Leaf Peeping Season Is Here

IMG_2591

(Mellow Wanderer) Countdown to the end of summer has football and fall foliage just around the bend. Dust off the beach sand between your toes, take out the hiking shoes, and get ready for vibrant splashes of dangling red, orange and gold leaves.

IMG_2620

Autumn is a special season in many places where the thermometer slowly heads south and leaves change before trees go bare for winter hibernation. The metamorphosis causes one of the greatest shows on Earth, particularly along many of America’s rolling scenic highways and mountain regions.

DSC_0102

Fall seasonal travel is a thriving industry of its own. Mountain resorts, cruise lines, and tour operators gear-up for an influx of sweater wearing, apple cider sipping vacationers. Autumn weather can make or break the economy of a state. Take Vermont, a popular fall destination. Vermont’s tourism department expects 3.5 million visitors every fall, ready to spend around $330 million. DSC_0099

North Carolina is also a big player. A few years ago Dr. Andrew Bellemer, a biologist at Appalachian State, a true autumn leaf geek, dug in and did some research of his own. What he discovered is states in the eastern corridor of maximum autumn color rack in around $30 billion in fall tourism.

IMG_2580Booking your trip early is key to enjoying leaf peeping season, a term of endearment among fall fanatics. Hotels and resorts can fill to capacity from mid-September to mid-November.

The moment of peak color is a bit tricky. Weather certainly has an impact. Talking to locals from the area you’re targeting could provide insight. There’s also a cool everything-you-always-wanted-to-know about-autumn-leaves-and-where-they’re-popping website called Foliage Network.

Happy leaf peeping!


IMG_2588DSC_0092IMG_2621DSC_0057

6 thoughts on “Leaf Peeping Season Is Here

  1. Michael Willingham says:

    Can’t wait to see me some color in the Ozarks this Autumn.

    1. Never been to the Ozarks. Gotta put it on the bucket list!

  2. Michael Willingham says:

    Great read. I am an avid LP-this year, Ozarks!

    1. Our picks in the post are from a place called Efley Falls, NY at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Some in Washington, DC.

      1. Michael Willingham says:

        They are all special places in the Fall. One of God’s special gifts.

        1. Yep. You got that right!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.