I know it is a simple little chemical phenomenon just short of magic that causes the leaves of autumn to turn colors. But it is truly more fun to imagine Jack Frost with a palette of vivid paints and a large brush. Fall is undeniably a majestic time on earth when the leaves perform their metamorphosis and dress in the most brilliant of colors.
It is all quite easily explained... in the warm summer months, trees are in their growth period and are actively collecting rain and sun to produce chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is green and therefore the leaves are green. Deep within the green leaves are also the colors of yellow and orange, but we can't see the colors masked by intense green.
When the leaves stop making food for growth and when the sunlight decreases, the green starts to fade and the yellow and orange can now be seen. Other chemical changes occur too. Different trees turn different colors... dogwoods and sumacs turn red and purple. The sugar maple shines a brilliant orange, while other maples pop as hot red. Oaks achieve a dark, rich brown color. Sourwood, sweetgums, tupelos, cherry trees and persimmons are also among the best trees to watch for their amazing fall colors.
The process of changing colors happens quickly and, unfortunately, doesn't last very long. The Weather Channel features a Leaf Peeping map that indicates the best times to visit areas all throughout the country.
Leaf peeping is about appreciation for the phenomenon, but it is more about enjoying the true beauty Mother Nature provides, and finding peace with those that mean the most to you.
There are so many great vacations to take in the fall to experience all that leaf peeping has to offer! Check out the Holiday Inn Mt. Kisco to discover the Hudson Valley's beauty. If you're in the New England area, try the Courtyard by Marriott Copley Square.
Post your leaf peeping pictures on our Memorable Moments Facebook page!
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7 comments:
It's the same thing every year. One day the leaves are green and before you know it,you wake up one morning to a bright sun and 100shades of red, yellow and orange. It never grows old seeing these colors gracefully float down from the branches above. There is nothing quite like a New England fall day.
Fall is by far my favorite season. I have such great memories of my parents taking us out of the city and into the mountains to look at the leaves changing.
As an adult, I lived in Arizona for about 5 years. Obviously, there are no leaves changing colors in the desert. Every fall, my mother would carefully pack some colorful leaves into a box and ship them out to me. I still have some of those leaves in a scrap book.
california ...like Arizona did not offer the fall colors..we had blossoms on the almond trees and thought that was special.. but nothing like the colors of fall in New England. Receiving leaves from home? What a wonderful thing.
I grew up in Connecticut, on the border of NY State. Autumn is almost a tradition unto itsself for my family! I grew up going to the Apple Orchards almost every weekend in the fall. Dad insisted that apple cider bought in the stores was not the same. I've found him to be correct! These days I visit mainly sallingers orchards, and Outhouse Orchards which are around North Salem, NY for apple cider, cider doughnuts, and locally grown fruit and produce, as often as possible. And the scenery on the way is definitely half the journey. Perfect picture perfect views, lots of lush horsefarms. Then coming home, getting cozy with the family, and baking apple crips, pies, and breads. It's no wonder its my favorite season!
Fall in New England! Great memoroy hiking to the top of Mt. Keasage in Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire about this time last year. Was on my way to a meeting in Burlington Vt. and was running about 2 hours early. The foliage was spectacular. Pulled off the highway, threw on my sneakers and in an hour was at the top of Keasge taking in the view. It was awesome.
Leaf change is beautiful! unless you are stuck in the leaf peeper traffic...you know what I mean CT.
A great change of season memorable moment. Take the drive to Morgantown WV at the beginning of college football season. Make sure you bring your camera.
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