Fall Foliage

You are in for a fantastic Fall Season of Colors this year! Get set for a fall leaf watching trip for the last week of September or make plans for the first week of October. The peak color times vary each year depending on weather and location, but the leaves are usually past their prime by around Thanksgiving.

A good rule of thumb is that the leaves usually start changing color in September but hit their peak in the first few weeks of October.

Around the 2nd to 3rd weeks of October the colors of fall seem to be at their best stage. This does vary greatly from year to year. Over the last few years, we've noticed that many trees are still showing great foliage colors as late as early November. Color change is a gradual process and takes some time to hit its peak. Altitude has an effect on the leaves turning colors and tress at higher elevations change first. If you want to enjoy early season foliage, it is best to head up in the mountains.

Moisture and temperature difference play a role in effecting color changes. The timing of the first frost affects the intensity and timing of the color changes. The amount of moisture the trees have received over the summer has an impact on the fall foliage. Summer drought plays a role in bring on the change earlier in the season and a wet fall tends to drive intense color changes.

What it comes down to is timing! For best results, shoot for the last few weekends in October up North and mid November down South.

Some of the top foliage destinations in the USA are listed below.

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain has spectacular foliage and a great way to view it is by boat. Quaint historic communities and to the splendor of this trip.

Smoky Mountains National Park Fall Foliage

The best place to catch the North Carolina and Tennessee fall foliage is in the Smokies. An endless forest is abound and a great place to start your trip is at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can’t go wrong with a trip to this hikers paradise.

Maroon Bells

When the Aspens start turning in Colorado the place to see fall foliage is Maroon Bells. A mixture of soaring elevations, creeks and hot springs awaits. This is a fantastic trip and very popular because of its vast beauty.

The Mohawk Trail

Massachusetts is a falls lover’s dream. Take a trip back in time on one of the oldest scenic route our country has to offer. Once a main artery for foot traffic between the colonies is now your pathway to fall foliage splendor.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway of North Carolina and Virginia is known to be "Americas Favorite Drive". The Appalachian Mountains explode with color each year and the 400 plus mile roadway is sure to impress. The roadway offers tremendous vistas to view all of the fall splendor.

At Travel To Go, we hope you have had -- or will have -- a great vacation this year! For more information feel free to visit our website by clicking here or go to www.traveltogo.com.