21 Things: Fall Foliage at Pine Hill Cemetery

Editor's note: This is the 14th in a series of 21 Things to Know and love about the Tri-Cities. View them all as they are published at www.fosters.com/21things.

DOVER — Around this time every year, busloads of tourists traipse through the White Mountains in search of memorable fall foliage. The Seacoast has its share of destinations for leaf peepers, but few rival the vibrant red, yellow and orange colors of Pine Hill Cemetery off Central Avenue.

“It’s gorgeous right now,” said Sharon Sirois, the city’s supervisor of facilities, grounds and cemeteries, who has taken about 300 photos of the foliage this fall during her off-hours. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

Pine Hill was established as the official town cemetery on March 29, 1731, and since then more than 20,000 people have been buried there. The cemetery currently has about 75 acres in use and another 20 still undeveloped. All told, there are more than seven miles of roads running through the property.

There are also hundreds of trees in and around the cemetery, including numerous sugar maples that are at their brightest this time of year.

City resident Cindy Comeau has lived near Pine Hill for almost four decades. She's convinced the colors found there are among the most spectacular in the state.

“The cemetery has a wonderful historic setting and is a sugar maple mecca that truly rivals the White Mountains,” Comeau told Foster’s. “I am fortunate to look out over the beauty while my home enjoys a golden glow.”

There was speculation that foliage season began late due to persistent warm temperatures, but most trees are at peak now. In other words, it is a good time to head over to Pine Hill and take a look for yourself.

Clue to tomorrow's Thing: You can dance, sit and listen to music on this movable marvel.