Fall Foliage Forecast: Peak Color Predictions for Your Area Revealed

When Will Fall Foliage Peak Near You? Here Are Some Leaf-Peeping Predictions As the Northern Hemisphere officially enters fall on September 22, parts of the United States are gearing up for a vibrant display of autumn colors. According to predictions from SmokyMountains.com, an animated map shows that peak foliage is expected in various regions across the country. The map indicates that the first areas to reach peak color will be in northern New England and the Great Lakes region by mid-October. These regions are typically among the first to experience fall foliage due to their cooler temperatures and shorter days. "It's a really cool process that we get to watch, that trees are preparing for winter," says Alexandra Kosiba, extension assistant professor of forestry at the University of Vermont. As temperatures drop, chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for making leaves appear green, begins to break down, revealing the yellows and oranges they've had all along. Leaves typically start to change color in the north, with warmer regions following suit a few weeks later. Background and context: Fall foliage is a natural process that occurs when trees prepare for winter by shedding their leaves to conserve energy and nutrients. This process is essential for tree survival, as it allows them to recycle valuable resources and protect themselves from harsh winter conditions. According to SmokyMountains.com's predictions, the following regions will reach peak foliage in the coming weeks: Northern New England (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont): October 10-15 Great Lakes region (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota): October 12-17 Mid-Atlantic states (New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland): October 15-20 Southeastern states (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia): October 18-23 Additional perspectives: While fall foliage is a popular tourist attraction, it also has significant economic and environmental implications. "Fall foliage brings in millions of dollars in revenue for local economies through tourism," says Kosiba. However, the process also requires careful management to ensure that trees are not harmed during the harvest season. Current status and next developments: As of September 22, many parts of the country have already begun to experience fall foliage, with some regions reaching peak color earlier than expected. According to SmokyMountains.com's predictions, the following areas will reach peak foliage in the coming weeks: Northern New England: October 10-15 Great Lakes region: October 12-17 Mid-Atlantic states: October 15-20 Southeastern states: October 18-23 For those looking to catch a glimpse of fall foliage, SmokyMountains.com's animated map provides an interactive tool for tracking peak color predictions in real-time. *Reporting by Npr.*