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Leaf-peeping resources

 
 
The hot, dry summer promises a spectacular if early foliage season in New England. (Globe photo / Tom Herde)
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If your autumn drive is all about the leaves, remember: Timing is everything. Temperature and moisture can affect the arrival of peak season, when colors are at their most dramatic, from year to year. But depending on where you are in New England, or even in a specific state, the best times range from mid-September to late-October. Here are several resources that can help you check the latest color before heading out for peeping.

The Foliage Network
www.foliagenetwork.com An online resource covering the nation, with a detailed section on the Northeast.

Yankee Magazine
www.yankeefoliage.com Great background on leaves and the latest foliage reports, including postings from travelers out in the field.

Individual states
State and local tourism organizations offer their own information on fall touring, with varying resources regarding the latest in leaf color. Specific foliage reports, when presented, may not be updated until mid-September.

  • Maine: 888-MAINE45 (888/624-6345), www.mainefoliage.com
  • New Hampshire: 800-386-4664, www.visitnh.gov/foliagereports.html
  • Vermont: 800-837-6668, www.1-800-vermont.com, www.vtonly.com/foliage.htm
  • Massachusetts: 800-227-6277, www.massvacation.com/
  • Connecticut: 800-282-6863, http://dep.state.ct.us/updates/foliage/foliage.htm
  • Rhode Island: 800-556-2484, www.visitrhodeisland.com