Discovering Fall Foliage: the East Coast

There are plenty of fall traditions that we can look forward to every year such as pumpkin carving, hayrides and that beautiful blue fall sky. Of course, one of the best things about fall is the color. While New England may be known for its autumn hues, it’s not the only game in town. In the next part of our series, we’ll take a look at the rest of the east coast.

Fall is fleeting on the east coast. The quality of the fall color can vary from year to year. Temperature, sunlight and soil moisture all play a role, and the east coast has variable weather from blistering heat and near drought to surprisingly cool and rainy. Also, the frequent fall storms can quickly strip an area of its best colors overnight. That being said, when conditions are right, the fall colors on the east coast are some of the best around.

Generally speaking, mid-October is the best time for fall color in the mid-Atlantic, moving toward late October and early November the farther south you go. The trees are still mostly green in September and the fall color in the more northerly areas is sparse by early November. 

Like New England, the best trees are the maples. Sugar maples with their palette of red, gold and orange are a staple. There are also golden sycamores with their majestic branches and golden coats as well as various species of oak that turn a dignified rusty red. Farther south, scarlet oaks, hickories and blazing sweetgums create vibrant bursts of color.

If crisp autumn days and brilliant colors are your thing, the east coast has plenty to share. With the temperamental weather, fall is a limited time offer in this region, so be sure not to miss out.