Travel Forum / Destinations / USA and Canada / July 2007

In mid-October I think you'll do best if you stick to the south ends of
those states, or even consider a trip west into the Berkshires and Hudson
Valley.

It's impossible to predict foliage, but here in Connecticut we seem to be
having a 'normal' summer for once, and in normal years, we expect the
foliage to peak here in mid-October.  Actually, the north shore of the
Boston area is pretty, though lacking in hills.

Distances are small in New England.  Boston to Conway is under 140 miles,
and probably no more than 3 hrs even if you stick to the byways if you're
driving through.

In mid-October it's a crapshoot where you'll find foliage.  The good news is
that even if you guess wrong, you'll still be within a fairly short drive to
the good stuff, but northern VT and NH will not likely be in their prime
right then.

If you stick with your original plan, from the White Mtns, take US 2 west
into Vermont.  I would normally suggest going across to 100, then south, but
the Interstate there (I-91) is one of God's own roads in that stretch, so
the choice is between fast and slow.  Then again, Vt 100 is my favorite road
in the world.  It's not fair that they're so close together.

If you choose the southern route, be sure to visit the bridge of flowers in
Sherburne Falls.  You'll be on Rt 2 that way, and it's called the Mowhawk
Trail.  The road is kind of touristy, but the area literally reeks with
history, and is very scenic.

Whatever you do, have fun, and please realize that the fall colors
photograph best in the rain.

k

You can time the drive on a mapping site like www.mapquest.com or yahoo
maps.

Here's a site that keeps an up-to-date foliage map:
www.foliagenetwork.com/default.php You make reservations according to the
likelihood of fall color. Then use this map for day trips to the best areas.

Sorry, can't recommend any place in particular.

Marianne

You'll do just fine staying around Jackson that time of year. There are such
huge elevation variations in the Whites, and the whole Conway region is
gorgeous in mid-October. I'm down there every year at that time, and it's
stunning.

Bob