Why and Where to Enjoy Fall Foliage in New England

By James P

If you are a fan of nature then you might already be aware of fall foliage, also known as Autumn leaf color. It is a phenomenon that occurs every year. It affects the green color of leaves and turns them into shades of different colors including blue, brown, magenta, pink, orange, black, purple, yellow, and red. It is mostly seen in deciduous trees and some shrubs.

More and more people are waking up to the existence of fall foliage. In fact, leaf peeping tourism is on the rise and many people from all around the world visit New England to enjoy these beautiful sights.

Fall foliage starts in the northern states of New Hampshire and Maine at the end of September and moves to Southern states, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, by the end of October.

However, it’s important to plan carefully as every year is different. Fall foliage may start late or early every year due to pollution and other such factors. It is best to do some research before you take on a trip to enjoy the New England Autumn Leaf Color.

A leaf may have multiple colors in different patterns, giving the tree a unique look. This happens due to changes in pigments including carotenoids, anthocyanins.

Most people believe the phenomenon occurs to protect trees from dying. However, there is no solid research in this regard yet.

Here are some of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in New England:

It may be a good idea to visit all these regions as the plants here differ in colors. You can take a day trip to enjoy the sights and take photographs.