Jim's Fall Foliage Page for 2003

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Autumn Equinox - September 23
This is the official beginning of autumn. The air is crisp, the foliage is spectacular, there is a nip in the air. Summer is over, and Winter is quickly approaching. Autumn is the second time of balance in the year, when day and night are of equal length. It is a time to celebrate the harvest and to store our abundance for the coming cold but cozy months of winter. Animals are busy preparing for winter hibernation. Everywhere, there is great energy in the air. From this point on, we celebrate the oncoming season of shorter days and longer nights. ~ Author Unknown ~

Fall Colors

Pity the many people of the world who are not able to witness this changing of the seasons. In the tropics, where wet and dry seasons mark the year, the trees have no color change. Only the temperate hardwood forests of North America give us this annual splash of color.

Imagine Mother Nature going about on autumn days with a liberal supply of paint, coloring the leaves of trees to produce the brilliant displays of red, purple, orange and yellow. Every fall we enjoy the beauty of the forest, knowing it is only a passing pleasure. Before long, the leaves will drift to the forest floor to add to the rich carpet there.

Many people suppose Jack Frost is responsible for the color change, but he is not. Some leaves begin to turn colors before we have any frosts. According to a Native American legend, celestial hunters slew the Great Bear in the autumn, and his blood dripping on the forest changed many leaves to red. The fat that splattered out of the kettle as the hunters cooked the meat turned other trees to yellow. Other people had legends, but now we know that the changes in colors are the result of chemical processes
that take place in the trees as they prepare for winter.

Jim's 2003 Fall Foliage Wallpaper Page
Because the graphics take so much time to load, I have put the wallpapers I have found on the web, on a separate web page. Click the above link to go there. Be prepared to wait a few minutes to let the images load.
Thank you! It's worth the wait!

Autumn�s leafy splendor gets people into their hiking boots. It�s that time of year, when the greens turn golden and the first fallen leaves crackle underfoot. So, leaf-peepers, come out, come out, wherever you are - and go explore. For the next several weeks, foliage across the country will be bursting with its brightest yellows, deepest reds and purples. Go into the forests and enjoy the show!

Autumn Weekend Trips

Grab the kids, a couple of sweaters, and the keys to that SUV.
Then take your pick of a dozen drives, worth their weight in bulging hefty bags.
Take a trip this weekend and explore the brilliant foliage that awaits you, provided by Mother Nature.
Weekends in late September and most of October are primetime to
catch the autumn splendor, and outdoor family fun.
Mother Nature will dazzle you with her colors, then charm you with all sorts of edible harvests
including: pumpkins, apples, nuts and cranberries.

Festival Links listed state-by-state
You can click on your state or region, and/or search a database of thousands of events nationwide to attend.

Fall Foilage Updates across the USA

Leaf-Peepers Unite!

Ten weekend trips from Philly!

If you live in the Philadelphia area, you can plan now to attend these weekend events,
which will occur within a few weeks and are within a day's drive of Philadelphia.

Covered bridges & art. Oct. 5-7. Elysburg and Forks, Pa. More than 250 crafters, covered bridges, entertainment and rides make up the Covered Bridge and Arts Festival. Knoebels Resort, Twin Bridges Park. 570-784-8279.

Victorian Week. Oct. 5-14. Cape May. The annual observance includes historic house tours, vintage dancing, lectures, mystery dinners, Victorian Fashion Shows, brass band concerts, more. 1-800-275-4278; Cape May Victorian Week

Walking weekend. Oct. 6-8. Northeastern Connecticut and south central Massachusetts. Thirty-five towns in the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor host free scenic, historical and culturally themed walks. 860-963-7226; Connecticut Walking Weekend

Jim Thorpe Art Walk. Sept. 28-30, Oct. 5-7. Jim Thorpe. Visual and performing arts are spotlighted in walking tours, outdoor and indoor exhibits, lectures, appraisals, workshops, and concerts. Sacred Mountain Art Show Sept. 28-Oct. 14. 570-325-8927; Jim Thorpe Art Walk

Cape Ann Studio Tour. Oct. 6-8. Gloucester, Mass. Artisans in the scenic and artistically rich Cape Ann Peninsula open their studios to the public. 978-281-3347; Cape Ann Studio Tour

Festival of Fine Craft. Oct. 6-7. Millville, N.J. Fine, traditional and contemporary crafts go on display, with 150 vendors and entertainment. Wheaton Village. 1-800-998-4552.

