AGP Executive Report

Road Travel: New Hampshire is part of Operation Wicked Safe, with extra patrols targeting speeding, distracted and impaired driving through Thursday, Oct. 15. Paving will also bring I-89 lane closures near the Vermont border through Friday, with delays and some ramp closures expected. Fall Foliage: Thousands visited Franconia Notch over the weekend, as leaf-peeping season draws crowds to the mountains. Farm Visits: Agritourism offers another way to explore, from pick-your-own harvests and farm stays to corn mazes and farm tours. New Travel Options: Breeze plans to add service to Portsmouth in May 2027, with flights from Tampa that make one stop while passengers stay on the same plane. Local Stops: Meredith’s new community piano on Main Street gives visitors another reason to stroll downtown, while a state grant is offering about $1 million for public EV chargers at tourism-oriented locations.

Road Alerts: Drivers crossing the Vermont–New Hampshire border should expect I-89 paving delays Oct. 14–16, including a Thursday closure of the Exit 20 off-ramp. A multistate “Operation Wicked Safe” patrol through Oct. 15 is also targeting speeding, distracted and impaired driving during busy foliage season. Fall Foliage: Thousands visited Franconia Notch over the weekend, crowding trails such as Artist’s Bluff. Rescue volunteers are advising hikers to wear suitable footwear and check trail conditions. Travel Infrastructure: New Hampshire has about $1 million in grants for public EV chargers at tourism-oriented sites. The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge will close weekdays, 7 a.m.–4 p.m., starting Oct. 19 through November for deck repairs; use another route. Winter Outlook: Waterville Valley is offering kids free skiing with an adult season pass, while Loon Mountain has proposed adding a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln.

Visitor Infrastructure: New Hampshire is offering about $1 million in grants for public EV chargers at travel and tourism destinations, with proposals open to public, private and nonprofit applicants. Fall Crowds: Thousands flocked to Franconia Notch over the weekend, bringing heavy traffic to Artist’s Bluff; rescue volunteers urged visitors to wear suitable footwear and check trail conditions. Trail Safety: A hiker was carried off the Mt. Willard Trail after a fall, and a climber was injured by falling rock at White Ledge. Fish and Game warns that nights are below freezing and high peaks already have snow. Scenic Drives: The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge will close weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Oct. 19 through November for deck repairs; drivers should plan another route. Autumn Outings: Monadnock-area trails offer options from easy walks to strenuous climbs, though foliage is just beginning, with roughly 5–15% color reported. Food Stops: New restaurant guides spotlight road-trip-worthy meals from storybook Pickity Place in Mason to riverside spots in Dover and Portsmouth.

Fall Crowds: Thousands visited Franconia Notch during peak foliage, bringing heavy traffic to Artist’s Bluff. State Parks turned the trail into a loop, while volunteers urged hikers to wear suitable footwear. Mountain Safety: Two weekend rescues underscore changing conditions: a climber on Mount Stanton was struck by falling rock, and a hiker with a serious leg injury was carried off the Mount Willard Trail. Fish and Game warns that nights are below freezing and the high peaks already have snow. Trail Riding: Two rental UTV crashes were reported, including a rollover in Clarksville that seriously injured the driver and a crash at Jericho Mountain State Park that sent a vehicle into a brook; the operator was charged. Travel Notices: The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge will close weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Oct. 19 through November for deck repairs. Drivers should use another route and allow extra time. Ski Development: Loon Mountain has proposed a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln, part of a major terrain expansion plan.

Fall Foliage: Thousands flocked to Franconia Notch over the holiday weekend, bringing heavy traffic to Artist’s Bluff. State parks used a one-way trail loop to ease congestion, while rescue volunteers advised hikers to wear sturdy shoes. The Kancamagus Highway, North Conway and other foliage hotspots also saw crowded roads and parking areas. Ski Season: Loon Mountain has proposed a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln, while Black Mountain and Bretton Woods have begun testing snowmaking equipment as resorts prepare for winter. Mount Washington has already recorded its first measurable snow of the season.

