Don't be surprised if you meet another photographer in your travels. You may even meet more than one!

In the fall photographers flock outdoors to take advantage of the mild weather and vibrant fall colors.

So come on out, join those flocking photographers. Become a leaf peeper! You'll be glad you did.

And to help you do it we've gathered a list of Web sites with information to help the aspiring leaf peeping photographer.

Web Sites by Geography

 New England Web Sites

Web Sites for the Rest of the U.S.

Canadian Web Sites

Toll Free Hotlines

 

 

Other Cool Stuff

Other Interesting Fall Sites

Why do Leaves Change Color?

New England

New York State’s Fall Foliage Report
Each week during fall, I©NY issues reports detailing the progression of colorful fall foliage across New York state based upon information filed by the State’s officially designated “leaf peepers.” - Now how do you get THAT job!

The Weather Channel Online
The Weather Channel Online usually runs reports on fall leaf peak season in various parts of the country. They also have a map that shows average peak times for the lower 48 states.

New Hampshire's Fall Foliage Online
Foliage reports, scenic drives, photo galleries, average peak times, why leaves change, and tips on preserving leaves.

Eastern Region Fall Color Report
From the U.S. Forest Service. Our tax dollars doing good work.

Vermont State Web Site Fall Foliage Report
Text only report on conditions in various parts of the state.

Fall In Vermont:
Vermont's fall foliage season usually begins during early or mid-September and extends into October. The magic moment of the best foliage can be found at many different times and places as the season progresses.

Foliage Tour Routes:
These tour routes have been suggested as some of the most scenic in Vermont. The page was put together in 1998, but the routes are still valid.

Peak Foliage Report:
The Vermont foliage season runs roughly 3 weeks, the last weekend of September through the first two weeks of October and that window may be extended on either end. The Northern end of the state will peak first, usually around the end of September. In the southern end of the state, the peak is roughly about the second week of October.

Connecticut Fall Foliage:
The Connecticut Bureau of Forestry.

Connecticut Scenic Drives:
For Fall Foliage updates you're linked to the Weather Channel, but the recommended scenic drives should get you on the right track for the leaf show.

Rhode Island Fall Foliage Tour:
Rhode Island provides the perfect getaway for those looking to enjoy classic New England fall festivities. The state harvests a cornucopia of fall activities and brilliant foliage throughout September, October and November.

Fall in Massachusetts:
Foliage season begins in mid-to-late September and ends in mid-to-late October; peak color often coincides with Columbus Day weekend. This site includes a state map with projected peak times, foliage updates, and suggestions for scenic drives.

Fall into Maine:
The tour tips described here provide a convenient way to take in some of the most scenic viewing spots in Maine during peak season; you may choose to adapt any of these routes by starting at different points along them or by combining parts of more than one.

These sites are constantly changing. So please
click here to add info to this page or report broken links

The Rest of the U.S. (in no particular order)

U.S. Forest Service National Forest Fall Foliage Hotspots
Information on specific national forests known for their fall color and links to regional Forest Service Web sites with specific data for each region.

Fall in Missouri
Missouri is blessed with a great variety of trees, shrubs and vines. Their leaves turn at different times and, as a result, Missourians enjoy a fall color season that may last four to six weeks. Sassafras, sumac and Virginia creeper are some of the earliest to change. They begin to show their fall colors by mid-September. By late September, blackgum, bittersweet and dogwood are changing.

The Minnesota Fall Color Report
Color reports, destinations, scenic byways, camping and fall festivals

Eastern Region Fall Color Report
From the U.S. Forest Service. Our tax dollars doing good work.

Fall in PA
Pennsylvania's site includes a map showing current conditions, hiking & biking trails, birding spots, destinations, driving tours, and coupons. You can even book a B&B or hotel through the site.

Experience Pennsylvania in Autumn:
Scenic routes, divided into three zones, have been sent in to the Pennsylvania Visitor's Network by readers. Handy if you intend to drive in the area. Peak estimates Sep 27 - Nov 2 depending on region.

The Weather Channel Online
The Weather Channel Online usually runs reports on fall leaf peak season in various parts of the country. They also have a map that shows average peak times for the lower 48 states.

Autumn in Arkansas:
The color change begins in early October in the Ozarks or northern Arkansas... moves slowly to the south... until it reaches the peak of color in late October and early November.