Wool Arts Tour. Oct. 6-7. Francestown, N.H. Self-guided tour of five New Hampshire sheep farms and wool studios; sheep, angora and other wools. Monadnock region. 603-588-6637.

Oktoberfest. Oct. 6-8. Newport, R.I. Festival includes Bavarian music, dancers, international food, beer and wine gardens, children's area. Yachting Center. 401-846-1600, Ext. 221; Rhode Island Oktoberfest

Gramercy antiques. Oct. 5-7. New York. Gramercy Park Modern show features 100 exhibitors. 69th Regiment Armory. 212-255-0020; Gramercy Park Antiques Show

Nantucket Arts Festival. Oct. 1-7. Nantucket, Mass. The island plays host to its annual show of performing, visual and literary arts, with plays, readings, concerts, dance and crafts. 508-228-1700. Nantucket Arts Festival

List of Foliage Hotlines

Pennsylvania Foliage Information or call 1-800-325-5467
Pennsylvania- Poconos Region Foliage Information or call 570-421-5565
New Jersey Foliage Information or call 1-609-777-0885
New York Foliage Information or call 1-800-225-5697
Connecticut Foliage Information or call 1-800-282-6863
Rhode Island Foliage Information or call 401-222-2601
Massachusetts Foliage Information or call 1-800-227-6277
Maine Foliage Information or call 1-800-777-0317
New Hampshire Foliage Information or call 1-800-258-3608
Vermont Foliage Information or call 1-800-837-6668
Yankee Magazine Foliage Central Extensive information on all the New England state's foliage reports
West Virginia Foliage Information or call 1-800-225-5982
Maryland Foliage Information or call 1-800-532-8371
Virginia Foliage Information or call 1-800-434-5323
Shenandoah National Park - call 540-999-3500
Delaware Foliage Information or call 1-800-441-8846
The Weather Channel Foliage reports nationwide
U.S. Forest Service or call 1-800-354-4595

Regional Favorites - NorthEastern USA

Maine Fall Foliage
This site includes a map with regularly updated foliage reports through Oct. 11, as well as a link to the Maine Office of Tourism.

The Maine Attraction
Fall is a spectacular time of year to discover Maine. With so many fairs, festivals and art exhibits, you're sure to find something to delight all your senses.

Vermont Foliage Information
Vermont attracts droves of visitors every autumn for its rustic charm and splendid foliage.

Vermont Travel Information
Most of Vermont's color is provided by sugar and red maples. Their reds, oranges and yellows are always spectacular. These colors backed by the purples of ash, the brilliant yellows of birch and poplar and interrupted by the greens of the softwoods make the nature-painted scenes complete.

New Hampshire's White Mountains Home Page

Massachusetts Fall Foliage
Massachusetts is another haven for color-cravers. Autumn travel possibilities abound across the state, from the Berkshires in the west, to historic Boston in the east and Cape Cod and Martha�s Vineyard to the south. Fall is a glorious time to visit Massachusetts. The trees wear magical coats of crimson, gold, and scarlet leaves; hillsides glisten under a pale pink glaze; dry leaves crunch underfoot; and every farm stand boasts piles of fat orange pumpkins

Plimoth Plantation Museum
Also be sure to take in the 17th Century autumn colonial atmosphere at Plimoth Plantation, while you're in Massachusetts.

Nantucket Cranberry Harvest Festival
Go explore Massachusetts in all it's fall splendor and sample the local grown cranberries at this festival.

