MEREDITH, N.H. — New England’s leaf-watching season is currently in peak form, attracting visitors from locations as distant as Florida and Berlin. Tourists are flocking to the region to enjoy picturesque drives, scenic train rides, and organized bus tours, all aimed at reveling in the stunning palette of red, orange, and bronze foliage. With charming towns and iconic covered bridges nestled amid vibrant forests, the rural Northeast is an ideal destination for experiencing nature’s vibrant annual display.
“Leaf-peeping offers an incredibly accessible form of tourism,” commented a local tavern manager in Meredith, New Hampshire. “It doesn’t require the athleticism of hiking or the financial means of boat ownership.”
A simple drive north is all that is needed, he explained.
“Once you arrive, it’s all about taking in the scenery,” he added.
This observation came shortly after his tavern welcomed a large group of visitors who had just disembarked from a sightseeing bus.
Among the guests was a traveler from Fort Wayne, who shared her excitement about the vibrant foliage experienced on their trip. She noted her admiration for Vermont’s scenic views.
“The leaves were stunning against the mountains, especially with the sun shining yesterday; it made the colors really stand out,” she remarked.
The fall colors were not the only captivating elements; the unique architecture, serene lakes, and quaint towns of the region also left a lasting impression.
A visitor from Iowa, who was in New Hampshire to see family, shared his experience of a scenic journey aboard the slow-moving Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
However, climate change has posed challenges to the leaf-watching experience in recent years. Rising temperatures and drought conditions have occasionally led to premature browning of leaves, diminishing their vibrant display.
Despite not being particularly enamored with the seasonal changes himself, the tavern manager reflected positively on the beauty of the region.
“Having grown up here, I sometimes take it for granted,” he said with a laugh, though he acknowledged the season does have its enchanting moments. “There are times I’ll be driving around the Lakes Region and suddenly realize, ‘This is why people come here, and why I choose to live here. It truly is beautiful,’” he concluded, speaking of the picturesque sights in eastern New Hampshire.
