state releases Weekly foliage reports

state releases Weekly foliage reports on iloveny.com

By ANDY FLYNN Lake Placid News Editor

ALBANY — In early September, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the start of the 2021 fall foliage season in New York state by saying I LOVE NY will begin issuing its weekly fall foliage reports on Sept. 8 and will include a new enhanced interactive progression map.

“Every autumn, New York state’s spectacular foliage and natural beauty beckons travelers to our world-class state parks, majestic overlooks, historic sites and unparalleled attractions,” Hochul said. “New Yorkers have long known about the stunning displays of color showcased all across the state, from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point. Now is the perfect time for residents and visitors alike to plan a fall escape and experience this incredibly colorful season in our great state.”

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “The fall foliage season in New York State is always a magical time of year, and the I LOVE NY weekly foliage report is a great tool for visitors looking to plan a seasonal getaway. Our new interactive fall foliage map highlights a variety of attractions and events, from harvest festivals to Halloween celebrations, craft beverage trails, museums and family fun, helping residents and visitors alike to find what they love while exploring the amazing palette of autumn colors on display across the state.”

The foliage report is compiled each week using the on-location field observations from I LOVE NY’s team of volunteer leaf peepers. More than 85 spotters extending across the state’s 11 vacation regions are tasked with keeping track of the color change in their area as leaves progress each week. Reports detail the predominant leaf colors, approximate percentage of change, and how much color change has progressed relative to peak conditions.

New this year, I LOVE NY is introducing an enhanced, interactive map that tracks weekly foliage change and progression across the state throughout the season. The map, located on the I LOVE NY foliage website, showcases great foliage viewing locations in each of the various regions throughout the state. Visitors can also use the map to see what the foliage is like during peak viewing in a given area, and learn about nearby, must-see attractions.

Thanks in part to its size and location, New York state has one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in the country. On any weekend from late September through mid-November, part of the state is likely experiencing peak foliage.

Travelers are also invited to share their photos of New York state’s amazing foliage on social media by using the #NYLovesFall hashtag. Photos submitted to this hashtag have a chance of being featured on the I LOVE NY fall foliage website and official I LOVE NY social media accounts reaching nearly two million followers.

Reports and the new interactive map are updated Wednesdays throughout the season at www.iloveny.com/foliage. Reports are also available toll-free by dialing 800/CALL-NYS (800-225-5697) from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada. For more information on how to volunteer as an I LOVE NY leaf peeper, email your name, address and phone number to foliage@esd.ny.gov.

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