Cabin in Autumn photo by Thomas Routzong
Fall Foliage Sightseeing Tips
Everything you need to know to find the best color
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
There’s an old saying that goes like this, “Autumn paints in colors that Summer has never seen.” It is true. When the leaves on the trees begin their annual Autumn change, hillsides, farmlands, parks, and valleys that were once just different shades of green suddenly burst forth with kaleidoscopes of color and transform into vibrant works of art.
Hundreds of thousands of travelers search for the perfect Autumn colors or Fall Foliage to view each year. The window of opportunity for peak color is small. But if you are in the right place at the right time, the reward is a feast for the eyes.
If you are thinking about planning your own Autumn Colors or Fall Foliage adventure, we have gathered some of the best information available to help.
Whether you are in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, West Virginia, Indiana, Connecticut, New Hampshire, or Vermont, these links will direct you to the best Autumn Colors or Fall Foliage information each state has to offer.
Ohio Fall Foliage Self-Driving Tours
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, “There's no better way to savor the excitement and diversity of fall color than with a drive through the state's rural countryside. Spectacular views appear at every bend in the road in some areas. Many of these routes also offer opportunities to stop at nearby state parks, forests and nature preserves for up-close views of fall's annual woodland fireworks.” For more information, visit http://fallcolor.ohiodnr.gov/driving
Pennsylvania Leaf Peeper Road Trips
VisitPA.com says, “Fall is Bigger Here in Pennsylvania, with unforgettable color excursions in every region. Check out our Leaf Peepers Road Trips for three-day itinerary suggestions that show off our colors. The only trick to our autumn wonderland is going at the perfect time of the season, so check back soon for our Fall Foliage Reports, starting weekly at the end of September.” For more information, visit http://www.visitpa.com/pa-road-trips#leafpeepers
Virginia Scenic Fall Drives
Virginia.org says, “Virginia is brilliant for fall getaways as 15 million acres of foliage burst into spectacular color. Experience farms transformed into playgrounds with apple picking, harvest festivals, corn mazes, and hay rides through pumpkin patches. Or perhaps fall leads you to the coast, where migrating fowl are the only crowd you'll find. Whatever you choose, Virginia’s scenic roadways will show off the striking natural beauty along the way.” For more information, visit http://www.virginia.org/fall/scenicfalldrives/
North Carolina Fall Foliage
VisitNC.com says, "Discover a spectrum of color as expansive as our views. Journey to North Carolina in autumn, and follow our fall color across the state. Take America’s Favorite Drive on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or enjoy some fishing from our historic piers and tranquil surf. See vibrant colors in all shapes and sizes at the Seagrove Pottery Festival or watch them swirl around you at the Whirligig Festival in Wilson. You can even sample colorful local brews at the Black Friday Cask Festival in Durham. No matter what you do, you’ll find our fall color reaches far beyond the towering trees." For more information, visit http://www.visitnc.com/fall
South Carolina Fall Foliage
Southcarolinaparks.com says, "Fall has officially arrived, and soon we will be fascinated with the beautiful colors that the season brings. Keep a LIVE LOOK on the fall foliage from the Upstate with our Table Rock webcam, and check out our fall foliage reports posted each Wednesday. Check out some of the best state parks to view fall color." For more information, visit http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/things-to-do/fall-foliage.aspx
Georgia Fall Foliage
ExploreGeorgia.com says, "In October and November, Georgia’s landscape transforms into a palette of gorgeous fall colors. Get out and enjoy the reds, yellows and all the hues in between during an outing framed around the best scenes the season has to offer." For more information, visit http://www.exploregeorgia.org/article/georgias-beautiful-fall-colors
New York Fall Foliage Tours
New York Tourism’s website says, “There are tours, and then there are foliage tours. Fall is the season to experience New York’s outdoors by bus, car, bike, footpath, railroad, tour boat or hot air balloon.” For more information, visit http://www.iloveny.com/seasons/fall/driving-tours/#.VcTKEXFVikp
Maine Fall Foliage & Festivals
The Maine Tourism Association says, "There is no better place to be for fall leaf peeping than in Maine. The melting of hues of leaves from green, to yellow, to burnt orange and crimson begins as early as mid-September in Fort Kent in northern Maine, and as late as Halloween in Kittery, at Maine's southern tip. The vibrant process begins in August as the warm weather wanes and Maine's 57 species of broadleaved trees begin preparing for autumn. Instead of slipping quietly into hibernation, nature trumpets the bright oranges and yellows of sugar maples, the purples of white ash, the scarlet of red and mountain maples, and the rich, earthy browns of black and white oak. Few sights satisfy the soul like the brilliant colors splashed across Maine's forests each autumn." For more information, visit http://www.mainetourism.com/fall-foliage
Massachusetts Fall Foliage
