Mount Willard
Crawford Notch, New Hampshire · 2,846 ft
The summit ledges end at a drop straight into the U-shaped floor of Crawford Notch, with US Route 302 and the Saco River threading south between the walls. Both sides of the notch face the camera at once, so the shot holds up in flat light as well as at dawn.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Sep 26 – Oct 4
A few weeks out. Expect this to move by several days.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces SSE (159°)
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Start behind the Crawford Depot on US Route 302 at the top of Crawford Notch and hike 1.6 miles up the Mount Willard Trail, gaining about 900 feet.
What turns here
- yellow birch
- sugar maple
- paper birch
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 30Typical color progression for Mount Willard. No change from Aug 23 to Sep 9. First color from Sep 9 to Sep 18. Approaching peak from Sep 18 to Sep 26. Peak from Sep 26 to Oct 4. Past peak from Oct 4 to Oct 14. Bare from Oct 14 to Oct 28.
Mount Willard is typically at first color on this date.
Light at peak
Mount Willard on September 30, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:13 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 93° | 6:42 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 7:20 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:35 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 5:50 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 267° | 6:29 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:58 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 47m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Both ends of the day: side-lit
Side light. Best for texture and depth across a ridge, and the safest bet for contrast.
Based on the classic composition here facing SSE (159°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.