Color It Autumn in the East

Leaf-lookers alert! Fall’s coat of many colors is being delivered, and in a few cases, has arrived a little early.

Generally, leaves start to change color first in northern climes and sweep steadily south. Factors such as exposure to sun, soil conditions, elevation and especially the weather determine when trees will reach their peak autumnal colors--usually around mid-October in New England, a week or two later in Virginia.

But in New York’s Catskill Mountains, 15% to 20% of the trees have already begun to change color in the higher elevations, a tourism spokeswoman said, and in the Adirondacks, a 20% to 40% change is anticipated in coming days, largely because of colder nights. “The colors appear to be especially bright this year,” the spokeswoman said. “All signs are pointing to an especially brilliant season.”

Splashes of color have been reported in Vermont, Virginia, New Hampshire and in Massachusetts, but Jim Sopher of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management says he doesn’t see a major difference between this year and other years, although September has “been a little under average in terms of precipitation” and dry conditions are one of the factors that make leaves change color.

Need more information? The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fall Color Hotline provides updates and viewing routes all over the country: (800) 354-4595. For tips on vantage points and peak viewing days in other areas:

Delaware: (800) 441-8846

Maine: (800) 533-9595

Maryland: (800) 532-8371

Massachusetts: (617) 727-3201

New Hampshire: (800) 258-3608

New York: (800) 225-5697

Virginia: (804) 786-4484

Vermont: (802) 828-3239

If you’d rather look at leaves closer to home, the Bishop Chamber of Commerce has published a “Fall Color Guide” for the Eastern High Sierra. The pocket-sized brochure describes colorful drives and lists accommodations, activities and events. Call the chamber at (619) 873-8405 to obtain a copy or to find out exactly when the leaves begin to change.

It may not be wise to wait, a spokeswoman said. The extremely dry conditions could bring on early changes and, she added, “the high country had a little snow last week.” There’s nothing like a little rain and snow to knock every last leaf off the trees.