Visit-Massachusetts says, “Massachusetts – especially in the Central region and the Berkshire Mountains – has lofty peaks and gorgeous river valleys that are ideal for seeing the leaves change color during fall foliage season. Great views of fall color – starring the sugar maple -- also are found in the North of Boston Cape Ann region, and around Plymouth, where cranberry bog harvests brighten the landscape. Choose a scenic foliage drive below. Finally...watch for farm stands and pick-your-own farms!” For more information, visit http://www.visit-massachusetts.com/state/foliage/
Connecticut Fall Foliage
The VisitConnecticut.com website says, Connecticut -- an easy day's drive from New York City -- shows its brightest colors in October. Best places to visit are the wooded areas of the state, like Litchfield, and the eastern Mystic region. All these places have delightful small towns and gorgeous scenic drives.If you are driving into Connecticut from New York City, consider taking the Merritt Parkway (Route 15), listed on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places. The Connecticut Wine Trail welcome guests to wineries and vineyards that host harvest season events and tastings. The capital city of Hartford has a beautiful city park, Bushnell Park, and the larger and more rugged East Rock Park.” For more information, visit http://www.visitconnecticut.com/state/foliage/
New Hampshire Fall Foliage
VisitNH.gov says, “Figuring out the perfect time to catch peak foliage in New Hampshire can be a bit of a leap of faith, but here are some suggestions and tendencies that may help you select the perfect time to see nature's fireworks.” For more information, visit http://www.visitnh.gov/vacation-ideas/Foliage-Tracker/
Vermont Fall Foliage
Visit-Vermont.com says, “All of New England displays colorful fall leaves, but Vermont seems somehow to be the first among equals. Much of the brilliant red, orange, and gold color is from native sugar maples, which are abundant in Vermont (the flip side of fall foliage is the sugaring season in late winter, when maple sap begins to flow). Plan ahead to see fall foliage in Vermont, because people from around the world flock here.” For more information, visit http://www.visit-vermont.com/state/foliage/
New England One-Week Fall Foliage Driving Tours
The DiscoverNewEngland.org website says, “New England’s fall foliage is legendary. Across the region, leaves turn from green to gold and scarlet, purple and orange. The show is magnificent — and free! Follow this week-long itinerary to see ‘the color’ along valleys and across mountains, from aerial tramways and ferries, by the sea and, for something unexpected, in award-winning vineyards!” For more information, visit http://www.discovernewengland.org/driving-tours/fall-foliage-one-week-drive/
Kentucky Fall Foliage
KentuckyTourism.com says, “Fall is finally here and leaves are peeping into every region of the Bluegrass state. You'll find plenty of fun things to do and places to visit in Kentucky this fall. Enjoy the season with everything from scenic hiking trails to fall festivals in KY.” For more information, visit http://www.kentuckytourism.com/seasons/
Indiana Fall Foliage
VisitIndiana.com says, "Don’t miss the precious few weeks when the trees display their fall splendor. Plan a getaway to Your Ten Favorite spots to view fall foliage." For more information, visit https://visitindiana.com/best-of-indiana/your-ten-favorites/9-fall-foliage-spots
Michigan Fall Foliage
Michigan.org says, "Fall signals its arrival with the slow turning of leaves. Michigan’s 19 million acres of woods crescendo into vibrant crimsons, oranges and golds, finally exploding in their annual blaze of color." For more information, visit http://www.michigan.org/fall/
West Virginia Fall Driving Tours
The West Virginia Department of Commerce says, "View the resplendent colors of fall at their peak in southern West Virginia in late October. In early October, Victorian Wheeling is an ideal starting point for an autumn excursion that follows the Ohio River. Autumn begins tinting the natural woodlands of Coopers Rock State Forest in late September, when views of the 1,200-foot-deep Cheat River Gorge are breathtaking. Crisp, early frosts begin painting the woodlands with color from mid-September to early October, making this an ideal time to visit Canaan Valley Resort and Blackwater Falls State Parks. In late October in the Eastern Panhandle, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is an ideal destination for fall color." For more information, visit http://www.wvcommerce.org/travel/thingstodo/themedactivities/fallcolors/falldrivingtours.aspx
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2015 Sunny Harbor Publishing. Contact Us: PO Box 560381, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone: 321-446-7552. Email: [email protected]
Keywords: Fall foliage, Autumn colors, foliage viewing, fall foliage tours, fall foliage driving tours, Steven Skelley, Thomas Routzong, Sunny Harbor Publishing, Family Travelers Magazine
Everything you need to know to find the best color
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
There’s an old saying that goes like this, “Autumn paints in colors that Summer has never seen.” It is true. When the leaves on the trees begin their annual Autumn change, hillsides, farmlands, parks, and valleys that were once just different shades of green suddenly burst forth with kaleidoscopes of color and transform into vibrant works of art.
