During the fall months you should visit the New England states. During the months of September and October the trees will change color.

Combined with fall weather, sunny days and crisp nights, the right period for a short trip into the mountains.

Every autumn, nature puts on a brilliant show of color in many parts of the United States. From bright yellows to vibrant reds, the leaves transform, showing their rich and vibrant hues.

Tree leaves at all stages of life contain multiple pigments, though these are masked by the dominant green of chlorophyll during the spring and summer seasons. Chlorophyll is an important element in the production of the plant's nutrition, a process that comes to a halt by fall. In non-evergreen trees in this season, the chlorophyll breaks down, allowing the latent orange and yellow pigments to finally appear. Additional chemical changes produce the reds, purples, gold and bronze, for an endless palate of fall colors. Ultimately, the combination of colors is dependant on many factors, including the type of tree, its elevation, the temperature, and conditions during the summer.

From the Northeast United States, to the Southeast and Midwest United States, the foliage season begins in early September in the northern regions and ends in southern locations in late October or early November. People travel to these areas to take in the fall foliage, to catch a glimpse of the colors.

Mention the words “fall foliage” and New England immediately comes to mind. Indeed, the traditional leaf peeping in the United States has always been focused on Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

We have visited the states several times and in particular experienced the colors in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. You can get a good idea near the Kancamagus Highway, but near Crawford Notch Park you can view the speckled mountain sides.

These trees are normally near evergreens, so the foliage displays contrasting colors. The appearance of fall color varies, due to elevation.

Montana

The colors begin peaking in early October in Glacier National Park. The colorful trees include maples, larch and aspen. Maple trees usually dot hiking trails, and they turn to hues of yellow, orange and red. The larch and aspen trees turn to bright yellows and gold.

Late-September to mid-October is typically the best time to view fall foliage in Northwest Montana.

If you want great views of Glacier National Park or Flathead Valley and Lake, head to the summit of Big Mountain at Whitefish Mountain Resort. The Summit Trail is eight miles long and 7,000 feet high. Here, you will see golden hues of larch and aspen along with red hues from Montana’s huckleberry bushes.

Colorado

The foliage experience in the Rockies is characterized by the golden colors of the white-barked aspen trees, mixed with the greens of the evergreens.

In Colorado they named towns and streets after this tree. In fall these aspen’s quaking leaves turn brittle and gold.
  

Utah

There are those who think that Colorado has a monopoly on the beautiful yellow leaves of the aspen trees each fall. But Southern Utah should not be overlooked. Places like Cedar City offer one of the most dramatic fall foliage backdrops in the country. 

Check-out Cedar Breaks National Monument with cliff faces eroded and brightly colored rock layers. Alpine Ponds Trail takes you through trees, meadows, flowers and wildlife for spectacular foliage viewing. Another location is Kolob Canyon is located in Zion National Park. It also offers nice canyon views.

Washington

Another surprise fall foliage choice is the state of Washington.

The North Cascades forest is always a great place to enjoy a scenic drive, along with some outdoor recreation. Options for outings are the two major scenic byways that run through Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie; both are excellent choices for your fall foliage drive. Or drive the North Cascades highway from Wintrope westward.

Tags: New England, White Mountains Natl. Forest