Spectacular Drives to See Amazing Fall Foliage

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Hello Fall

Hello Fall! This is one of my favorite seasons; Fall is beautiful! The leaves on the trees change from green to stunning colors of yellow, red, and orange. I discussed what Fall means to me in a previous blog about Change.

I live in the northwestern part of New Jersey, and on the drive home, I take Route 80. I had a smile on my face. The colors on the trees are starting to peak. This is the best time to get in your car and take a drive to capture the marvelous colors of nature. I have a few hikes planned as well.

I have a list of great hiking trails to take to see some stunning colors of the changing leaves.

 

Why Do Leaves Change Color?

Why do leaves change color? Leaves obtain their green color from a chemical called chlorophyll, which enables trees to absorb sunlight. Trees use the sunlight captured by chlorophyll to drive a process called photosynthesis, which is how trees eat, so to speak.

Tree leaves also have orange and yellow pigments. These pigments, known as carotenoids, are also responsible for the vibrant colors of pumpkins and carrots. During the warmer months, these colors are masked by the abundance of chlorophyll active inside the leaves. When temperatures and daylight hours begin to drop in the fall, chlorophyll production declines, and these other colors – reds, yellows, oranges — are revealed.

Plan your next road trip and get outdoors. This is an ideal time to capture some stunning photos. It saddens me when all the leaves are gone. I want to share a list of the peak seasons. Rain may change the forecast; here is an excellent list from the Farmers’ Almanac.

 

I have to start with my great state of New Jersey because I have captured many wonderful photos of the changing of the leaves over the years. Here is a list! https://www.njfamily.com/the-best-places-to-see-fall-foliage-in-nj/

I have a few road trips planned. I hope I can get out before the weather takes a toll on the trees, and they are gone until next season. Let’s see if your state made the list.

• Ramapo Valley Reservation
• High Point State Park
• Horseshoe Lake
• Stephens State Park
• Watchung Reservation
• Cheesequake State Park
• Wharton State Forest
•  Belleplain State Forest
• Washington Crossing State Park
•  Jenny Jump State Forest
• Allamuchy Mountain State Park
• Finger Lakes, New York
• The Catskills, New York

• Asheville, North Carolina
• Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
• Stowe, Vermont
• Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• Bar Harbor, Maine
• Roanoke Valley, Virginia
• Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Pet-Friendly Fall Drives

Let’s not forget about our pets. Take them out to enjoy the fall leaves as well. Be sure to check your pet for ticks! Check out some pet-friendly road trips and activities at https://blog.gopetfriendly.com/10-dog-friendly-road-trips-for-fall/ and https://www.nylabone.com/dog101/10-autumn-dog-activities