Hundreds of thousands of travelers search for the perfect Autumn colors or Fall Foliage to view each year. The window of opportunity for peak color is small. But if you are in the right place at the right time, the reward is a feast for the eyes.
If you are thinking about planning your own Autumn Colors or Fall Foliage adventure, we have gathered some of the best information available to help.
Whether you are in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, West Virginia, Indiana, Connecticut, New Hampshire, or Vermont, these links will direct you to the best Autumn Colors or Fall Foliage information each state has to offer.
Ohio Fall Foliage Self-Driving Tours
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, “There's no better way to savor the excitement and diversity of fall color than with a drive through the state's rural countryside. Spectacular views appear at every bend in the road in some areas. Many of these routes also offer opportunities to stop at nearby state parks, forests and nature preserves for up-close views of fall's annual woodland fireworks.” For more information, visit http://fallcolor.ohiodnr.gov/driving
Pennsylvania Leaf Peeper Road Trips
VisitPA.com says, “Fall is Bigger Here in Pennsylvania, with unforgettable color excursions in every region. Check out our Leaf Peepers Road Trips for three-day itinerary suggestions that show off our colors. The only trick to our autumn wonderland is going at the perfect time of the season, so check back soon for our Fall Foliage Reports, starting weekly at the end of September.” For more information, visit http://www.visitpa.com/pa-road-trips#leafpeepers
Virginia Scenic Fall Drives
Virginia.org says, “Virginia is brilliant for fall getaways as 15 million acres of foliage burst into spectacular color. Experience farms transformed into playgrounds with apple picking, harvest festivals, corn mazes, and hay rides through pumpkin patches. Or perhaps fall leads you to the coast, where migrating fowl are the only crowd you'll find. Whatever you choose, Virginia’s scenic roadways will show off the striking natural beauty along the way.” For more information, visit http://www.virginia.org/fall/scenicfalldrives/
North Carolina Fall Foliage
VisitNC.com says, "Discover a spectrum of color as expansive as our views. Journey to North Carolina in autumn, and follow our fall color across the state. Take America’s Favorite Drive on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or enjoy some fishing from our historic piers and tranquil surf. See vibrant colors in all shapes and sizes at the Seagrove Pottery Festival or watch them swirl around you at the Whirligig Festival in Wilson. You can even sample colorful local brews at the Black Friday Cask Festival in Durham. No matter what you do, you’ll find our fall color reaches far beyond the towering trees." For more information, visit http://www.visitnc.com/fall
South Carolina Fall Foliage
Southcarolinaparks.com says, "Fall has officially arrived, and soon we will be fascinated with the beautiful colors that the season brings. Keep a LIVE LOOK on the fall foliage from the Upstate with our Table Rock webcam, and check out our fall foliage reports posted each Wednesday. Check out some of the best state parks to view fall color." For more information, visit http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/things-to-do/fall-foliage.aspx
Georgia Fall Foliage
ExploreGeorgia.com says, "In October and November, Georgia’s landscape transforms into a palette of gorgeous fall colors. Get out and enjoy the reds, yellows and all the hues in between during an outing framed around the best scenes the season has to offer." For more information, visit http://www.exploregeorgia.org/article/georgias-beautiful-fall-colors
New York Fall Foliage Tours
New York Tourism’s website says, “There are tours, and then there are foliage tours. Fall is the season to experience New York’s outdoors by bus, car, bike, footpath, railroad, tour boat or hot air balloon.” For more information, visit http://www.iloveny.com/seasons/fall/driving-tours/#.VcTKEXFVikp
Maine Fall Foliage & Festivals
The Maine Tourism Association says, "There is no better place to be for fall leaf peeping than in Maine. The melting of hues of leaves from green, to yellow, to burnt orange and crimson begins as early as mid-September in Fort Kent in northern Maine, and as late as Halloween in Kittery, at Maine's southern tip. The vibrant process begins in August as the warm weather wanes and Maine's 57 species of broadleaved trees begin preparing for autumn. Instead of slipping quietly into hibernation, nature trumpets the bright oranges and yellows of sugar maples, the purples of white ash, the scarlet of red and mountain maples, and the rich, earthy browns of black and white oak. Few sights satisfy the soul like the brilliant colors splashed across Maine's forests each autumn." For more information, visit http://www.mainetourism.com/fall-foliage
Massachusetts Fall Foliage