New England Foliage Central - Your Autumn in New England Headquarters
Autumn's crisp chill and vibrant colorations provide the perfect backdrop for a visit to New England. Kim Knox, your guide to New England, and Debby Fowles, your guide to Portland and Southern Maine, have teamed up to provide you with comprehensive coverage site of the New England region in all of its blazing glory. Foliage season begins in mid-to-late September and ends in mid-to-late October. Peak color often coincides with the Columbus Day weekend

Gettysburg Apple Harvest Festival
In early to mid-October, Pennsylvania explodes with color and you can catch the show by Mother Nature,in Gettysburg, and enjoy an apple harvest as well.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Located in eastern Pennsylvania, you can watch hawks, eagles and falcons performing their acrobatic air show through the natural foilage.

Fall Foliage in PA
When the leaves start changing in autumn, its like nature opening a brand new box of crayons and filling in the landscape with all new colors. Come explore Pennsylvania!

Maine Fall Foliage This site includes a map with regularly updated foliage reports through Oct. 11, as well as a link to the Maine Office of Tourism.
The Maine Attraction Fall is a spectacular time of year to discover Maine. With so many fairs, festivals and art exhibits, you're sure to find something to delight all your senses.
Vermont Foliage Information Vermont attracts droves of visitors every autumn for its rustic charm and splendid foliage.
Vermont Travel Information Most of Vermont's color is provided by sugar and red maples. Their reds, oranges and yellows are always spectacular. These colors backed by the purples of ash, the brilliant yellows of birch and poplar and interrupted by the greens of the softwoods make the nature-painted scenes complete.
New Hampshire's White Mountains Home Page
Massachusetts Fall Foliage Massachusetts is another haven for color-cravers. Autumn travel possibilities abound across the state, from the Berkshires in the west, to historic Boston in the east and Cape Cod and Martha�s Vineyard to the south. Fall is a glorious time to visit Massachusetts. The trees wear magical coats of crimson, gold, and scarlet leaves; hillsides glisten under a pale pink glaze; dry leaves crunch underfoot; and every farm stand boasts piles of fat orange pumpkins
Plimoth Plantation Museum Also be sure to take in the 17th Century autumn colonial atmosphere at Plimoth Plantation, while you're in Massachusetts.
Nantucket Cranberry Harvest Festival Go explore Massachusetts in all it's fall splendor and sample the local grown cranberries at this festival.
New England Foliage Central - Your Autumn in New England Headquarters Autumn's crisp chill and vibrant colorations provide the perfect backdrop for a visit to New England. Kim Knox, your guide to New England, and Debby Fowles, your guide to Portland and Southern Maine, have teamed up to provide you with comprehensive coverage site of the New England region in all of its blazing glory. Foliage season begins in mid-to-late September and ends in mid-to-late October. Peak color often coincides with the Columbus Day weekend
Gettysburg Apple Harvest Festival *In early to mid-October, Pennsylvania explodes with color and you can catch the show by Mother Nature,in Gettysburg, and enjoy an apple harvest as well.*
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Located in eastern Pennsylvania, you can watch hawks, eagles and falcons performing their acrobatic air show through the natural foilage.
Fall Foliage in PA When the leaves start changing in autumn, its like nature opening a brand new box of crayons and filling in the landscape with all new colors. Come explore Pennsylvania!

Regional Favorites - SouthEastern USA

North Carolina's Natural Digest
This site covers the entire state of North Carolina, from the Atlantic coast to the Smoky Mountains.

Rod's Guide to the Smokies - Fall Foliage
The sweetgum is a favorite because it offers several colors including reds, purples, and yellow. These trees are found mostly in the lower elevations along streams and will peak mid-to-late October. The scarlet oak gives us a brilliant scarlet color and can be found in the low-to-mid elevations. The sugar maple can be found all the way to 4,000 foot elevations and presents yellows and oranges for our enjoyment. These trees proliferate in the Sugarlands Valley, where pioneers tapped them for maple syrup. The red maple gives us reds and yellows and ranges up to 6,000 feet. The Smoky Mountains Park boasts the world's largest red maple, which is 23 feet in circumference and is 135 feet tall. The flowering dogwood evolves to a deep red color and can be found anywhere in the lush woods below 3,000 feet.

