6 minute read
Outdoors
by Jill Pritchard, Missouri Department of Conservation
When to see fall foliage
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The temperatures are cooling down and trees are beginning to change color – a sure sign that fall has arrived. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages people to enjoy fall foliage through camping, driving tours, hiking, or even floating. To help, MDC offers weekly online fall color updates from agency foresters all over the state at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor.
“Our fall color reports are such a convenient resource for the public,” said MDC Forestry Field Programs Supervisor Russell Hinnah. “The reports begin around mid-September and are updated weekly. They show users where trees are beginning to turn and also suggest best places to see the changing leaves.”
Predicting the peak of fall color can be difficult, but much depends on the weather. Hinnah noted the dry summer weather could affect this year’s color.
“We had droughty conditions over the summer, which could cause trees to lose their leaves early or begin changing colors earlier than normal,” he explained. “This may affect the amount of fall color we see later in the season.”
The season’s chilly evenings are imperative for leaves to change color.
“Sugars produced by photosynthesis are trapped inside leaves by the chilly autumn nights,” Hinnah explained. “Those sugars are the building blocks for the rich red, yellow, orange, and purple pigments. Cool nights cause the breakdown of green pigments, allowing the fall colors to show through.”
Missouri trees first begin changing color in the northern part of the state, then move southward. Sassafras, sumac, and Virginia creeper are some of the earliest to change in mid-September. In late September, black gum, bittersweet, and dogwood are turning. The peak of fall color is usually around mid-October.
“Trees such as maples, ashes, oaks, and hickories are at the peak of their fall display by the middle of October,” Hinnah noted. “Normally by the end of the month, colors are fading and leaves are falling.”
Missouri’s fall color can be viewed and enjoyed from almost anywhere. For spectacular vistas, choose routes along rivers with views of forested bluffs, and along ridges with sweeping scenes of forested landscapes.
“We encourage everyone to visit MDC’s conservation areas or Missouri state parks to enjoy a scenic drive,” said Hinnah.
Fall color isn’t limited to trees. Prairies and roadsides display beautiful shades of gold, purple, olive, and auburn with autumn wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses. In cities and towns, enjoy places with mature trees, such as older neighborhoods, parks, and even cemeteries.
MDC provides its annual fall color update at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. The weekly reports include what kinds of trees are turning and suggestions on the best places to view them. The updates run September through November.
From enjoying the fall foliage in the North to chasing warm weather destinations in the South, some of the best boating journeys are during the autumn months. As the leaves change and the temperature drops, less boaters are inclined to cruise the waterways, so this might be the perfect time to vacation with your water vessel. Boatline has provided six of the top autumn boating destinations to check out during the upcoming months.
1. Bar Harbor, Maine
New England’s foliage makes this one of the prettiest destinations to visit in the U.S. during the autumn months. As you travel up the coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, Bar Harbor, Maine is truly worth the visit. Situated on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor serves as a gateway to scenic mountains and cliffs in the surrounding area. It is a truly remarkable sight during autumn, as the canopy of fiery red, orange, and yellow trees engulf the area. While you are there, you should check out Acadia National Park. Dock your boat and hike the 2.6-mile loop to the summit of North Bubble and observe breathtaking views of Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake. The peak time to see the fall colors at Bar Harbor is from mid-September to mid-October.
2. Fort Lauderdale/Miami, Florida
Considered the “Yachting Capital of the World,” Fort Lauderdale is a great getaway for boat owners seeking warmer weather during the fall. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). This five-day event showcases over a thousand boats, including some of the world’s premier yachts, and it attracts all types of boaters from around the world. If you are seeking the more touristy and active city life, cruise down to Miami, dock your yacht at a marina, and eat nearby at an extravagant oceanside restaurant.
3. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
During the autumnal season, from mid-September to early November, there is no shortage of colorful foliage along the shore of Lake of the Ozarks. With approximately 1,150 miles of shoreline, you can cruise along this lake and experience what feels like an endless, vibrant splendor. One of the favorite activities to enjoy on Lake of the Ozarks during this season is to simply cruise the waterway and take pictures of everything in sight. Dock your boat and enjoy the stunning views of fall colors on the water at one of their top lakeside restaurants. If you are feeling adventurous, hike to a few different scenic overlooks to take in its surreal beauty.
4. Devil’s Fork State Park, South Carolina
During the fall season, not only can you escape to slightly warmer weather, but you can also enjoy incredible fall foliage views at Devils Fork State Park. Nestled in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, this national park provides an escape from civilization. Its main attraction, Lake Jocassee, possesses an undeveloped shoreline, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque scenery. This is a prime location for the boater seeking solace and relaxation during the fall. The fall color display typically peaks from late October to midNovember.
5. Hudson River, New York
The Hudson is most known for its access to New York City and New Jersey, however, as you cruise up the river, you will soon realize why this is an incredible fall boating destination. As the busyness turns to serenity, enjoy the crimson, gold, and purple trees that line the river. Grab your gear for your fishing boat and be on the lookout for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and salmon. As you cast your line for your next catch, don’t be surprised if you come across large birds, including eagles, herons, and egrets; the nearby marshlands are common congregating spots for various avian species.
6. Tellico Lake, Tennessee
Another great spot to view the fall foliage, Tellico Lake is a great boating destination for the autumn season, especially between mid-October and early November. With views of the Great Smoky Mountains and more than 300 miles of shoreline, boaters can enjoy the calmness of the water and the vibrant leaves surrounding the lake. While cruising the waterway, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise, as the weather during the fall is crisp, yet pleasant.
Fall can be one of the best times of the year for any boater. If you enjoy the colors of autumn, be sure to check out one of these northern areas for a picturesque boating experience. If you still desire extended warm weather, visit a southern destination for an entertaining, yet satisfying vacation. When you are ready to purchase a new or used boat to tour one of these destinations, make sure to visit Boatline. com.
