October 4, 2003

During the past few days, many locations in the Northeast experienced a frost, some hard, some not. Also, as a sign that winter is not far off, some areas also experienced the first snowflakes of the season. Hopefully the below freezing temperatures will not continue as it is detrimental to the foliage. The ideal conditions for the foliage are mild, sunny days with cool, crisp nights.

This report marks the first with peak conditions. In extreme northern Maine and in portions of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, the foliage change has crossed the 81 percent mark. Other portions of northern Maine and northeast Vermont are showing high color (61 to 80 percent) change. The same holds true for northern New Hampshire and the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York. Most of the remainder of the Northeast is experiencing color change in the low to moderate range.

Here are some colorful driving routes. In Maine: State Route 161 from Allagash through Fort Kent and on to Madawaska; State Route 11 from Fort Kent to Eagle Lake; State Route 6 from Jackman to Rockwood; U.S. Route 201 from Jackman to West Forks; and State Route 16 from Rangeley to Stratton. In Vermont: Route 2 from Danville to St. Johnsbury; and Route 5 from Barton to East Burke. In New York: Route 73 from Keene/Keene Valley to Lake Placid; Route 86 from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake; and Route 30 from Tupper Lake to Paul Smiths.

Leaf drop in northern Maine, and in portions of Vermont and New Hampshire is now moderate. Elsewhere in the Northeast, the leap drop continues to be low.

If you have not yet made reservations for your leaf-peeping trip(s), now is the time! Check out our Places to Stay and Foliage Spotters sections to find great accommodations!

This information provided by Marek D. Rzonca, The Foliage Network. The next report will be released on Wednesday, October 8, 2003.

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