Fall Color in Asheville, NC
The mountains of Western North Carolina are home to the largest peaks east of the Mississippi. Brilliant color begins to appear at the higher elevations as early as late September, along with a profusion of wildflowers. The autumn hues intensify and creep down the mountain slopes throughout October. Some coves and gorges will continue to show off their fall finery through early November.

North Carolina's Natural Digest This site covers the entire state of North Carolina, from the Atlantic coast to the Smoky Mountains.
Rod's Guide to the Smokies - Fall Foliage The sweetgum is a favorite because it offers several colors including reds, purples, and yellow. These trees are found mostly in the lower elevations along streams and will peak mid-to-late October. The scarlet oak gives us a brilliant scarlet color and can be found in the low-to-mid elevations. The sugar maple can be found all the way to 4,000 foot elevations and presents yellows and oranges for our enjoyment. These trees proliferate in the Sugarlands Valley, where pioneers tapped them for maple syrup. The red maple gives us reds and yellows and ranges up to 6,000 feet. The Smoky Mountains Park boasts the world's largest red maple, which is 23 feet in circumference and is 135 feet tall. The flowering dogwood evolves to a deep red color and can be found anywhere in the lush woods below 3,000 feet.
Fall Color in Asheville, NC The mountains of Western North Carolina are home to the largest peaks east of the Mississippi. Brilliant color begins to appear at the higher elevations as early as late September, along with a profusion of wildflowers. The autumn hues intensify and creep down the mountain slopes throughout October. Some coves and gorges will continue to show off their fall finery through early November.

Regional Favorites - MidWestern USA

Circleville Pumpkin Show
In Circleville, Ohio this show is renowned for it's gourds and unbelievable-sized pumpkins.

Appalachian Harvest Festival
Located in Renfro Valley, Kentucky, this festival offers a throwback to the crafts and recipes of the pioneer days.

West Michigan Tourist Association
Their recommended color tour guide routes lace the western half of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, west from Clare County to the Lake Michigan shoreline and north from the Indiana border to the Straits of Mackinac. The guide also features West Michigan's eight historic covered bridges found along or near the color tour routes. The West Michigan Fall Fun & Color Tour Guide may be ordered 24-hours-a-day via WMTA's website.

Wisconsin Travel Information
Fall is a season of wonder in Wisconsin. As the state' s forests burst into mixed palates of vibrant color, fall harvesting begins, providing roadside stands and farmers' markets with a cornucopia of fresh produce.

Fall Foliage in Missouri
The peak of fall color in Missouri is normally the second and third weeks of October. Parts of north Missouri, St. Louis, east central and southeast regions are expecting average to better than average color this year.

Ozark Mts. Fall Foliage in Arkansas
Foliage in the Arkansas Ozarks typically peak during the last week of October, or the first week in November.
Get lost on miles of roads in the Ozarks
In Arkansas, hardwoods sporting yellow through orange foliage are sweetgum, sugar maple, red maple, silver maple, and sassafras. Trees producing brilliant red and crimson are typically red and silver maples, flowering dogwood, redbud, red oak, blackgum, and swamp chestnut oak. Trees producing purple foliage will typically be sweetgum, blackgum, and certain oaks.
The Ozarks offer hundreds of miles to explore foliage