Fall Foliage: New Hampshire’s peak leaf-peeping weekend is drawing thousands to Franconia Notch, the Kancamagus Highway and North Conway. Expect slow traffic and packed trailhead lots; use designated parking and park shuttles where available. Vermont’s foliage attractions are also reporting long lines. Outdoor Getaways: A fall covered-bridge tour offers a scenic road-trip option, while visitors can watch raptor migration from a New Hampshire mountain. Winter Preview: Loon Mountain is proposing a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln, and Black Mountain and Bretton Woods have begun testing snow guns as ski season approaches. Road-Trip Access: New Hampshire has launched a $1 million program to expand its EV charging network, adding support for visitors exploring the state by electric vehicle.

Peak Foliage: New Hampshire’s holiday weekend is expected to draw heavy crowds to Franconia Notch, the Kancamagus Highway and North Conway. Expect slow traffic and tight parking; use designated lots and avoid stopping along roads. Scenic Drives: The state’s tourism office has mapped four fall covered-bridge tours, covering the Dartmouth–Lake Sunapee, White Mountains, Great North Woods and Monadnock regions. With more than 50 covered bridges, the routes offer a colorful way to explore small towns and back roads. Winter Resorts: Loon Mountain has proposed adding a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln, while Black Mountain and Bretton Woods have begun testing snowmaking as ski areas prepare for the season.

Peak Foliage: New Hampshire’s busy Columbus Day weekend is drawing leaf peepers north. Expect traffic and crowded parking near the Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch and North Conway; use designated lots and don’t stop along highways. Scenic Drives: A new state tourism guide maps four fall covered-bridge tours through the Dartmouth–Lake Sunapee, White Mountains, Great North Woods and Monadnock regions. Fall Outings: Pumpkin festivals and foliage events offer more ways to explore around the state this weekend. Mountain Tourism: Loon Mountain Resort has proposed a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln, part of a major terrain expansion plan. Road Costs: Coos County’s lowest reported midgrade price was $4.39 per gallon for the week ending Oct. 3; the county average was $4.91.

Fall Drives: New Hampshire’s new covered-bridge tour offers four scenic routes through the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee, White Mountains, Great North Woods and Monadnock regions. More than 50 covered bridges dot the state. Weekend Outings: Pumpkin festivals, foliage celebrations, Oktoberfest and scenic chairlift rides are among the Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend picks for Oct. 9–12. Seasonal Events: The Flying Monkey in Plymouth screens the silent thriller Nosferatu with live music on Oct. 22. Winter Plans: Loon Mountain has proposed a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln, while Black Mountain and Bretton Woods are testing snow guns ahead of ski season. Mountain Views: Raptor migration offers another reason to head to a New Hampshire summit this fall.

Fall Weekend Plans: New Hampshire’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend brings pumpkin festivals, foliage celebrations, Oktoberfest and scenic chairlift rides. Milford’s festival runs Oct. 9–11; Somersworth’s is Oct. 10. Raptor Migration: Visitors atop Pack Monadnock can watch hawks and other birds pass through peak migration season at the Miller State Park observatory. Mountain Expansion: Loon Mountain has proposed a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln, a major potential addition to the resort’s terrain. Getting Around: The state has launched a $1 million program to expand its patchy electric-vehicle charging network. Trail Safety: A hiker died after being found unconscious on West Rattlesnake Mountain, a reminder to plan carefully before heading out. Winter Prep: Black Mountain and Bretton Woods have begun testing snow guns as ski areas race toward opening day.

Visitor Access: New Hampshire is offering $1 million in grants for EV chargers at tourism-focused locations, covering up to 80% of installation costs. The state has the region’s fewest charging ports, a gap officials say can cost tourism dollars. Fall Outdoors: Pack Monadnock’s raptor observatory is in peak hawk migration season, with thousands of broad-winged hawks sometimes passing in a day. Ski Season: Loon Mountain is proposing a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln, while Black Mountain and Bretton Woods have begun testing snow guns ahead of winter. Autumn Escapes: Foliage, fairs and pumpkin events are drawing visitors statewide; Mount Major in Alton is among the spots highlighted for fall color. Halloween: Litchfield’s Spooky World Presents Nightmare New England made a national top-five list of the country’s scariest haunted attractions.

