Finding Fall Foliage at its Finest!
It's Autumn, and once again, the leaves rustling overhead are soon to change into their glorious fall colors before rustling beneath our feet. Here in the lower Hudson Valley, the fall foliage is particularly spectacular.
"According to www.sciencemadesimple.com, the leaves of deciduous trees change color as a way of preparing for the onset of winter. The website says:
"As summer ends and autumn comes, the days get shorter and shorter. This is how the trees "know" to begin getting ready for winter. "
"During winter, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis. The trees will rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer. They begin to shut down their food-making factories. The green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. As the bright green fades away, we begin to see yellow and orange colors. Small amounts of these colors have been in the leaves all along. We just can't see them in the summer, because they are covered up by the green chlorophyll. "
"The bright reds and purples we see in leaves are made mostly in the fall. In some trees, like maples, glucose is trapped in the leaves after photosynthesis stops. Sunlight and the cool nights of autumn cause the leaves turn this glucose into a red color. The brown color of trees like oaks is made from wastes left in the leaves. "
The further north the forests, the sooner they turn color. Prime leaf peeping on
the eastern seaboard starts early in Maine and southern Canada, and marches progressively south as the days of late September and early October wane. By November, the show is over, at least for those of us in the lower Hudson Valley.
Going on leaf peeping trips this time of year is a favorite pastime for people living in Rockland and Orange counties in the Hudson Valley. One of my favorite places is the Walkway Over the Hudson. The trees along the Hudson River make a spectacular backdrop to views along the river.
Instead of driving, how about touring the leaf scene by boat? Get on The Pride of the Hudson Cruise in Newburgh. This narrated Hudson River adventure begins at the Newburgh Landing in Newburgh, NY. Your captain will point out the sights along the river including Mt. Beacon, Bannerman Island, Storm King Mountain, Breakneck Mountain, The Catskill Aqueduct, World's End, Cold Spring, and West Point. The price is a reasonable $20 per adults, less for seniors and children.
You can also take the Rip Van Winkle in the Roundout in Kingston. The experienced guide will point out millionaires' sumptuous estates, picturesque Hudson River lighthouses and quaint sleepy villages surrounded by the natural beauty of vineyards, orchards and scenic preservation sites. Or take a Hudson River water taxi shuttle on board their newest vessel, The Lark, from the dock in Kingston, NY to Rhinecliff, where you can dine, shop, and explore the New York shore of the beautiful Hudson River.
A non-nautical way of taking in the colors is a ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad, departing from Phonecia or Mt. Tremper on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Experience sights you just can't get from your car, and without the hassle of driving. Take a comfortable seat in one of the vintage coaches, or enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views from their open carriages! Season specials run from October 1 to October 31.
Of course, if you must drive, there are plenty of driving tours available. Some of my favorite tours are in Dutchess County. You can do the Rhinebeck area, Pine Plains to Stanford, the Hyde Park area, Washington, Poughkeepsie and LaGrange, Unionvale, or Wappinger, Fishkill and Beacon. Read more about these fall foliage driving tours on the Dutchess County website. Their department of tourism also has posted their 10 top spots for leaf peeping in Dutchess County.
So enjoy the season in this spectacular part of New York. It's you last chance to get out and enjoy the weather before winter sets in!
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