Visit-Massachusetts says, “Massachusetts – especially in the Central region and the Berkshire Mountains – has lofty peaks and gorgeous river valleys that are ideal for seeing the leaves change color during fall foliage season. Great views of fall color – starring the sugar maple -- also are found in the North of Boston Cape Ann region, and around Plymouth, where cranberry bog harvests brighten the landscape. Choose a scenic foliage drive below. Finally...watch for farm stands and pick-your-own farms!” For more information, visit http://www.visit-massachusetts.com/state/foliage/
Connecticut Fall Foliage
The VisitConnecticut.com website says, Connecticut -- an easy day's drive from New York City -- shows its brightest colors in October. Best places to visit are the wooded areas of the state, like Litchfield, and the eastern Mystic region. All these places have delightful small towns and gorgeous scenic drives.If you are driving into Connecticut from New York City, consider taking the Merritt Parkway (Route 15), listed on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places. The Connecticut Wine Trail welcome guests to wineries and vineyards that host harvest season events and tastings. The capital city of Hartford has a beautiful city park, Bushnell Park, and the larger and more rugged East Rock Park.” For more information, visit http://www.visitconnecticut.com/state/foliage/
New Hampshire Fall Foliage
VisitNH.gov says, “Figuring out the perfect time to catch peak foliage in New Hampshire can be a bit of a leap of faith, but here are some suggestions and tendencies that may help you select the perfect time to see nature's fireworks.” For more information, visit http://www.visitnh.gov/vacation-ideas/Foliage-Tracker/
Vermont Fall Foliage
Visit-Vermont.com says, “All of New England displays colorful fall leaves, but Vermont seems somehow to be the first among equals. Much of the brilliant red, orange, and gold color is from native sugar maples, which are abundant in Vermont (the flip side of fall foliage is the sugaring season in late winter, when maple sap begins to flow). Plan ahead to see fall foliage in Vermont, because people from around the world flock here.” For more information, visit http://www.visit-vermont.com/state/foliage/
New England One-Week Fall Foliage Driving Tours
The DiscoverNewEngland.org website says, “New England’s fall foliage is legendary. Across the region, leaves turn from green to gold and scarlet, purple and orange. The show is magnificent — and free! Follow this week-long itinerary to see ‘the color’ along valleys and across mountains, from aerial tramways and ferries, by the sea and, for something unexpected, in award-winning vineyards!” For more information, visit http://www.discovernewengland.org/driving-tours/fall-foliage-one-week-drive/
Kentucky Fall Foliage
KentuckyTourism.com says, “Fall is finally here and leaves are peeping into every region of the Bluegrass state. You'll find plenty of fun things to do and places to visit in Kentucky this fall. Enjoy the season with everything from scenic hiking trails to fall festivals in KY.” For more information, visit http://www.kentuckytourism.com/seasons/
Indiana Fall Foliage
VisitIndiana.com says, "Don’t miss the precious few weeks when the trees display their fall splendor. Plan a getaway to Your Ten Favorite spots to view fall foliage." For more information, visit https://visitindiana.com/best-of-indiana/your-ten-favorites/9-fall-foliage-spots
Michigan Fall Foliage
Michigan.org says, "Fall signals its arrival with the slow turning of leaves. Michigan’s 19 million acres of woods crescendo into vibrant crimsons, oranges and golds, finally exploding in their annual blaze of color." For more information, visit http://www.michigan.org/fall/
West Virginia Fall Driving Tours
The West Virginia Department of Commerce says, "View the resplendent colors of fall at their peak in southern West Virginia in late October. In early October, Victorian Wheeling is an ideal starting point for an autumn excursion that follows the Ohio River. Autumn begins tinting the natural woodlands of Coopers Rock State Forest in late September, when views of the 1,200-foot-deep Cheat River Gorge are breathtaking. Crisp, early frosts begin painting the woodlands with color from mid-September to early October, making this an ideal time to visit Canaan Valley Resort and Blackwater Falls State Parks. In late October in the Eastern Panhandle, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is an ideal destination for fall color." For more information, visit http://www.wvcommerce.org/travel/thingstodo/themedactivities/fallcolors/falldrivingtours.aspx
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2015 Sunny Harbor Publishing. Contact Us: PO Box 560381, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone: 321-446-7552. Email: [email protected]
Keywords: Fall foliage, Autumn colors, foliage viewing, fall foliage tours, fall foliage driving tours, Steven Skelley, Thomas Routzong, Sunny Harbor Publishing, Family Travelers Magazine
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Autumn park photo by Thomas Routzong
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Barn in the Fall photo by Steven Skelley
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Autumn river photo by Thomas Routzong
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