It’s a Wrap: Final 2023 Adirondack Fall Foliage Report
The leaves have turned in most towns in the Adirondack Park — thus ending another fall foliage season.
It’s the end of October and the end of leaf peeping in the Adirondacks. It’s been a mixed year. We saw spectacular foliage in the Central Adirondacks in Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Gore Mountain, Schroon Lake, all around Lake George and other towns. And we also heard complaints from leaf peepers in other areas who were less than impressed with this year’s colorful canopy of leaves.
Many factors contribute to the intensity of fall foliage — a wet growing season followed by dry, sunny days with cool nights produces the best fall colors. Still, varying combinations of temperature and moisture make each autumn unique. Rainfall causes the colors to pop even more. And the weather conditions this year were a mixed bag.
Bottom line, we think fall is still one of the best times to visit the Adirondacks. We thank our lucky stars daily for our forever wild forest preserves, miles of rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, and the great people and places that make up the six million acres of the Adirondack Park.
A few spots remain for peak foliage.
According to the foliage reports in Essex County's Ticonderoga area, the leaves are at peak foliage. Trees will display muted to bright orange, red, brown, yellow and green colors. However, leaf change in the region has been uneven this season.
Leaf Scouts in Crown Point predict peak and past-peak foliage, with nearly complete leaf change and shades of muted to average orange and yellow/gold, along with some dark reds and russets. Foliage progression is further along in higher elevations.
The observers in Lake George, Warren County, predict past-peak foliage with 100% color change and some beautiful burnt orange and burgundy leaves remaining. On the other hand, spotters in Queensbury expect foliage to be past peak with 100% transition and brilliant red, orange and yellow leaves remaining on a few individual trees.
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