The Changing Colors of Fall 🍁

So grateful to slow down and appreciate all the gifts of autumn season, the beauty and benefits provided by our precious trees and forests. 🌳

Autumn, a season of transformation, reminds us that change can be beautiful. As I walk in the forest, I love to experience the transition from vibrant green to a symphony of fall colors.

Autumn forest flowing with natural beauty | Image Bing AI

I am grateful for the chance to enjoy a warm mug filled with pumpkin spice latte and walk among the trees and forest with gratitude for the beauty and bountiful gifts they provide for us.

Forests are not just about the beauty and shade they provide, they play a crucial role in our ecosystem, acting as our planet’s air filters and water factories, providing habitats for countless species, and contributing to our health and well-being.

Fall forests feast for the senses | © Kacey Carpenter

Where to find the change of colors

“Fall foliage” is the time when the “deciduous trees” (oak, birch, beech) leaves start changing colors from green to beautiful shades of reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. As the autumn days get shorter, the reduced daylight tells them it’s time to stop gathering energy from the sun and get ready to rest for the dormant season—winter.¹

The 2023 Smokey Mountains Fall Foliage map is a helpful tool to time your trips and outings to catch the peak colors each year.²

Fall Foliage Map | Image by smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map

Some of my favorites in early fall include

• Acadia National Park, Maine. Not only are colors spectacular, but there are also more than 300 species of birds beginning their annual migration for warmer destinations.³

• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has over 90 waterfalls, many beautiful views, hiking, walking trails, and mountain biking trails. The park stretches over 80 miles and the canyon is more than 4,000 feet deep.⁴

• Olympic National Park, Washington. Explore the rugged beauty of the Olympic Peninsula and be inspired by the changing colors of fall, the glacier-capped peaks, valleys of forests, hot springs, and the rugged Pacific coast.⁵

• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. The Rockies are a treasure with dramatic beauty, rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, and 350 miles of hiking trails and nature. Enjoy quiet walks or exhilarating hikes, while aspens turn from green to gold to orange to red in unison with perfect sunrises and sunsets!⁶

What is your favorite fall foliage destination?

Next week I will visit Colorado just in time for the change of colors in the mountains!

With a warm mug filled with pumpkin spice latte in hand 🍂☕️ , walking among the trees and forest is my daily act of gratitude. Each step provides an opportunity to breathe deeply and acknowledge the bountiful gifts that nature provides us. The rustling leaves underfoot 🍁 , the cool crisp air 🌬️ , and the serene quiet of the forest 🌲 , all come together to create a symphony of sensory experiences.

So, as we enjoy the fall season 🍂 , let’s also take a moment to appreciate our forests. Let’s learn about them 📚 , understand their importance 💡 , and take action to preserve them 🌳 . After all, when we protect our forests, we safeguard our future. 🌍

1. https://www.almanac.com/fall-foliage-color-map-when-peak-foliage

2. https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map

3. https://acadiamagic.com

4. https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/regions/columbia-river-gorge/

5. https://www.olympicnationalparks.com/

6. https://www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/