– FALL FOLIAGE
Some estimates put the count at 2.8 million visitors who crowd New England during the confines of a fall-foliage time span best counted in weeks. When and where the leaves change is up to the weather, the soil, the sunlight, the elevation, the latitude and the trees themselves — each species operates on a different biological clock. That’s why fall-foliage hot lines are useful in planning trips. But there’s a caveat: Leaf-peeping is popular and requires booking reservations weeks and perhaps months in advance; and you won’t know the very best time to go until it’s time to go. For New England, it’s fairly safe, season-wise, to plan something between mid-September and mid-October (that’s when the big tour companies schedule their trips). These numbers might help; but some won’t be in operation, or won’t provide foliage information, until the season gets started.
Connecticut: 800-282-6863
Maine: 800-533-9595
Massachusetts: 800-227-6277 or 800-447-6277
New Hampshire: 800-258-3608
Rhode Island: 800-556-2484
Vermont: 800-837-6668
Other states also have pockets of spectacular fall foliage. Here are a few:
Kentucky: 800-225-8747
Illinois: 800-223-0121
Indiana: 800-289-6646
Iowa: 515-233-4110
Michigan: 888-78-GREAT
Minnesota: 800-657-3700
Missouri/Arkansas: 800-898-8895
New York: 800-225-5697
Ohio: 800-BUCK-EYE
Pennsylvania: 800-847-4872
Virginia: 800-847-4882 or 800-434-LEAF
Wisconsin: 800-432-TRIP
For nationwide information: National Forest Service: 800-354-4595
