Pinkham Notch, New Hampshirefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Pinkham Notch.
Right now in Pinkham Notch · September
- Dolly Copp Campground open · May–Oct
- Barnes Field group sites by reservation · May–Oct
6days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by early October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 88% 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 Pinkham Notch
First frost usually arrives this week
Oct 1Average first fall frost
May 18Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Pinkham Notch station (0.1 mi away, 2,025 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Pinkham Notch through the year
- Dolly Copp Campground openNowMay–Oct
- Barnes Field group sites by reservationNowMay–Oct
- Barnes Field winter camping, first comeOct–May
Best spots around Pinkham Notch
- Glen Ellis FallsShort hike to a 66-foot waterfall at a site built by the Civilian Conservation Corps
- Thompson FallsCascades on a brook off Wildcat Mountain, from the Wildcat Nature Trail
- Lost Pond and Square LedgeShorter walks from the Pinkham Notch trailhead on Route 16
- Hermit Lake, Tuckerman Ravine2.4 miles and 1,800 feet up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail
Around New Hampshire this week
- Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley14 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 7Todayrain likelyTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- White Mountain National Forest20 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 7Todayrain likelyTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Waterville Valley24 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, Tuckerman Ravine Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Glen Ellis Scenic Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, White Mountain NF passes (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Pinkham Notch Trailhead (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Thompson Falls Trailhead (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Dolly Copp Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Barnes Field Group Campground (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 Pinkham Notch in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Pinkham Notch 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 Pinkham Notch 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 hike up Tuckerman Ravine in late fall?
From late fall through late spring the Forest Service says to treat the Tuckerman Ravine Trail as a mountaineering climb, not a hike: it is covered in snow and ice, and it shouldn't be tried without an ice axe, crampons and avalanche gear. Each spring the stretch from Lunch Rocks to the Alpine Garden Trail is closed.Source: US Forest Service, Tuckerman Ravine Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a fee at Glen Ellis Falls?
Yes, a recreation fee is charged. The site isn't maintained in winter, and there's no fee then; the closing date depends on the weather.Sources: US Forest Service, Glen Ellis Scenic Area ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, White Mountain NF passes ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where do I park for the trails in Pinkham Notch?
At the Appalachian Mountain Club's visitor center on Route 16, which has information, restrooms and a small store. The Forest Service trailhead there is open for day use from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.Source: US Forest Service, Pinkham Notch Trailhead ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Pinkham Notch?
Glen Ellis Falls: short hike to a 66-foot waterfall at a site built by the Civilian Conservation Corps; Thompson Falls: cascades on a brook off Wildcat Mountain, from the Wildcat Nature Trail; Lost Pond and Square Ledge: shorter walks from the Pinkham Notch trailhead on Route 16; Hermit Lake, Tuckerman Ravine: 2.4 miles and 1,800 feet up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Pinkham Notch?
Barnes Field group sites by reservation (May–Oct).
What is Pinkham Notch like through the year?
Dolly Copp Campground open (May–Oct), Barnes Field winter camping, first come (Oct–May) and Barnes Field group sites by reservation (May–Oct).