September 27, 2022

Temperatures in the city are dropping, and you can really feel the fall atmosphere building around you. It is still early to see some colors, but for those who crave even for a little red color, I’ve got you covered.

I also added some information for those who are looking to see some colors outside of the big apple.

Foliage stage in NYC

It is still very early to set a number for the foliage progression in NYC. However, current low temperatures and daylight should move us in the right direction for the next three to four weeks.

Red maples are the first to bloom in spring and are the first to give us some colors. You can spot the top leaves changing nicely from green to red. Silver maples are also spotted with some beautiful red leaves.
Here are some pictures I took in the past three days from Central Park and Prospect Park area:

Here are some pictures I took in the past three days from Central Park and Prospect Park area:

Most of the Dogwood trees I’ve seen are near peak color. Admittedly, their foliage is not the most stunning, but they still get us into the fall feeling while everything else is still green.

Foliage outside NYC

Deciding where and especially where to go and watch the foliage in peak color can be a struggle.
However, there are many sources that can help you make a better decision.

NY – I love NY foliage report – This popular IG page with a website gives a weekly report on the foliage progression around NY state. Reports are obtained from volunteer field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend. Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon.
Maine – If you want to visit Maine this fall, you should check out the state’s official website, which gives the foliage report for Maine state. The report covers seven different zones and has six levels of foliage statues.
Pennsylvania – PA DCNR follows the fall season with complete reports with all PA regions. Like Maine, they also set 6 different levels of foliage progression.
Vermont – Vermont’s official website provides foliage reports based on the Vermont Department of Tourism and volunteer members of their “Leaf Squad” from around the state. Their foliage levels are simple and have only four stages.
New Hampshire – VisitNH website gives detailed foliage reports. While others use maps to visualize the foliage progression around the state, NH provides information about the seven zones.