Circleville Pumpkin Show In Circleville, Ohio this show is renowned for it's gourds and unbelievable-sized pumpkins.
Appalachian Harvest Festival Located in Renfro Valley, Kentucky, this festival offers a throwback to the crafts and recipes of the pioneer days.
West Michigan Tourist Association Their recommended color tour guide routes lace the western half of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, west from Clare County to the Lake Michigan shoreline and north from the Indiana border to the Straits of Mackinac. The guide also features West Michigan's eight historic covered bridges found along or near the color tour routes. The West Michigan Fall Fun & Color Tour Guide may be ordered 24-hours-a-day via WMTA's website.
Wisconsin Travel Information Fall is a season of wonder in Wisconsin. As the state' s forests burst into mixed palates of vibrant color, fall harvesting begins, providing roadside stands and farmers' markets with a cornucopia of fresh produce.
Fall Foliage in Missouri The peak of fall color in Missouri is normally the second and third weeks of October. Parts of north Missouri, St. Louis, east central and southeast regions are expecting average to better than average color this year.
Ozark Mts. Fall Foliage in Arkansas Foliage in the Arkansas Ozarks typically peak during the last week of October, or the first week in November. In Arkansas, hardwoods sporting yellow through orange foliage are sweetgum, sugar maple, red maple, silver maple, and sassafras. Trees producing brilliant red and crimson are typically red and silver maples, flowering dogwood, redbud, red oak, blackgum, and swamp chestnut oak. Trees producing purple foliage will typically be sweetgum, blackgum, and certain oaks.

Regional Favorites - SouthWestern USA

Colors in Colorado State Parks
Aspens, of course, are the biggest draw in Colorado. Although the state hosts a mix of colors with its scrub oaks, spruce and junipers, most people come to see the golden aspen leaves. Colorado is famous for golden aspen trees that quake in the breeze. The beauty of the aspens is highlighted by the red and rust colored scrub oak, and a variety of pine trees that add to contrast to the spectacular color display.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
While there is not much in the way of changing foilage here, the sky will burst with color in New Mexico, with hot air balloons.

State Fair of Texas
In Texas, the annual almost month-long state fair, will dazzle you. It is the number one state fair in the country.

Colors in Colorado State Parks Aspens, of course, are the biggest draw in Colorado. Although the state hosts a mix of colors with its scrub oaks, spruce and junipers, most people come to see the golden aspen leaves. Colorado is famous for golden aspen trees that quake in the breeze. The beauty of the aspens is highlighted by the red and rust colored scrub oak, and a variety of pine trees that add to contrast to the spectacular color display.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta While there is not much in the way of changing foilage here, the sky will burst with color in New Mexico, with hot air balloons.
State Fair of Texas In Texas, the annual almost month-long state fair, will dazzle you. It is the number one state fair in the country.

Regional Favorites - West Coast USA

The Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Located in Half Moon Bay, California; 25 miles south of San Francisco, entrants try to win $10,000 in prizes.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair
Located above San Francisco, you can stomp grapes to your heart's content.

The Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival
Located in Leavonworth, Washington you can experience the Bavarian-style music and bratwurst, at this festival.

The Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off Located in Half Moon Bay, California; 25 miles south of San Francisco, entrants try to win $10,000 in prizes.
Sonoma County Harvest Fair Located above San Francisco, you can stomp grapes to your heart's content.
The Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival Located in Leavonworth, Washington you can experience the Bavarian-style music and bratwurst, at this festival.

Helpful sites for foilage sight-seeing tips!

To save money on gas along the way, check out
GasPriceWatch.com,
which lists the most economical gas stations to fill up along your preferred route.

Speed Trap Warnings: One site to check out before hitting the road is
Speedtrap.com.
This site advises users on potential law enforcement speed traps, traffic slowdowns,
traffic hazards, and other information to help save time on the road.

Toilet finder: When nature calls, even bold travelers prefer hospitable surroundings.
The Bathroom Diaries.com
locates clean, free restrooms worldwide with comments and rankings from users.

Site59
Click here to search for foliage-related packages from Site59
and select your departure city from the pull-down menu.
Then follow the steps to make your reservation.

The following borrowed from SmarterLiving.com columinst Anita Dunham-Porter,
from her September 27, 2002 article, "Autumn branches out on the Internet".

