Leaf-peeping season starts: New York’s weekly foliage map is back

The season’s first Fall Foliage report is out from New York State. It is an interactive map and guide that tracks the changing leaves across the state, New York City included, and it gets a fresh update every Wednesday until fall ends.

I LOVE NY, the state tourism agency, runs the project and has published these weekly reports every autumn for 40 years. Nearly 100 volunteers across the state’s 11 vacation regions report what they see on the ground. Coverage runs from the five boroughs and Capital-Saratoga to the Finger Lakes, the Catskills and the Adirondacks.

What the weekly fall foliage report tells you

Each update names the main leaf colors in an area, estimates how many trees have changed and says how close the area is to peak, the point when colors are brightest. The reports also suggest parks, observation decks and other seasonal outings to help with trip planning.

How early the colors peak depends on where you are in the state. Historically, the height of the season has landed anywhere from late September into mid-November.

Where leaves are turning first this season

The first report puts the Adirondacks ahead of the rest of the state. In Franklin County, places such as Tupper Lake and Mount Arab could see as much as 35 percent of their leaves change. Utica, in Central New York, could come in just under 20 percent, and Delhi in the Catskills could reach 15 percent. Some pockets and valleys are already close to the halfway mark, with yellow, gold and orange leading the way.

According to Ross D. Levi, who serves as executive director of tourism and vice president, watching the leaves pairs well with hiking, biking and paddling, apple and pumpkin picking, and stops at wineries and craft beverage makers. He also mentioned Halloween fun and special Path Through History Weekend programs at historic sites and museums. “Fall brings a special magic to New York State,” Levi said.