The changing fall foliage marks a highly anticipated time of year—one in which the landscape is cloaked in gorgeous golds, amber, and auburn leaves, making it socially acceptable to again enjoy a pumpkin spice latte. For those who want to track this annual transformation, the Smoky Mountains website has an interactive map that allows you to see fall’s progress, week by week. From the end of August to the beginning of November, the US-based map provides an outlook at when and where the season will reach its peak in beauty.
The Smoky Mountains calls their graph “the ultimate visual planning guide to the annual progressive changing of the leaves.” It’s intended to help travelers time their trips so that they can best catch the vibrant colors. There’s a slider at the bottom of the map, and as you drag it along the weeks, you’ll have an idea of how they change.
The transformation happens sooner in some areas than others. Depending on where you live (or where you’re going), you’ll want to head to places like the Maine, Vermont, and Colorado first—they experience peak foliage the fastest. Places like Texas and Florida, in contrast, wait until early October before the leaves begin to change.
What kind of fall foliage will you see this year?
August 26:
September 2:
September 9:
September 16:
September 23:
September 30:
October 7:
October 14:
October 21:
October 28:
November 4:
November 11:
Fall Foliage Prediction Map: Website
via [Kottke]