Fall foliage is beginning to peak in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Map shows where to find the best colors.

BOSTON – Fall leaves are starting to peak in Massachusetts, which means you don’t have to drive too far north to see spectacular colors this weekend.

In northern New England, they are now in “snow season.” That is the beautiful time of the year when the bright autumn colors mingle with the first snow on the mountain tops.

You can probably tell from these photos that leaf season is almost over in the mountains of northern New England. However, there are still many foliage “hotspots” you can visit this weekend, and many of them are now closer to Massachusetts.

Fall leaves tracker

Here are a few places you can currently find peak or near-peak colors:

• Take a drive along the seacoast of New Hampshire and Maine
• Head to New Hampshire via Route 3 or 93 and explore the Lake District near Winnipesaukee
• Hike Mount Monadnock in southwestern New Hampshire
• Take a drive west along Route 2 and explore the Quabbin or Pioneer Valley area
• In eastern Massachusetts, head toward Route 495 in the Groton area

Weekend weather forecast

The weather forecast literally couldn’t have been better. There will be sunshine all weekend from the mountain top to the coast. Temperatures will be comfortable, in the upper 60s in the north and low 70s in southern New England.

Finally, there will be very little wind. Really no excuse not to get out and enjoy one of the best times of the year here in New England!