What to see, when to see it, and where to see it is what the U.S. Forest Service 2013 Fall Colors web pages are all about — making the colors of fall that much easier to find, appreciate and understand.
The glorious colors that come with autumn across our nation should not be missed. From New Hampshire to Arkansas and from Alaska to Virginia, and nearly every state in between, the changing shades of leaves from green to brilliant reds, vibrant oranges and golden yellows is a must see.
Every year the Forest Service updates and improves upon its Fall Colors web pages and this year is no different. Aside from the popular standbys like our toll-free Fall Colors Hotline that lets you listen to which forests and grasslands are peaking, and an interactive map that lets you click on the forest nearest you, we’ve added a map that will show you when the leaves are peaking in your state.
The new leaf peaking map is pretty simple to figure out. It’s color coded so green is for no change, red means leaves are peaking and brown lets you know the color is basically gone and winter is on its way.
Cities are also festooned with colors in fall as well. The Forest Service works with many municipalities across the country to help keep what we call urban forests healthy. These oases of nature in the middle of the hustle and bustle of city living are particularly stunning as the leaves of thousands of trees begin to change, set against the backdrop of mirrored skyscrapers, manicured parks and street lamp-lined roads.
The Forest Service also manages millions of acres of grasslands throughout the mid-section of the country from Texas to North Dakota. Seeing the tall grasses and wildflowers of fall is yet another natural beauty to behold.
So let the Forest Service help you plan your 2013 Fall Colors adventure!
