MEREDITH, N.H. (AP) — The vibrant leaf-watching season has arrived in New England, attracting visitors from as distant as Florida and Berlin. Tourists are taking to the roads for picturesque drives, train journeys, and bus excursions to enjoy the spectacular displays of red, orange, and bronze foliage. The charming small towns and iconic covered bridges nestled amidst the changing forests make the rural Northeast a perfect location for experiencing this seasonal spectacle.
“Leaf-peeping is one of the most accessible forms of tourism,” remarked Teddy Willey, general manager of the Frog Rock Tavern in Meredith, New Hampshire. “You don’t need the physical stamina of a hiker, nor do you require a boat to appreciate the beauty.”
He emphasized that all it takes is a car and a willingness to head north to immerse oneself in this breathtaking experience. “Once you arrive, all you have to do is take it in,” Willey added.
Willey made these comments after welcoming a flood of tourists from Indiana who had just disembarked from a sightseeing bus. Among them was Vicky Boesch from Fort Wayne, who traveled with her sisters specifically to witness the stunning northeastern foliage.
“We wanted to see the beautiful foliage and the colorful leaves,” she explained, expressing her admiration for Vermont’s landscapes. “The leaves looked incredibly vibrant against the mountains, especially with the sun shining yesterday, which made the colors stand out even more.”
In addition to the vibrant fall colors, Boesch noted a fascinating contrast with Indiana’s landscape, highlighting the unique architecture, serene lakes, and quaint towns of the region.
Another visitor, Gordon Cochran from Lake View, Iowa, shared his experience, mentioning that he was in New Hampshire to visit his daughter. He enjoyed a delightful ride on the scenic Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, which offered beautiful views of the foliage.
However, recent years have seen weather patterns linked to climate change impacting the leaf-peeping experience. Drought conditions caused by global warming have led to premature browning and wilting of leaves, preventing them from achieving their vibrant autumn hues.
Willey admitted that he doesn’t typically get excited about the fall colors. “Personally, no. Having grown up here, I feel it loses some of its magic,” he chuckled while acknowledging there are still moments of beauty. “You’ll be driving around the Lakes Region, and suddenly, you realize, ‘This is why people come here, and this is why I live here. It really is stunning,’” he reflected, referring to a picturesque area of eastern New Hampshire.
