Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley, New Hampshirefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley.
Right now in Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley · September
- Sugarloaf I Campground open · May–Oct
- Sugarloaf II Campground open · May–Oct
- Zealand Campground open, first come · May–Oct
6days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by early October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
- Frost possible · low 36°FSaturday Night, Sunday Night
- Rain likely · up to 86% chanceThis Afternoon, Tonight
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 9:38 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley
Last spring frost usually in ~8 months
Sep 18Average first fall frost
May 24Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Bethlehem 2 station (6.3 mi away, 1,180 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley through the year
- Sugarloaf I Campground openNowMay–Oct
- Sugarloaf II Campground openNowMay–Oct
- Zealand Campground open, first comeNowMay–Oct
Best spots around Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley
- Zealand Trail2.3 miles from the end of Zealand Road to the AMC's Zealand Falls Hut
- The Sugarloafs and Trestle TrailTwin summits in 1.2 miles, or an easy loop along the Zealand River
- Crawford PathAmerica's oldest continuously maintained hiking path, 8.5 miles, from near Route 302
- Ethan Pond TrailAppalachian Trail, 1 mile south of the Willey House; Ethan Pond Shelter at 2.6 miles
- Caps Ridge TrailheadHighest trailhead on a public road in the White Mountains, on Jefferson Notch Road
Around New Hampshire this week
- Pinkham Notch14 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 7Todayrain likelyTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Waterville Valley22 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 7Todayrain likelyTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- White Mountain National Forest29 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 7Todayrain likelyTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across New England, red maple is ahead of a typical year; the rest are close to typical. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, White Mountain NF forest roads status (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Zealand Trailhead (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, White Mountain NF passes (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Sugarloaf I Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Sugarloaf II Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Zealand Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Sugarloaf Trailhead (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Crawford Path Trailhead (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Ethan Pond - Ripley Falls Trailhead (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Caps Ridge Trailhead (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley yet. Statewide for New Hampshire: color is usually well under way by early October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 6 days (usually well under way by early October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Can I drive Jefferson Notch Road or Mt. Clinton Road in winter?
No. The Forest Service lists both as not maintained for winter travel; Jefferson Notch Road becomes part of the snowmobile trail system.Source: US Forest Service, White Mountain NF forest roads status ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a fee at the Zealand trailhead?
Yes: $5 per vehicle per day, or an annual pass for $30 ($40 for a household). The trailhead isn't maintained in winter, and there's no fee then.Sources: US Forest Service, Zealand Trailhead ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, White Mountain NF passes ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I camp in the Zealand Valley?
Sugarloaf I (29 sites) and Sugarloaf II (32 sites) on Zealand Road, and Zealand Campground (11 sites, first come, first served) on Route 302, are open mid-May to mid-October. A site is $24 a night.Sources: US Forest Service, Sugarloaf I Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Sugarloaf II Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Zealand Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley?
Zealand Trail: 2.3 miles from the end of Zealand Road to the AMC's Zealand Falls Hut; The Sugarloafs and Trestle Trail: twin summits in 1.2 miles, or an easy loop along the Zealand River; Crawford Path: america's oldest continuously maintained hiking path, 8.5 miles, from near Route 302; Ethan Pond Trail: appalachian Trail, 1 mile south of the Willey House; Ethan Pond Shelter at 2.6 miles; Caps Ridge Trailhead: highest trailhead on a public road in the White Mountains, on Jefferson Notch Road.
What is Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley like through the year?
Sugarloaf I Campground open (May–Oct), Sugarloaf II Campground open (May–Oct) and Zealand Campground open, first come (May–Oct).