Traffic
New Hampshire Fall Foliage Peaks: Drivers Urged to Keep Eyes Up
Concord, NH – Fall colors are reaching their seasonal peak in parts of northern New Hampshire as October begins, prompting state highway safety officials to remind leaf peepers to keep their phones do
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-03T15:41:25.405Z
Concord, NH – Fall colors are reaching their seasonal peak in parts of northern New Hampshire as October begins, prompting state highway safety officials to remind leaf peepers to keep their phones down and their attention on the road.
According to the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety, peak color is beginning in the Great North Woods, with the White Mountains and Dartmouth Lake Sunapee Region expected to follow closely.
The changing leaves can make popular fall drives particularly scenic, but officials are emphasizing that motorists should avoid reaching for phones or cameras while behind the wheel.
Among the routes highlighted by the agency is Route 3 through Pittsburg, a popular northern New Hampshire area for viewing autumn scenery. Franconia Notch was also cited as a destination where drivers can expect plenty of fall color.
“Your eyes still belong on the road,” the Office of Highway Safety said in its Saturday message.
Officials recommend programming a GPS before beginning a trip and putting phones away while driving. Travelers who encounter a view they want to photograph should find a safe location to park before using a camera or phone.
The campaign comes as northern New Hampshire enters one of the most visually striking periods of the fall season, potentially putting more sightseers on roads through the Great North Woods and White Mountains.
For motorists planning an October foliage trip, the message from highway safety officials is straightforward: enjoy the scenery, but wait until the vehicle is safely parked before taking photos.