Foliage Report Oct 13| Fall Foliage in the Adirondacks
Friday, October 13, 2017
By: Mary Godnick- Adirondack Council Marketing and Development Assistant
Today we are continuing our weekly Foliage Friday series, celebrating Autumn in the Adirondacks. Each week we are featuring some of the amazing photos shared with us on Instagram showcasing fall colors in Adirondack communities, wilderness and water. Tag us in your Adirondack foliage photos on Instagram at @AdirondackCouncil to be featured next week!
Adirondack Foliage Update
We have some great news. Last weeks cooler weather caused the colors to come alive almost overnight in the Eastern Adirondacks. Just in time for the holiday weekend, vibrant red, yellow and orange foliage was in full effect in the Wilmington, Keene, Elizabethtown, and Lake Placid area. The Lake George area and Champlain Valley are starting to finally see some color as well. Old Forge, Speculator, and Inlet are past peak but still have beautiful red leaves lingering. The I Love New York fall foliage report shows most of the Adirondacks are at peak or past peak color.
Foliage Fact
Did you know? Bright red foliage is caused by a special process. A chemical called anthocyanin is produced when the leaves die. This chemical combines with green chlorophyll and makes different shades of red. Scientists say that the red color acts as a sunscreen to protect leaves from the bright sun. This could explain why a sunny autumn produces brighter red leaves.
Safety Information
When you're out leaf-peeping this weekend, follow DEC rules and safety tips. Remember that weather changes on summits and it can be very windy, cold and icy when you reach a summit. It looks like cooler temps and rain are in the forecast in the Adirondacks this weekend, so be prepared for rain! Wear warm layers and proper footwear with traction. Notify friends and family about your trip before you head out. Travel with a map, compass, flashlight, and extra food and water. Make sure that both you and your pet are wearing bright colors and stay on the trails as bowhunting season has begun.
Check out the great shots of this week's color display below!
