Answer: New York!
If you're looking to New England as a "leaf peeping" venue this fall, then the Empire State may be your ticket to colorful views. To help leaf-chasers, Wednesday, September 12 marks the launch of the I LOVE NEW YORK Fall Foliage Color Report which will run as long as the leaves show color, likely through early November. Every week will see a new report published on iloveny.com/fall will help viewers find fall color, region by region.
In the Finger Lakes region, enjoy the autumn scenery while taking a leisurely drive to a charming winery or small antique shop, then head out onto a lake for a boat cruise and get a different perspective of the leaves. Visit a historic lighthouse and check out fall food stops, like a local cider mill, in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region.
In the Capital-Saratoga region, you’ll delight in the patchwork quilt landscapes that inspired folk artist Grandma Moses and marvel at the showcase of 18th to 21st century architecture in the capital city of Albany.
An idyllic mix of waterfalls, enchanting mountains, lush forests and sparkling streams await you in the Catskills region, while the Adirondacks region provides countless hiking opportunities within a six million acre wilderness. Autumn beauty greets visitors in the Greater Niagara region, home to the mighty falls as well as Letchworth State Park, a.k.a. “the Grand Canyon of the East,” while the beautiful natural landscape of the Chautauqua-Allegheny region offers endless outdoor activity with scenic trails, serene waters, nature centers, and New York’s largest state park. Autumn is also the perfect time to explore the rich history, geological wonders and cultural opportunities of Central New York.
Since the state covers such a huge area, if you miss the leaves in one neck of the woods there'll be plenty more in another region later on. Color change starts in the high country of the Adirondacks and Catskills early on in September, then moves down country, ending up in Long Island and "the City" (New York) in early November. You'll have a couple of weeks in each area from start to finish.
The foliage report includes a detailed map charting fall color progress, vantage points for viewing spectacular foliage and weekly event listings so you can plan your visit to one of New York State’s 11 vacation regions accordingly. For highlights of the foliage report dial toll-free, 1-800-CALL-NYS (1-800-225-5697) each week from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada.
Source: Empire State Development
