Discovering the Spectacular Autumn Colours in the USA
Autumnal Leaf Transformation: The Science behind Changing Leaves' Hues
Autumn, a season of pumpkins, apples, corn mazes, hot cider, and breathtaking foliage, is a time when the United States transforms into a vibrant canvas of yellow, orange, red, and purple hues. While the exact process that causes trees to change colour in the fall remains a mystery to scientists, the spectacle of autumn leaves never fails to captivate.
During spring and summer, chlorophyll is continuously replaced in leaves, giving them their green colour. However, as the cooler weather sets in, this process slows down, allowing the other pigments to be revealed and the leaves to change colour.
The cooler weather is partially responsible for the leaves changing colour in the fall. If it's too cold, the red and purple pigments can be destroyed, causing fall colours to end early. Temperature and water conditions also play a role in the production of fall foliage. Warm sunny days and cool nights create the most vivid fall foliage.
Fodor's Travel, one of the most respected travel publications in the USA, has named the 10 Best Fall Foliage Trips in the U.S., including Aspen, CO, The Catskills, NY, The Berkshires, MA, The Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee, among others.
Here are the top 10 fall foliage trips in the USA (based on traditional Fodor's recommendations and the most famous routes):
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Known for its spectacular colours along the coast, especially on the Park Loop Road and Cadillac Mountain.
2. Green Mountain Byway, Vermont
A classic New England route through small towns, sugar maple forests, and along the Green Mountain National Forest.
3. White Mountains, New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway (The Kanc) is one of the most beautiful roads for fall foliage in the USA.
4. Berkshires, Massachusetts
Rolling hills, cultural highlights (Tanglewood, Norman Rockwell Museum) and awe-inspiring foliage.
5. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina
Over 700 kilometres panoramic road through the Appalachians with colourful vistas.
6. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina
The most visited national park in the USA offers impressive fall colours, especially around Cades Cove and Newfound Gap Road.
7. Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Isolated forests, lakes, and waterfalls along Lake Superior – fewer tourists, grandiose nature.
8. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and the golden leaves of poplars and aspens in the Pacific Northwest.
9. Aspen, Colorado
The golden aspen (Aspens) against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains – spectacular on the Independence Pass Route.
10. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
A picturesque circuit around Wheeler Peak with poplars and aspens in shining yellow and orange tones.
Tips for Travel Planning
- Timing: The peak of "leaf peeping" (leaf-watching) is different in each region, usually from late September to mid-October.
- Preparation: The best colours are often found in higher elevations first and in lower elevations later.
- Accommodation: Book early, especially in the hotspots of the New England states!
Conclusion
These routes are legendary and are regularly recommended by Fodor's and other travel guides. For the latest tips, it's recommended to search for the latest lists on the official Fodor's website. However, the aforementioned destinations are classics that continue to inspire every year!