Arkansas / Oklahoma 
The Talimina Scenic Drive between Mena, Arkansas and Talihina, Okalahoma should approach peak color around the end of October. Dogwood, maple, sweet gum, and hickory are in full color with oak just starting to change. This is a spectacular 52 mile route over the Ouachita Mountains that must be taken at a leisurely pace, allow at least two hours for the entire trip.
- Sam and Barbara Tobias

Fall Color in California:
Fall color reports are sent in from people around the state. 

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
This years report isn't up as of this writing (9-11-02) but the Illinois DNR should have a page up soon.

New Jersey Fall Driving Tours:
This varied tour will take you through some of New Jersey's beautiful fall scenery as well as to historic sites and a theater in a castle.

NCNatural:
Learn more about this natural phenomenon and autumn folklore.

Asheville Chamber of Commerce:
Throughout the season, fall color reports for Asheville and the surrounding area are updated weekly, along with suggested scenic drives and fall foliage photography.

Ohio's Fall Foliage Report
To help Ohioans and out-of-state visitors make the most of this popular touring season, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will provide weekly Fall Color Updates, beginning September 23 through the end of October. The updates include on-the-spot reports from state parks, forests and nature preserves throughout Ohio, helping fall colour enthusiasts pinpoint the very best locations for peak viewing.

Texas Lost Maples Color Change:
The Lost Maples State Natural Area color display usually begins in late October and sometimes lasts through Thanksgiving, depending on the weather. The month of October is the most critical time period, with cool weather and sunny days producing the most brilliant colors. Progress will be updated on this site from October 8 through November.

Wyoming:
Wyoming no longer has a "fall page" on their state Web site. Instead you can find out information about national parks (including Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park & Fossil Butte National Monument), scenic byways, and even tips for photographing Wyoming's wildlife by visiting Wyoming's new Travel & Tourism site.

Georgia - Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
Fall color updates for Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.

Iowa Fall Color Report
Fall colors progress updated regularly for each region of the state.

Iowa Fall Color Update
Information on Iowa fall color and tree species.

Indiana's State Parks and Reservoirs
Information on state parks, trails, hiking and lodging

 

These sites are constantly changing. So please
click here to add info to this page or report broken links

Canada

Fall Foliage, Nature and Harvest Festivals in Canada
Festivals, Web sites, restaurants, and hiking trails in: Alberta B. C., Manitoba, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nunavut and the North West Territories.

Alberta Fall Colours 
History, maps, lots of photos and information on where to take your camera for fall photos.

Quebec Hiking Trails
What better way to get out and shoot fall color? An extensive list of hiking trails in Quebec province.

Out-There
These folks bill themselves as "Canada's Largest Outdoor Resource" and I believe them. Their site is chock full of information on festivals, hiking trails, canoeing, outdoor information, parks, and outdoor equipment. A great site.

 

These sites are constantly changing. So please
click here to add info to this page or report broken links

Toll Free Hotlines 

Arkansas Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-898-8895

Connecticut - 800 CT-BOUND

Delaware Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-441-8846

Illinois Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-226-6632

Iowa Leaf Line 515-233-4110

Kentucky Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-225-8747

Maine - 800 777-0317 or 
Fall Foliage Hotline 1-888-MAINE-45

Maryland Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-532-8371

Massachusetts Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-632-8038 or 
Massachusetts - 800 227-MASS

Michigan Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-644-3255

Missouri Fall Falliage Hotline 1-800-898-8895

New Hampshire - 800 258-3608

New Jersey Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-354-4595

New York - 800 CALL NYS

These sites are constantly changing. So please
click here to add info to this page 
or report broken links

North Carolina Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-847-4862

Ohio Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-BUCKEYE

Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-547-5445

Pennsylvania Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-FALL-INPA

Rhode Island Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-556-2484 or
Rhode Island Division of Tourism (401) 222-2601

Tennessee Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-697-4200

Vermont Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-VERMONT

Virginia Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-434-LEAF

Washington State Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-354-4595

West Virginia Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-CALL-WVA

Wisconsin Fall Foliage Hotline 1-800-432-TRIP

USDA Forest Service - 800-354-4595

 

Other Interest

Scenic Byways
There's some cool stuff on this site that is brought to you by the Federal Highway Administration. Yet another good example of our tax dollars at work.

The U.S. Forest Service Web Site
A really great source of information on our national forests! It's worth spending some time cruising around this site.

Why Leaves Change Color?
From the folks at AccuWeather a very readable article on why trees and shrubs change color in the fall. Now when the kids ask you'll know the answer!

Why Do Fall Leaves Change Color?
A well done term project by Heather McCullough at the University of Wisconsin it includes links to information on different species of trees.


These sites are constantly changing. So please
click here to add info to this page or report broken links