Connecticut May See Early Fall Foliage

Summer days are quickly disappearing and many people are gearing up for swing in seasons.

"I love actually walk through the woods to see the leaves turning to go up to the tower and to see a lot of Connecticut from up there it's beautiful," Simsbury resident, Linda Yorgensen, said.

But with much of the state in a moderate drought, New England's signature fall foliage could take a hit.

"We might see some trees losing their leaves early, we might see some actual early fall foliage because as trees get stressed they tend to shut down towards the end of the year," said Chris Donnelly, Urban Forestry Coordinator for the DEEP. "And that's essentially the process that leads to fall foliage."

In just about one month leaves will go from green to brilliant fall colors. The DEEP is forecasting the peak to start right around Columbus Day, October 10, and extend through the start of November. But with the exceptionally dry conditions, the season might not last as long.

Despite the threat of a shorter foliage season, Jim Christopher, the owner of Green Acres Bed and Breakfast in Simsbury isn't concerned.

"At this point we're probably half booked for October and expect to be almost fully booked for the month of October,” explained Christopher. "So whether the leaves change or not, people have already made a commitment."

But for anyone making leaf peeping plans, no matter the length of the season, you will be able to find the colors of fall somewhere.

"They may be muted in some areas I expect other parts of the state they'll show up very, very well," said Donnelly.  "I look for low lying areas to show a lot of vibrancy because of course they'll be areas that have more moisture available to them so there should be areas where it's as good as it's ever been."

The DEEP Interactive Fall Foliage map is now available so you can see when the peak colors will happen in your town.

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