Leaf peeping time in the Northeast

Name the Northeastern state that has almost as many acres of broad-leafed trees as the rest of the Northeast combined.

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 Hudson Valley take in the breathtaking landscapes — by bike or car– that inspired a generation of artists, and then indulge in the culinary delights at one of the region’s renowned restaurants. Stroll the sands of Long Island’s famous beaches or enjoy one of its seasonal festivals, such as the Oyster Festival in October.

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

ForestCamping.com Spotlights Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania

Morning at Twin Lake Campground

ForestCamping.com, the comprehensive website for camping in national forests and grasslands, visited and reported on Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest.

Located in northwest Pennsylvania, in rugged plateau country, the Allegheny National Forest (NF) has been carved by creeks and streams, shaped by the Allegheny River, and shaded by lush hardwoods. Pennsylvania’s only national forest offers a wide range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy everything from camping to fishing in the Allegheny Reservoir, hiking to scenic drives, star-gazing to bird-watching, canoeing to brilliant autumn colors, and more. In other words, the Allegheny National Forest has something for just about everyone.

THERE ARE A WIDE VARIETY OF HIKING TRAILS. From the 86.8-mile North Country National Scenic Trail to the one-mile Buckaloons Seneca Interpretive Trail, the Forest is crisscrossed by numerous trails. Many of the forest’s hiking trails are convenient to a forest campground so campers can explore the woodland along one of the various trails and be back in time for dinner.

Northern Pike, Walleye and more than fifty other species of fish are found in the Allegheny Reservoir. But with ten campgrounds (five accessible only by boat or foot), four beaches, six boat ramps, nine picnic areas, and three scenic overlooks, the Allegheny Reservoir is popular for more than just fishing. Waterskiing in the wide channels, exploring a quiet inlet in a canoe, or wading in its refreshing water, the reservoir offers a wide variety of water sports.

Old growth forests are a rare and wondrous sight to see, and the Allegheny has two magnificent tracts - Tionesta Scenic Area and Hickory Creek Wilderness. The Tionesta Scenic Area contains a 2,000-acre tract of the original forest that once covered the Allegheny Plateau of New York and Pennsylvania. Grand old beech, hemlock, and Sugar maple, some 300 to 400 years old, whisper tales of long ago to hikers using the trails that wind through this area. The 8,863 acre Hickory Creek Wilderness, adjacent to Hearts Content campground, has a good size tract of virgin beech and hemlock awaiting discovery.

Within easy driving distance of major metropolitan areas in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada, the Allegheny National Forest is an oasis of nature. Misty mountains, deep valleys, beautiful lakes, rushing rivers, and the peace found in nature are enjoyed by visitors to the Allegheny National Forest.

About ForestCamping.com
ForestCamping.com, the U.S. National Forest Campground Guide website, is a complete and comprehensive guide to developed campgrounds in national forests and grasslands. It provides detailed information to campers looking to experience the great outdoors. In addition to managing a website, Fred and Suzi Dow also self-publish Ebook CDs and downloads of eleven U.S. National Forest Campground Guides, which can be purchased online at their website.

In New York state, remember to "move over"

It's summer and that means a lot more motorists, including RVers on the road in the Empire State.

As you drive down the highways, keep in mind that New York enacted a new law in 2011 called the "Move Over Law." If you see police, fire, EMS, tow services or maintenance crews working on roadways with multiple lanes, you must move out of the lane adjacent to them and slow down (typically move left into the passing lane) unless there is a hazard or traffic preventing you from moving over. On all roads and highways, drivers must reduce speed for emergency vehicles.