Fall Leaf Watching in Florida
What to Look for and Where to Go
Florida is synonymous with beaches, Disney and the Daytona 500. Say 'fall leaf' viewing and Florida would probably be the last spot on your list. By knowing where to go, when to go and what to look for, you can be one of the few who can say they have enjoyed Florida's fall colors!
Where to Go
Perry , Florida. Perry Florida is considered the tree capital of the United States. Various types of trees line the streets and river beds. Several parks in the Perry area provide perfect leaf viewing. When your foliage trip ends, make a trip to the Forest Museum capital State park in perry to view the different genus of trees located in the Perry area.
Torreya State Park. Diana and Bill Gleaner, authors of Florida; Off the Beaten Path, set this park as being the best place in Florida to view fall foliage. Hardwoods found in the Appalachians line the park, trails, and ravines.
Devil's Millhopper Geological park is located in Gainseville Florida. The fauna of the area resembles the foliage in the Appalachian mountains. The main attraction of the park is the huge sink hole located in the center of the park. Take the trail down the board walkway and view the foliage from the bottom of the ravine.
Time of Year
Northerners and those in more frigid climates fall watch from early October to early November. The prime peak leaf viewing time differs the farther north you drive. Remembering that, fall occurs later in Florida. Also, the ideal sites are in Northwest Florida which gets colder earlier and lends itself to ideal leaf watching. The season is shorter than elsewhere and usually runs occurs around the first two weeks of November. Check the local weather before driving to your destination to ensure the leaves are in fact changing.
Types of Trees
The variety of trees changing color are limited in Florida, due to the huge amount of palms and firs. Looking for leafs that change proves easier when you know what to look for. Leaf guide books are plentiful and will help with this challenge. The most common leaves to look for in Florida are the Red Maple, Black Gums, and Sorels. Other varieties of trees to view are Black Cherry and Crepe Myrtles.
If you miss this year's leaf changing in Florida, be sure to add it to your list of adventures for next fall. Too many people miss out on natures beauty by not knowing where to go to take it all in. On your next trip to see Mickey Mouse, stop to do some leaf watching along the way!
Published by Dahloan Hembree
Ms Hembree is a certified Special Education, Reading and Pre K through 3rd grade teacher. She has taught for ten years. Prior to that, she was a Youth Counselor for six years with a non profit agency. Mrs. H... View profile
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