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Do you feel it? The days already seem shorter, the air in the morning is crisp, and all those back-to-school sales are calling you to the mall. Yes, fall is coming. And it’s coming fast. But when, exactly, will those autumn colors finally arrive? According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, they may show up sooner than you think.
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The Almanac released its fall foliage map and peak foliage guide, noting that “leaves can change their color from as early as mid-September all the way through early November.”
That said, leaf peepers shouldn’t count on the early dates just yet. The Almanac also said that “typically, the second and third weeks of October are the peak times, but prime foliage schedules will shift depending on where you live and your local weather conditions.”
As for who will get a peek at the foliage first, The Almanac predicts that in the northern tier states out West and in the Midwest, foliage will begin shifting by late September. But you’ll need to move fast: “by Oct. 4, the leaves in some areas will be past their prime.”
Next up are New England and the Pacific Northwest, which the Almanac forecasts will be “at or near peak fall color by Oct. 11,” followed by the Blue Ridge Mountains around mid-October.
The Almanac also called out a few foliage hot spots, including Acadia National Park in Maine, which will hit its peak in mid-October. It added that the best viewing locations can be found at Cadillac Mountain on Park Loop Road. The Black Hills in South Dakota can expect its foliage to reach its peak in Late September, with the best viewing at Needles Highway and Spearfish Canyon, while the Poconos in Pennsylvania will reach peak foliage in mid-October, with the best views in Bushkill Falls and Route 402.
Of course, these are always estimates. The Almanac reported that foliage is always weather dependent, and long bouts of rain, wind, or overly cold weather can affect when leaves reach their prime colors.
And again, if you want to see foliage at its best, you really need to be prepared to hop in the car or on a plane at a moment’s notice. “Peak foliage usually lasts seven to 10 days in a given location, but the exact window can shift due to temperature, rainfall, and wind,” it added.
Need a little inspiration on where to go this fall? Check out our list of the 22 best places to see fall foliage across the U.S. and start plotting your autumn getaway now.
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