Autumn Foliage

Autumn Foliage (Fall Foliage) in the USA and Canada

Introduction

The red and yellow colouring of the leaves in North America is more intense than in Europe, and the scientific reason for this is apparently something to do with the difference in the way the temperature drops during the autumn period.

Naturally the trees turn colour first in the north.

Although New England has the reputation for being the best region for autumn foliage, many other forested areas of the USA and Canada can compete with it.

Accommodation may need to be reserved well in advance in the most popular areas of New England.

Newspapers often publish articles and maps showing the best areas for seeing autumn foliage at the appropriate time of the year, and in some cases this information also appears on their web sites. Some states also have telephone numbers for information.

Not all the web site addresses given here have been checked. Some may not be permanent; some may only be available during the appropriate season of the year.

USA and Canada - General

Web Site: United States Forest Service - Fall Colour Hotline

Alabama

Arkansas

California

Connecticut

Colorado

Indiana

Maine

Best time (northern Maine): the leaves start to turn colour mid to late September.

Web site: Visit Maine - Fall Foliage

Massachusetts

Web site: Massachusetts Vacation - Fall Foliage

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Best times: 21-Oct to 9-Nov.

Missouri

Montana

New Brunswick

New Hampshire

Web site: Visit New Hampshire - Fall Foliage

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York State

Best times (western New York State, between Niagara Falls and the Pennsylvania border): second week in October.

North Carolina

Best time: 15-Oct to 4-Nov.

Ontario

Best time: the last week of September and the first week of October.

Pennsylvania

Best time (Pocono Mountains): 5-Oct to 19-Oct.

Rhode Island

Province of Quebec

Best time (general): around the end of September.

Best time (Laurentian Quebec): 15-Sep to 30-Sep.

The Province of Quebec is famous for its autumn colours because of the sugar maple trees.

Tennessee

Best time (Great Smoky Mountains National Park): 15-Oct to 4-Nov.

Vermont

Best time (general): early to mid October.

Best time (Green Mountains): 29-Sep to 13-Oct.

Web site: Travel Vermont - Tips For Your Fall Foliage Tour

Washington State

Wisconsin

Wyoming