When is the best time to see autumn colour?
Unfortunately, autumn colour is not very predictable, especially in the long term. Half the fun is trying to outguess Nature! But it generally starts in late September in New England and moves southward, reaching the Smoky Mountains by early November. It also appears about this time in the high-elevation mountains of the West. Remember that cooler high elevations will colour up before the valleys. The Forest Service’s Fall Color Hotline (1-800-354-4595) can provide you with details as the autumn colour display progresses. The above information courtesy of USDA Forest Service Northeastern State and Private Forestry.
