Fall Colors

[boomer116ars]

We would like to head east leaving from North Idaho to see the fall colors on the eastern part of our great country, any suggestions? What about timing I know the beginning of October or late September seems to be at least a good starting point. Looking for great RV parks, best location for viewing, etc.

[timfromma]

You can't beat the fall foliage of northern New England, particularly NH. The further north you go, the foliage peaks earlier. There are many websites that predict where and when the foliage will peak.

Check out the White Mountains in NH.

[youroo]

Boy "The Early Bird gets the Worm"! Youroo!!

[timfromma]

Originally Posted by youroo

Boy "The Early Bird gets the Worm"! Youroo!!

The trees have barely started turning green out here.

[dblr]

I have heard where some folks have been in Maine around mid- September then just headed south to follow the colors, seems each state is better then the last

[allenb12]

We go to the Smokey Mountains yearly for fall color. Late October has always been the best for us. some years better than others. depends on the weather.

This year we are going to be at Bar Harbor the third week in September and play it by ear on the return trip to Florida.

[timfromma]

Originally Posted by allenb12

We go to the Smokey Mountains yearly for fall color. Late October has always been the best for us. some years better than others. depends on the weather.

This year we are going to be at Bar Harbor the third week in September and play it by ear on the return trip to Florida.

Typically, foliage peaks at Bar Harbor right around Columbus Day. We have reservations at Oceanside KOA up there that weekend.

[KQ2N]

Every year is not the same either in the time the leaves change or the intensity. Weather is a major factor, rainier summers produce better colors than drier summers. Cooler weather early on (although day length is also a big factor but of course not variable) also will hasten the color change. Some of the leaf color websites are inaccurate, using the same prediction year after year. Elevation also is a big factor.
Generally throuout the northeast peak color is anywhere from the third week of September to the last week in October. Higher elevation and higher latitude areas first.

[Wandering]

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful drive for leaf peeping. Start in Shenandoah National Park and head south to the Smokey Mountains anytime in October and you will be amazed at the colors. Parkway has very nice campgrounds too. No hookups but very scenic.

[Smokyroo]

What others have said is generally true. If you want an early fall head to New England. If you want a later fall head to North Carolina and check out the Blue Ridge Parkway and millions of acres of US Forest and National Park public lands. The Blue Ridge Parkway travels from about 1,800 feet in elevation at Great Smoky Mountains National Park to over 6,400 feet along the crest of the Pisgah Range.

Virtually every mountain hardwood forest in the east can be found in that stretch of road from Cherokee to Asheville. In the high elevations we have Birch and beech, in the mid elevations we have oaks, poplar, American elm, buckeye and maples and such. Sourwood can be found at lower elevations which is perhaps the reddest and boldest red tree around.

The Blue Ridge Parkway gives you a great cross section of forest types found anywhere. I have ridden the entire Blue Ridge Parkway on my bicycle from end to end. Virginia is pretty but North Carolina is stunning. I live in Jackson County and we claim the highest point on the BRP at Richland Balsam.

Typically the peak fall season for us is around the 3rd week of October. If you plan traveling the BRP in October I have seen it snow the first weekend of October. The national park service closes the road if snow or ice happen on the road. That's the only concern. Tough choices to be had for you.

[Oaklevel]

Originally Posted by Wandering

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful drive for leaf peeping. Start in Shenandoah National Park and head south to the Smokey Mountains anytime in October and you will be amazed at the colors. Parkway has very nice campgrounds too. No hookups but very scenic.

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[JC70]

Although I am not yet an RVer, (will be in about 18 months) I grew up in the foothills of the Adirondacks in NY and now live in NH. I would suggest you head for the White Mountains up RT 93 in NH. Peak foliage in the Whites is jaw dropping. On your way, you might want to stay at a CG on or near Lake George, NY. I cannot speak to the CG's, but the area is beautiful and well worth a stop over. From there, you can make your way to NH 93 by going south on interstate 87 to interstate 90 through MA and make you way to 93. Stay away from any of the roads going north from Boston. Or you can take Rt 4 from Lake George over the Green Mountains (remember these are eastern mountains, not the Rockies). You will travel on interstate 89 in NH for a short distance and then pick up 4 again on to 93. From there, you are are just about in the Whites.

If you like to hike, any hike during foliage up one the 48, 4000 foot mountains is a treat. But be advised, although these are not technical hikes, they can be demanding. Purchase the AMC's White Mountain Guide for a complete description of just about every possible trail in the White Mountains. Having hiked 32 of these mountains to date, I can attest that hiking in September during foliage is just about the best I seen and I've spent some time in the western mountains.

A trip to east to see these mountains in foliage is one you will not forget. Happy trails.