Where to get foliage information

Peak foliage times from Weather.com

Information about foliage hotspots

Foliage websites/hotlines:
Connecticut: 800-282-6863
Maine: 800-777-0317
Maryland: 800-532-8371
Massachusetts: 800-227-6277
Asheville, North Carolina: 800-847-4862
Oregon: 800-547-5445
Rhode Island: 800-556-2484
Tennessee: 800-697-4200
Vermont: 800-837-6668
Virginia: 800-434-5323
Washington: 800-354-4595
West Virginia: 800-225-5982
Wisconsin: 800-432-8747

Real Traveler: Autumn branches out on the Internet

Real Traveler
by Anita Dunham-Potter

When the brisk, cool, and invigorating fall air arrives, we immediately think of kicking up leaves and drinking apple cider. If you enjoy watching the leaves paint the landscape in nature and in technicolor, the Internet is a great resource.

The Right Time to Turn Over a New Leaf
Too often, travelers wanting to observe nature's fireworks find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, only to discover brilliant leaves littering the forest floor. Since leaves are fickle and often unpredictable, finding the right place at the right time is crucial.

Numerous websites devoted to autumn leaves are perfect for those who want to find peak fall foliage. Tourism boards from Maine to California have sites that not only show pictures, but also offer up-to-date status on foliage color, educational facts, weather conditions, and recommended driving routes�some even have real-time webcams that show fall foliage.

New England
Connecticut: Foliage season runs throughout October. The Connecticut Office of Tourism offers updates with details on when colors are at their peak throughout the state. Beginning in mid-September, visitors can call toll-free at 800-CT-BOUND (800-282-6863) for details.

Maine: Foliage season runs from late September to early October. The Maine Department of Conservation offers advice on when and where to visit, weekly foliage reports, the LeafCam, and the Kids' Page that's full of fun forestry facts for kids of all ages. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-533-9595.

Massachusetts: Foliage season runs throughout October. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism offers all the information you will need to plan a trip to see a Massachusetts autumn at its best. They provide maps showing the timing of fall foliage, daily reports on color show, tips from foliage experts, and suggested driving routes. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-277-6277.

New Hampshire: Foliage season runs from late September through mid-October. The State of New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development site offers regional reports on fall foliage. In addition, there are many fun and education facts for leaf peepers. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-262-6660.

Rhode Island: Foliage season runs throughout October. The Rhode Island Tourism site offers maps, historical information, and event listings. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-556-2484.

Vermont: Foliage season runs from late September through early October. The Vermont Department of Tourism site offers a Foliage Information Center with current foliage reports, suggested drives, explanations of how and why there is foliage color change, and lodging availability information. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-VERMONT.

Also visit Yankee Magazine's site for more New England fall foliage information.

The Mid-Atlantic
Pennsylvania: Foliage season runs throughout October. On Pennsylvania's state tourism site, there are live webcams at nine locations, recording images from sunrise to sunset. The site offers 29 driving tours that will take you through Pennsylvania's 17 million acres of forest, and destination tours that will lead you to some of the most unique spots in Pennsylvania. Also, there is information on bird watching, foliage, hiking and biking, and events. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-FALL-INPA.

New Jersey: Foliage season runs throughout October. The New Jersey state tourism site offers foliage reports and suggested drives. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-354-4595.

New York: Foliage season runs throughout October. Each week during fall, ILoveNY.com issues reports detailing the progression of colorful fall foliage across the state. There is also a listing of fall events and fall views, peak foliage color map, NY leaf guide, and farm fresh guide. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-225-5697.

Virginia: Foliage season runs throughout October. The Virginia state tourism site offers information on peak foliage, country festivals with music, crafts, heritage celebrations, history reenactments, and food. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-434-LEAF.

West Virginia: Foliage season runs throughout October. The West Virginia Tourism Bureau site offers suggested foliage driving tours, a fall color map, and a calendar of events. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-CALL-WVA.

