Do you sense it? You can feel it. The days are getting shorter, the mornings are crisper, and the back-to school sales are calling to you. Fall is on its way. It’s fast approaching. When exactly will autumn colors arrive? According to The Old Farmer’s AlmanacThey may appear sooner than you expect.
The Almanac published its fall foliage guide and peak foliage map. It noted that “leaves change their color as early in September as well as through early November.”
The early dates are not guaranteed yet, so leaf peepers need to be cautious. The Almanac states that the “typical peak foliage dates are usually the second and third week of October, but the schedules can vary depending on your location and local weather conditions.”
The Almanac says that the first to see the changing foliage in the Midwest and northern states of the West will be those in late September. The leaves may be past their prime by Oct. 4.
Next, New England and Pacific Northwest are forecast to be “at or close to peak fall colors by Oct. 11,” followed by Blue Ridge Mountains by mid-October.
The Almanac has also highlighted a few hot spots for foliage, including Acadia National Park In Maine, the peak will be mid-October. It also said that the best places to view are on Park Loop Road at Cadillac Mountain. In South Dakota, the Black Hills will be at its peak by late September. The best places to view the foliage are on Spearfish Canyon and Needles Highway. In Pennsylvania, the Poconos will be at its peak foliage around mid-October.
These are only estimates. The Almanac stated that the weather is always a factor in determining when foliage reaches its prime color. Long bouts of rain or wind, as well as excessively cold temperatures, can all affect this.
If you want to catch the foliage at its peak, you’ll need to be ready to jump in a car or a plane on short notice. The peak foliage period in any given area is usually seven to ten days, but this can change due to weather conditions, such as temperature, rain, and wind.
Looking for some inspiration about where to travel this fall? See our list. 22 best places to see fall foliage across the U.S. Start planning your autumn getaway today.
