Leaves haven't started turning here yet, i think we're in for a disapointing fall, the summer heat caused a lot of trees to drop their leaves prematurely.Jimmy Snyder said:Next weekend I'm taking the family north for leaf peeping. The plan is to be in Maine by Saturday afternoon in case anyone is interested in meeting us there. Then it will be a day of peeping and back home Sunday.
That's excellent advice, but unfortunately, it'll be exactly the opposite.berkeman said:One tip -- when planning your drive to wonder in the turning leaves, try to drive into the sun for much of the trip, if possible (like if you're doing a loop). It makes the colors even more vibrant.
LOL, have a great time!Jimmy Snyder said:I'm sorry to say that due to time constraints, I will have to pare back my plans. Instead of Maine, we will head due north to upstate NY and keep going until we see something nice. We'll bring passports just in case we have to cross the border to Belgium, or whatever they call it.
Moose bites hurt.Jimmy Snyder said:Things didn't turn out as planned. We went north to Syracuse passing some very nice fall colors in Pennsylvania, but nothing as nice in New York. Then we headed west to Niagara Falls but still nothing. Then, instead of crawling along the north side of Lake Ontario, we headed north to Algonquin Park. It was a great scenic tour, but we didn't see much in the way of peep-worthy leaves. I did see a moose, but it lumbered into some tall grass almost as soon as I caught sight of it, so my family had to take my word for it. It was Thanksgiving in Canada so we had to search long and hard for a motel and overpaid when we finally found a room. We'll do better next time.
In northern New England, the colors of the foliage can be breathtaking. I have experienced "fall" all over the eastern US from FL to TX, and ME to WI, and there is a ton of variation. Western MA can have some beautiful foliage, as can eastern NY state, but I think that the northern tiers of VT, NH, and ME get more dramatic colors on average. When the temperature drops very quickly, and it happens in a way that affects the maples, aspen, mountain ash all at about the same time, the scenery can be incredible. This year, the drought stressed a lot of trees, and most of the white ash trees and birches have already lost foliage. Those trees are very "thrifty" and are quick to drop leaves when they can no longer help sustain the trees.jarednjames said:This might be a typical British thing to say, but do people really get that excited about leaves in the US?
I'll be honest, I can't see the fascination, then again, I have three oaks (big buggers) in the back garden doing just that right now so it's just become something that happens for me.
The best time to go on a leaf peeping trip up north is typically during the peak of fall foliage, which varies depending on location and weather conditions. In general, this falls between late September and mid-November.
It is important to pack warm, layered clothing as temperatures can be cooler up north during the fall. Additionally, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and any necessary personal items such as medications or toiletries.
There are many beautiful areas and routes for leaf peeping up north, such as the White Mountains in New Hampshire or the Adirondacks in New York. It is recommended to do some research or consult with locals for the best areas to visit based on your preferences.
In addition to admiring the fall foliage, there are many activities to enjoy during a leaf peeping trip up north. These can include hiking, apple picking, visiting local farms, and attending fall festivals or fairs.
To have the best experience during your leaf peeping trip, it is important to plan ahead and be flexible. Check weather and foliage reports, have a general itinerary in mind, but also be open to unexpected detours or changes in plans. And most importantly, take the time to relax and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery.