Fall has arrived, and the north’s leaf-watching season is officially underway.
Visitors from as far away as Florida to Berlin are flocking to the Lakes Region to take in the stunning spectacle of nature’s fall foliage, with its vibrant hues of yellow, red, and orange painting the landscape.
Whether by scenic drive or leisurely train ride, both residents and tourists are exploring the rural Northeast, a perfect setting to admire the changing seasons. The area’s natural beauty enhances the experience, making it a top destination for Fall “leaf-peeping.”
“Leaf-peeping is one of the most accessible forms of tourism,” says Teddy Willey, general manager of Frog Rock Tavern in Meredith, New Hampshire. “You don’t need to be a hiker or own a boat. It’s something anyone can enjoy.”
According to Willey, “All you have to do is head north.”
He recalls a group of tourists from Indiana who filled his tavern after stepping off their sightseeing bus. Among them was Vicky Boesch from Fort Wayne, who was traveling with her sister.
“We came out to the Northeast to see the beautiful foliage and the colorful leaves,” Boesch said, clearly impressed by the vibrant display she was experiencing in Vermont.
When the sun shines, the vibrant colors of the leaves stand out even more. In New England, the picturesque architecture, quaint towns, and serene lakes create stunning features bathed in the surrounding autumn hues.
Gordon Cochran from Lake View, Iowa, described his scenic journey traveling aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad through New Hampshire, where he was visiting his daughter. He called it a “slow and beautiful ride.”
Willey, a longtime New Hampshire resident, admits he’s not as excited about the fall foliage as others might be, explaining that after growing up in the area, “it loses its luster a little bit.” Still, he acknowledges the season’s unique charm.
Leaf-peeping, the annual tradition of traveling to admire the vibrant colors of autumn, is a beloved activity across many parts of the country. New England and New York are especially renowned for their breathtaking fall displays.
Achieving those peak fall colors is a delicate balance, explains Paul Schaberg, a plant physiologist with the U.S. Forest Service in Burlington, Vermont. Warm fall temperatures can keep leaves green longer, delaying the vibrant display of autumn hues, Schaberg told AP.
However, recent weather patterns have disrupted the usual fall foliage schedule. Droughts in the region have caused some leaves to turn brown and wither prematurely, robbing them of the chance to reach their full, vibrant display.
Even more concerning, he notes, is that the stress from dry summers can sometimes prevent leaves from turning color altogether.
Conservationists highlight the importance of preserving forests. Andy Finton, landscape conservation director and forest ecologist for The Nature Conservancy, emphasized that states like Massachusetts can safeguard their leaf-peeping heritage if their forests receive the protection they need.
“If we can keep these vital forests intact, they’ll continue to provide what we’ve relied on for generations—clean air, clean water, healthy ecosystems, and, of course, the inspiration of fall,” Finton said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.