States that don't have foliage websites, but have foliage hotlines include:
Delaware: 800-357-1818
Maryland: 800-532-8371
New Jersey: 609-984-0370

The South
Asheville,North Carolina: Foliage season runs from mid to late October. This site offers weekly fall color reports for Asheville and the surrounding area, along with suggested scenic drives and fall foliage photography. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-847-4862.

Georgia (Chattahoochee-Oconee): Foliage season runs from mid to late October. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests fall foliage updates offer foliage reports and suggested viewing areas and drives.

States that do not have foliage websites, but have foliage hotlines include:
Alabama: 800-252-2262
Kentucky: 800-225-8747
South Carolina: 800-849-4766
Tennessee: 800-697-4200

The Midwest
Arkansas & Missouri (Fall in the Ozarks): Foliage season runs from late October to early November. The Ozark Mountains site offers suggested tours, foliage reports, and interesting historical facts. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-519-1600.

Missouri: Foliage season runs from late October through early November. The Missouri Department of Conservation website offers extensive fall foliage information. It contains a calendar of special events and guides to the best driving routes and hiking trails. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-778-1234.

Michigan: Foliage season runs throughout October. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation website offers weekly fall-color updates, travel tips, and suggested site seeing tours. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-644-3255.

Minnesota: Foliage season runs from late September through mid-October. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website offers regional fall foliage reports. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-657-3700.

Ohio: Foliage season runs throughout October. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources website offers up-to-date fall foliage information. In addition to weekly color reports, the site offers scenic photos, webcam, along with suggested hikes and drives. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-282-5393.

Wisconsin: Foliage season runs from early through mid October. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism website offers a fall color report with the most current conditions across the state. It is organized by region and provides information on the percent of color, estimated time color will peak, and special views or drives. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-432-TRIP.

States that don't have foliage websites, but have foliage hotlines include:
Illinois: 800-226-6632

The West
California: Foliage season runs from mid to late October. California Division of Tourism website offers regional fall foliage information. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-354-4595.

Colorado: Foliage season runs throughout October. Colorado Tourism Office website offers suggested itineraries to view peak fall foliage. Visitors can call its toll-free number at 800-COLORADO.

Idaho: Foliage season runs from early to mid October. The Idaho Travel Council/Division of Tourism Development website offers suggested drives and color information.

States that do not have foliage websites, but have foliage hotlines include:
Oregon: 800-547-5445
Washington: 800-354-4595, option #6

Nationwide Resources

US Forest Service National Fall Color Hotline. You can also call 800-354-4595.

Weather Channel Fall Foliage Report

Autumn branches out on the internet
September 27, 2002
2001-2003 Smarter Living, Inc.

Use a ski lift to look at the foliage from up high!

Some ski resorts run their lifts outside the ski season, and autumn sightseers can enjoy the colorful foliage on the ride up and down. Check one of these out this weekend! Some may charge admission, so call before you go and find out.
Camelback Tannersville, PA Big Pocono State Park, Elevation 1,250 feet. Call 1-800-233-8100
Shawnee Mountain Shawnee-on-Delaware,PA Elevation 1,350 feet Call 570-421-7231
Seven Springs Champion, PA Elevation 2,900 feet Call 1-800-452-2223
Whitetail Ski Resort Mercersburg, in the Tuscarora Mountain Range, PA Elevation 1,800 feet Call 717-328-9400
Ski Windham Windham, NY Elevation 3,200 feet Call 1-800-729-7549
Whiteface Mountain Wilmington, NY Elevation 3,600 feet Call 518-946-2223
Jiminy Peak Hancock, MA Elevation 1,140 feet Call 413-738-5500
Killington Resort Killington, VT Elevation 4,000 feet Call 802-422-6200
Jay Peak Resort Jay, VT Call 1-800-451-4449
Wildcat Mountain Jackson, NH Elevation 4,100 feet Call 1-800-255-6439
Attitash Bear Peak Bartlett, NH Elevation 2,300 feet Call 603-374-2368

As it is autumn, our thoughts turn towards the end of October and every kids
favorite holiday which is celebrated here in the United States, that being Halloween.