Don't Miss Nature's Show: Fall Foliage Peaking in Connecticut

By Gary Jeanfaivre

Connecticut's landscape has become the canvas on which Mother Nature has painted a brilliant picture with hues of red, orange and yellow.

And now through the end of October is the peak time to soak in the beauty of our state's fall foliage.

An interactive map created by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shows that the majority of the state is experiencing peak foliage Oct. 16 through Oct. 23, especially in the northern half. Coastal Connecticut is still at moderate to low foliage levels, but that will change toward the end of the month.

You can check out the interactive map at this link.

Where is the Best Spot to See Foliage?

That may be a matter of personal taste, depending on whether you want to hike or drive, but no matter how you want to travel, the DEEP can help point you in the right direction — and they have some great tips, too.

Check out this section of their website for day trip ideas, tips and other fall foliage highlights.

Why Do Leaves Change Color?

The DEEP also devotes a section of its website to answering this question. It has nothing to do with frost, or legends, but rather is the result of a natural chemical process.

In short, the DEEP states, the leaves loose the chlorophyll that makes them green as winter approaches, leaving behind the yellows, orange and reds that always exist in them.

What's Your Favorite Spot?

Do you have a favorite drive or hike to soak in the beauty of Connecticut's foliage? Let everyone know in the comments!