How to View Fall Foliage

While New England is known around the world for its spectacular displays of fall color, you can find beautiful color across most of the United States and Canada. If a trip to New England isn't in the cards this year, think about exploring the color shows that are put on a little closer to home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hiking Boots
• Picnic Basket
• Picnic Blankets
• Scrapbooks
• Wine Bottles
• Travel Services
• Cameras
• Film
• Day Packs

1. Determine the best time to view fall foliage in your area. The color season runs from late September to as late as early November, depending on the location. You can usually trace the path of changing colors from the northwest to the southeast - in general, the farther north and the higher in elevation, the earlier the color show.
2. Make reservations for lodging in advance if you're planning to visit a popular area during peak leaf season, especially New England. Other areas may not be as crowded, but reservations may be advisable for busy weekends.
3. Take as little as an afternoon to make a leisurely drive through a neighboring area; plan for a weekend getaway in the midst of fall color; or arrange a longer trip to take in other highlights and local events.
4. Check for special fall foliage excursions. Narrow-gauge railroads, for instance, often offer leaf-peeping trips.
5. Learn to identify the brilliant fall trees and how they vary from region to region - aspens in the Rockies, maples and oaks in New England. This makes your outing even more enjoyable.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out the latest information about color in some of the most popular regions by contacting a local fall foliage hotline (many states have toll-free numbers with up-to-date color forecasts), or call the National Forest Service's Fall Color Hotline at [phone].
• No matter where you're traveling, be prepared for changeable weather. The best fall color is triggered by warm, sunny days and cool to cold nights.
• Plan for comfort as well; you'll likely be in a car for lengthy periods, but will also want to get out to explore scenic viewpoints, colorful hikes, points of interest and fall festivals.