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2024 fall foliage predictions: These maps show when to see peak fall colors in NH

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2024 fall foliage predictions: These maps show when to see peak fall colors in NH


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Fall is almost here in New England, which means New Hampshire is about to erupt in fall colors.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, leaves can change their color from as early as mid-September all the way through early November. However, the exact timing of fall colors, as well as how vivid they are, depends on the location and weather of the year.

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Many weather factors can affect the fall color show, including drought, precipitation and warmer temperatures. The Climate Prediction Center predicts a warmer-than-average fall for nearly the entire U.S., which can lower the intensity of autumn colors, but the Old Farmer’s Almanac still predicts a great year for fall foliage in New England, recommending people take a trip to the White Mountains for the show.

And they’re not the only ones. Here’s a look at two of the other key forecasts.

Where and when leaves are predicted to change

Here’s a breakdown of how the 2024 foliage is predicted to change across the U.S., according to maps from the Smoky Mountains website:

As seen in these maps, the vibrant fall hues which New Hampshire is so well-known for are expected to peak in the first half of October. The region’s colorful foliage displays bring in about ten million leafpeepers each year.

Here is a map from AccuWeather showing the best month for autumn colors across the country:

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Like the Smoky Mountains, AccuWeather predicts that New England’s best month for foliage will be October, with most of the region peaking in the early or middle parts of the month. According to this map, northern corners of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine could see an earlier peak in late September, while Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts will peak later in October.

More: Visit these six Eastern Mass. parks and trails to view great foliage this fall

How leaves change color in the fall

As plants receive less and less sunlight in the shortened days of fall, the production of chlorophyll, a substance which makes the leaves appear green by saturating them through turning sunlight into glucose, slows down. Without chlorophyll, the “true” color of leaves comes through, according to the Smoky Mountains website.

Changed leaves then begin to fall off their branches as the trees close off their veins in preparation for protection in winter, meaning the leaves no longer receive nutrients and therefore weaken at the stem.

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SOURCE: The National Forest Service, SmokyMountains.com, ExploreFall.com

Doyle Rice and Janet Loehrke of USA Today contributed to this report.



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New Hampshire

Walk Through 3 Million Incredible Lights at New England’s Largest Holiday Light Show

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Walk Through 3 Million Incredible Lights at New England’s Largest Holiday Light Show


Have you heard of Holly Jolly Journey in Litchfield, New Hampshire?

It’s touted as “New England’s largest and most spectacular holiday light show,” and it’s just one more incredible event you should check out this Christmas season.

According to its website, Holly Jolly Journey has added a million lights for this recent season, meaning there are now over 3 million dazzling lights you can take in while walking through.

What Is Holly Jolly Journey in Litchfield, New Hampshire?

Located at Mel’s Funway Park in Litchfield, Holly Jolly Journey is a walk-through Christmas light event that spans over 2/3 of a mile and features some incredible displays all along the way.

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Some of the spectacular things you can see include Santa’s Workshop, Candy Cane Lane, Twinkly Tunnel and Teddy’s Christmas Corner, among others.

The walk is truly mesmerizingly festive.

The Holly Jolly Journey website also notes some new stuff for the 2025/26 season, including additions to almost every scene along the walk, more trees lit, more food and drink stations, a new 28-foot centerpiece, and a new indoor party suite.

When is the Holly Jolly Journey in Litchfield, New Hampshire?

According to its website, the Holly Jolly Journey takes place from the day after Thanksgiving through January 11. It is closed on Christmas Eve.

There are multiple time slots to choose from, starting at 4:30 p.m. and with the last time slot of the day being at 10 p.m. (for those late-night holiday owls).

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It should take about an hour to complete, but you can take as long as you’d like.

READ MORE: New Hampshire’s Dazzling 2-Mile Holiday Drive-Thru With 3 Million Lights Returns for 2025

Have you decided which holiday experience you should do this season? You certainly don’t have to limit yourself to one, and Holly Jolly Journey is one you might want to consider. With over 3 million lights and incredible displays on a festive walk perfect for the family, you’ll be soaking up the sparkle of Christmas in the best way possible.

You’ll also have so many Instagram-worthy pics with that glowing backdrop!

25 New Hampshire Towns That Would Be Perfect for a Christmas Movie

Gallery Credit: Kira

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Gallery Credit: Megan





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New Hampshire woman arrested after high-speed chase ends in crash

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New Hampshire woman arrested after high-speed chase ends in crash


DOVER, New Hampshire (WGME) — A New Hampshire woman is facing charges after reportedly speeding more than 100 miles per hour during a police chase.

New Hampshire State Police say it happened Saturday night on Route 16 in Dover.

Troopers say they tried to pull over the driver, Stephanie Dupont, but she took off at high speed.

Troopers say they followed her to Exit 3, where she veered off the road.

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After the crash, they say she jumped out of the car and tried to flee on foot.

An off-duty officer from Ogunquit happened to be near by and was able to stop her.

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Officials say Dupont suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.

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Judge strikes down challenge to NH absentee voting law

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Judge strikes down challenge to NH absentee voting law


A superior court judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a group of visually impaired New Hampshire voters who argued a newly passed absentee voter law violates the state constitution.

In a lawsuit filed this summer, the plaintiffs alleged the measure, which was backed by state Republicans, places a disproportionate burden on people with disabilities by making it harder to vote.

On Friday, New Hampshire Superior Court Judge David Ruoff dismissed the case, ruling that the new policies are reasonable.

The new law requires people requesting an absentee ballot to prove their identity in one of three ways: either mail in a photocopy of an ID, along with their ballot application; have their ballot application notarized; or show an ID at town hall prior to an election.

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In his opinion, Ruoff said, “The identification requirements impose ordinary burdens on all absentee voters, and the possibility that it may cause additional burden on a subset of absentee voters does not render the entire statute unconstitutional.”

It isn’t clear if the plaintiffs will appeal the ruling to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

“We appreciate the Court’s recognition that the identification requirements for absentee voters are reasonable, constitutional, and consistent with New Hampshire’s long-standing election practices,” said New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, who defended the law in court.

New Hampshire residents who vote in person are already required to show an ID at the polls when requesting a ballot. Supporters of the new law say the same safeguards should be in place for those voters who request an absentee ballot.

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