EV Travel: New Hampshire is offering about $1 million in grants for public chargers at tourism-focused locations. The program covers up to 80% of installation costs, aiming to make it easier for visitors to explore the state. Ski Expansion: Loon Mountain has proposed a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln, with 280 acres of terrain, four lifts and new lodges. The plan is at the start of public review. Fall Foliage: Lakes Region colors are forecast to peak around Oct. 8, making Mount Major in Alton a timely hike for views over Lake Winnipesaukee. Seasonal Stays: Under Canvas White Mountains in Dalton closes Oct. 11 after its first season and is set to reopen May 13, 2027. Halloween: Litchfield’s Nightmare New England made America Haunts’ list of the country’s five scariest attractions. Road Closures: I-89 Exit 20 southbound and I-91 Exit 10A northbound ramps in the West Lebanon–White River Junction area are scheduled to close Oct. 8 and 14 for paving.

Ski Expansion: Loon Mountain has proposed a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln, with 280 acres of terrain, four lifts and new lodges. The plan is at the start of a public review process. Fall Getaways: Peak color is expected around Oct. 8 in the Lakes Region, and New Hampshire’s autumn lineup includes the Warner Fall Foliage Festival and Sandwich Fair, both running this weekend. Outdoor Stays: Under Canvas White Mountains in Dalton wraps up its first season Oct. 11, then reopens May 13, 2027, offering a glamping base for Franconia Notch and the White Mountains. What’s Ahead: The Dancing with the Stars live tour opens in Manchester on Jan. 21, 2027. Travel Alert: West Lebanon and White River Junction drivers should plan for ramp closures on Oct. 8 and 14 during paving work on I-89 and I-91.

Ski Expansion: Loon Mountain has proposed adding a fourth peak overlooking Lincoln, with 280 acres of trails and glades, four lifts and new lodges. The plan needs U.S. Forest Service approval, a process that could take years; if fully built, Loon would offer 955 skiable acres. Fall Festival: Warner’s 79th Fall Foliage Festival brings music, crafts, food, a 5K and family events to town this weekend. Admission is free, with shuttles from parking areas. EV Travel: New Hampshire is offering about $1 million in grants for public chargers at tourism-oriented sites. The program covers up to 80% of project costs, with a cap of $10,000 per charging port. Foliage Season: Upper Valley researchers say peak leaf-peeping lasts only a few weeks, bringing a tourism boost alongside traffic and parking headaches. They say communities need ways to attract visitors beyond fall. Mountain Conditions: Mount Washington recorded its first measurable snow of the season, 0.7 inches, a reminder that conditions can turn wintry early at higher elevations.

EV charging boost for travelers: New Hampshire is launching a ~$1M grant program to expand spotty public Level 2 EV chargers at travel- and tourism-oriented locations, covering up to 80% of costs (as much as $10,000 per port). Lake Winnipesaukee water quality: A new Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance report says key health markers are declining, with worsening clarity and rising cyanobacteria and phosphorus tied to stormwater runoff, septic effluent, and salt. Ski industry expansion: Loon Mountain filed plans with the U.S. Forest Service to add 280 acres of skiable terrain, aiming to grow to 955 acres if approved. Weather for fall plans: Frost is likely tonight into early Wednesday, with a freeze possible inland—cover sensitive plants and expect the growing season to wind down. Tourism hit from mild winter: Ice Castles won’t return to Cripple Creek for 2026-27, citing last winter’s conditions and water-supply issues. Upper Valley foliage reality check: Researchers say leaf-peeper tourism is a short, high-impact window, pushing communities to diversify beyond peak weeks. Local visitor-friendly win: The Inside Scoop in Bedford is offering $10 “Stanley stuffings” on Oct. 9, including refills for 30–40 oz tumblers.

Safety & Outdoors: A 64-year-old hiker from Tyngsboro, Mass., died after being found unconscious on West Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness; multiple rescue agencies responded, and Fish and Game urged hikers to prepare with the “ten essentials.” Upper Valley Incident: Police are searching for a handgun allegedly brandished by a 38-year-old Tilton man at a Canaan motocross track, after a disorderly altercation and reports he refused to leave. Leaf-Peeping & Planning: A New Hampshire foliage check points to a strong season, while a separate leaf-peeping trip highlights Cathedral Ledge and Echo Lake State Park as prime White Mountains stops. Travel Disruptions: NH DOT scheduled rolling roadblocks on I-89 and a temporary ramp closure on I-91 in the West Lebanon/White River Junction area for overnight work. Weather Watch: Frost and a possible freeze are expected overnight into early Wednesday, with a cool stretch before temps rebound. Local Flavor: A roundup spotlights five New Hampshire restaurants worth adding to a fall food road trip.