. Might even see some climbers.
If you are heading to N. Conway you may also want to try the Zip Line at Wildcat Mtn(Rt16). You sit in a seat and you go down a line for 50sec. Can get up to 45mph. Tried it a couple weeks a ago, a blast. Wife even went.

FYI, taking West Side Rd bypasses all the shopping crowds in N. Conway.

Enjoy

Dave M

Thanks All
 

We had a great drive today up the Kanc and down 93/3 in Ashland. Even with the rain, she really enjoyed it. We were going to hike Mt Major or Rattlesnake, but the rain just had us pack a lunch and go for a nice drive. The Kanc is well past peak, but still beautiful and the misty rain made for some cool pictures. I'll post a boat load of them in the days ahead. Happy Fall everyone!

BTW: Back roads when we could was the way to go (particularly Side Rd - Conway: thanks DaveM!), missed all the traffic and we're by ourselves 80% of the time without another car in sight. Very peaceful up there today!

What a DAY!!
 

Wow what a day we had today!! I had the lake almost all to my self. I shared the lake with The Mount and about 8 other boats. Believe it or not it is just nearing peak here. There is still lots of GREEN leaves. It was gorgeous out there. We took a full boat to the Lyons Den at Glendale. Lunch was really good. Anyone that has not tried The Lyons Den really should. I know were nearing the end of the season. I'm just hanging on. I'm hoping to leave the boats in a couple more weeks!!

Just about peak color today......right on the edge of it. This is a late year for sure.

Really peak around the Lake today. And we saw a moose on Bean Road almost to Sandwich. It's all good!

Peak Colors
 

Having lived here all my life I have to comment that the peak colors have been here for the last 4-5 days if you are driving the local roads, 25,3,106,113. Late this year for a change. I drove from Sandwich to Laconia Friday 10/19 along Parade Rd and the colors were absolutley beautiful. It reminds me again of how lucky I am to live in New England. You can't beat the colors!

I Dig,
I couldn't agree with you more. It was definitely in the top five. The foliage was spectacular. The temps were perfect and there's just something wrong with taking the dock out of the water when all you want to do is sit on it...just one more time.

Blue Thunder

Myself and the family took the 12:30 Mount cruise Saturday, and what a trip it was. Between Wolfeboro and back we were treated to overcast and blue skys, calm water and rough, and the most amazing colors imaginable. Yesterdays 12:30 trip looked to be packed leaving the Weirs. If you can, come up NOW and enjoy today and the next few days!

Foliage Best I've seen on the Lake
 

Spent 4 to 5 hours out on the lake yesterday. Rode from Paugus Bay down to about West Alton Marine and back. The colors were the best I've seen in all my years of boating on the Big Lake. Hardly any boat traffic, temperature was mid 70's, sky was clear, what more could you ask for !!

Bill

Wow The Color Today
 

I spent about 4 hours on the lake today and the color was breath taking. I posted 3 photos so far. Unfortunately what looks like smoke in the photos is a smudge.:eek: In the bright sun I did not see it.

After today the JS is now bed for the winter.:( And other reasons :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

What A Day!
 

I think today was probably the BEST day of the ENTIRE YEAR. Summer temps, a flat calm lake to our selves -- minus the Mount or course -- and PEAK FOLIAGE! Absoultley incredible out there today. We spent about 4hrs on the water before pulling the boat for the winter and scrambling to Boston for our red-eye flight back to Denver. I'm home now (4:00am Denver time, darn travel messes with sleep!). What a great week. I'll flood the photopost as soon as I get to it, got some good ones this week, including some aerials from yesterday -- another great day mind you!

CSUHockey:

Glad you had a safe trip home. Now that you are settled in you can get ready to root for the Sox. Right?

Go Rocks!
 

I mean....shhhhhh, the wife is sleeping next to me, so I'll quietly say "GO BO-SOX!" and stay out of trouble -- either way, I can't lose!!!!! :laugh:

Care to share the latter??

BT

Sure
 

Well JS, as consilation, my Dad's brand NEW boat is listing about 10 degrrees at rest, underway or 40MPH...what's up? Misery loves company!

Personal Scream!!!
 

Blue Thunder... The later was a little personal scream that was needed. Those on the Forum who know me personally know its meaning and that is fine.;)

Fair enough JS, I'll MMOB from now on. Didn't mean to pry. I thought there might have been a side story we could chuckle about.

BT

Sunday was an awesome treat being out on the Big Lake. Our boat was supposed to be pulled on Monday the 15th. We were in Alton on Saturday and noticed our boat in the water. Seems the marina was backed up and in no hurry due to the warm weather. Said it would be pulled Monday the 22nd. So, we packed a mini gear bag (had unloaded and brought everything home) and enjoyed a great October day on the lake. The foliage was superb. Now the boat is tucked in for her winter's nap. :(

Best Fall Ever
 

Monday was the best Fall day on the lake that I had enjoyed in a long time. I have posted more photos from that day. The color was unbelievable. Like others have said here I think the foliage was the best I can remember in my many years (50) of coming to the lake.

I also got to visit with someone from this forum who I had not seen in over 40 years, "John A. Birdsall". He and I enjoyed many a trip in the "Puddy Tat". I hope someday he can post a photo of Puddy Tat as I know everyone here would enjoy seeing this unique and special boat that even the MP :eek: knew all too well in Alton Bay.

Without this forum John and I would most likely not have made contact. Thanks Don!

weekend
 

We got to the lake about midnigt sat/sun, wind was blowing a little and I thought of that perhaps first time I seen so many leaves and pinneedles falling. Sunday after a nice breakfast at the Alton Masonic Hall, I got the boat off the moring and the wife and I took a ride to Wolfeboro, The lake was just beautiful, and the mountains were so clear. I think the colors were great also.
On Monday, my son showed up to help close and Just Sold showed up also a nice visit after many years of missing. After he left, it was in the lake to take down the dock and for a last swim. Not all that cold.

We had a great season, and look forward to May when TAT's IT is put back in the water with a new battery.

I think with all the leaves afalling that the foliage has passed.