Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, the Pacific Northwest encompasses the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Alaska. This region of the Unites States is known for outdoor adventure, which is no wonder when you consider its lush forests (home to some of the largest trees in the world), dramatic coastline, and breathtaking mountain ranges. 

Much of the Pacific Northwest has a cool, wet climate. However, there are also coastal, or temperate, rainforests in parts of the area, as well as dry and warm inland sections. Fall tends to be a bit dramatic, with a sudden transition from mild summer weather, to severe, unpredictable winter conditions. Early fall storms may bring cold heavy rain or several feet of snow. One storm could create enough snow and ice to make trails and backcountry conditions dangerous and impassable. Temperatures during this time range from highs in the 40s-70s and lows in the 30s-50s. 

Due to the unpredictable weather this time of year, the exact date in which leaves are expected to change color is hard to predict. However, you can generally expect to see bright yellow, red and orange leaves from mid-September to late-October. Maple, larch and aspen trees provide fall color in the region; and because they are usually intermingled with evergreens, the foliage in the area is rich and varied.

If you’re planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest this fall, take a ride on the rails at Mount Rainier, go apple picking in Wenatchee (the self-proclaimed apple capital of the world), or check out the Autumn Leaf Festival in Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style town just east of the Cascades. Or, you could even plan a road trip to all of the top places to view stunning fall foliage in the Pacific Northwest!

America’s Mountain region refers to the U.S. states that encompass the Rocky Mountains—Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. These states have the highest mean elevations in the country, and with the exception of Nevada, all observe the Mountain Time Zone.

The climate in the mountain states is semi-arid to arid, with some alpine climate areas in the mountains. Because the elevation varies so much in this region, some parts receive significant amounts of rain and snow, while others receive hardly any rain and no snow. Temperatures also range significantly from state to state. For example, fall in Nevada sees temperatures from 75 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and in Idaho, fall temperatures are generally between 55 to 70 degrees. Due to the temperature differences, the peak of fall colors also varies state to state, and even within a state. However, mid-October is generally the peak.

One of the most unique trees found in the Mountains is the quaking aspen, or golden aspen. Each fall, these trees cover the mountains with stunning shades of gold and yellow. Interestingly, the quaking aspen has the widest natural range of any tree in North America and is considered one of the largest living organisms on earth!

If you’re planning a trip to the Mountains this fall, check out Rocky Mountain National Park. This time of year is perfect for viewing wildlife and it tends to be less crowded. September and October are usually mild and warm during the day; however, mornings and evenings can be chilly. So, make sure to dress in layers if you decide to hike through the region’s state and national parks, take a train ride through the mountainside, or check out any of the annual fall festivals!

Known as America’s Heartland, the Midwest—which includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin—is home to farming and manufacturing sectors, friendly people, wide open spaces and a slower pace of life. Instead of Fortune 500 companies, you’ll find more mom-and-pop shops, and rather than traffic jams caused by cars, you might just see a slowdown caused by a tractor or stray cow. 

Without oceans to help regulate the temperature, summers in the Midwest are sultry and winters are just plain frigid. Fall, on the other hand, is beautiful, with temperatures generally ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

One of the most beautiful trees found in the Midwest is the red oak. These giants, which grow at a rate of about two feet per year and can reach a height of 75 feet, turn a deep red and maintain their stunning color throughout the fall. With a spread of up to 45 feet, the red oak creates substantial shade, as well. 

Traditional fall activities in the Midwest include the typical pumpkin and apple picking, corn mazes, and hay rides. However, this region of the country is also known for its melting pot of cultural events, making it the perfect place to breathe in the crisp air, view the vibrantly colored trees, and take a sip of that hot apple cider.

“Fall is a Southerner’s reward for having survived summer.”

~ James Bishop

When you think of fall in the south, you’re more likely to think of the crack of football helmets than spectacular fall color. While the region doesn’t have nearly the reputation for color as places like New England, there are still plenty of autumnal hues to go around.

The South is a big place, and it’s not all flatlands dotted with cottonwood trees or subtropical resorts and palm trees. There are plenty of hills and mountains that burn with fiery fall color, such as the Great Smokey Mountains National Park that straddles North Carolina and Tennessee. 

The weather is typically more stable than it is on the coast, meaning you have more days to take in all those lovely vistas. As you might expect the color season runs a little later than it does up north, stretching well into November. In fact, it’s not unheard of in some places to be eating Thanksgiving dinner with the fall leaves still on the trees.

Probably the most colorful tree that’s unique to the southern regions of the U.S. is the gum tree. It comes in several varieties including Black Gum and Sweet Gum. These trees have some of the most breathtaking falls colors-- a multi-colored cornucopia of red, purple and yellow than will give any maple tree a run for its money. Parts of the south are also home to golden hickories and scarlet oaks to name just a few. If you’re planning on making the trek, here is a great state-by-state guide to start on. 

The southern U.S. offers plenty of amenities for fall color enthusiasts. There are historical treasure troves, mountains to climb, beaches to explore and yes-- plenty of fall color. 

There are plenty of fall traditions that we can look forward to every year such as pumpkin carving, hayrides and that beautiful blue fall sky. Of course, one of the best things about fall is the color. While New England may be known for its autumn hues, it’s not the only game in town. In the next part of our series, we’ll take a look at the rest of the east coast.

Fall is fleeting on the east coast. The quality of the fall color can vary from year to year. Temperature, sunlight and soil moisture all play a role, and the east coast has variable weather from blistering heat and near drought to surprisingly cool and rainy. Also, the frequent fall storms can quickly strip an area of its best colors overnight. That being said, when conditions are right, the fall colors on the east coast are some of the best around.

Generally speaking, mid-October is the best time for fall color in the mid-Atlantic, moving toward late October and early November the farther south you go. The trees are still mostly green in September and the fall color in the more northerly areas is sparse by early November. 

Like New England, the best trees are the maples. Sugar maples with their palette of red, gold and orange are a staple. There are also golden sycamores with their majestic branches and golden coats as well as various species of oak that turn a dignified rusty red. Farther south, scarlet oaks, hickories and blazing sweetgums create vibrant bursts of color.

If crisp autumn days and brilliant colors are your thing, the east coast has plenty to share. With the temperamental weather, fall is a limited time offer in this region, so be sure not to miss out.

The dog days of summer seem to go on forever. Winter often feels like it will never end. What makes fall different from every other season is that it doesn’t last. Every fall day counts because they’re fleeting. Probably the biggest thing most people notice about fall is the leaves changing. One of the delights of the season is waking up every day to a brilliant color palette of reds, golds and oranges. It’s a little different in various parts of the country, so in this brief series we’re going to take a look at where you can find the best colors, starting with New England.

When it comes to fall, the New England states have long been known as the kings of color. This region is typical in the sense that the color will spread north to south and that higher elevations will see their color peaks before lower ones. It varies from year to year, but the peak time for fall color in the southern New England states like Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island is the weekend of Columbus Day. In more northern states like upper New Hampshire and Maine, the peak is a little earlier, usually mid-September.

New England boasts some great trees that are known for their fall color. Among them are the beech, which produces a pale-yellow color, the American Sycamore, with its distinctive yellow-orange leaves and the flowering dogwood that sports red-purple fall coat. The best-known fall color tree in New England is, of course, the sugar maple. These giants not only provide sweet sap for maple syrup, but turn spectacular shades of red, orange and gold. 

Fall is a great time in New England. If you visit, be sure to sip a cup of apple cider, take a hayride and enjoy the historic setting as well as the legendary fall color.