Best Dates to See Fall Leaves in 2011

The best dates to view fall foliage in certain parts of the country are generally predictable each year. For those who want to make sure to catch the brilliant reds and oranges and that wonderful scent of autumn in the air, however, pinning down the peak dates of leaf color is essential. It might also be surprising to many to learn that one of the states with the earliest fall foliage is New Mexico.

The Early Group

If you have your eye peeled for some breathtaking views before a fall downpour pulls down the gorgeous leaves, you won't want to miss the dates for the earliest areas of the country. According to the Farmers' Almanac, you'll find the leaves at their peak in northern Vermont between September 24 and October 10.

Between September 28 and October 9, those in central Montana, inland New Hampshire, New Mexico, and New York (depending on distance from the coast and the elevation) will have the best views.

The Second Group

Leaves begin to reach their peak colors in a majority of the states beginning the first week of October. Between October 1 and October 17, you can catch them in inland Maine, northern Michigan, and northern Minnesota.

The largest number of leaf areas in the United States will peak between October 5 and 21. They include Arizona, Idaho, northern Illinois, northern Indiana, and Iowa. Also in this group are northern Kansas, eastern Kentucky, coastal Maine, inland Massachusetts, southern Michigan, and southern Minnesota. Rounding out the list are western Montana, Nebraska, coastal New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, inland Virginia, and West Virginia.

Certain areas have a shorter peak, between October 5 and October 14 only. They include Colorado, southern Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Mid-October Peaks

Leaf watchers will want to grab their jackets and their cameras between October 12 and October 28 in the Ozarks of Arkansas, Connecticut, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, southern Kansas, western Kentucky, inland Maryland, coastal Massachusetts, and southern Missouri. Visitors to inland New Jersey, Nevada, inland North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Washington will have their best views during this period. California color fans should experience the best viewing between October 15 and October 31.

From October 19 through November 4, leaves will reach their autumn peak in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, coastal Maryland, Mississippi, coastal New Jersey, and coastal North Carolina. This date range also marks prime viewing in Oklahoma and coastal Virginia.

November Leaves

It's still possible to see lovely leaves in the first half of November. The leaves in some of the warmest states--Florida, Louisiana, and Texas--should reach their peak between November 2 and November 11 in 2011.

Guesstimating the Best Day

Before planning your day trip or longer excursion, there are a few steps you can take to try to more closely pinpoint the very best dates to see fall leaves in 2011. First is keeping in mind that the higher the elevation of an area, the earlier the date.

Your best bet is always a day that's both clear and cool. Displays with the most spectacular colors occur during a rainy autumn following a warm, dry summer. As both the hours of light and temperatures wane, each leaf interprets these events as a sign to stop producing food.

Once any stored food from the summer has been consumed, the green pigment in the leaf gives way to stunning red, yellow, or orange shades.

Source:

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/weather/2007/09/18/fall-foliage-dates/