PORTLAND, Maine — As the much-loved leaf-peeping season unfolds in the Northeast, this year's autumn colors are less vibrant due to weeks of drought, leading to earlier than usual leaf drop.
Traditionally, the fall season brings spectacular views in New England, the Rocky Mountains, and areas like the Great Smoky Mountains. Yet, dry conditions this year have restricted the transformation of leaves to their typical autumn brilliance.
More than 40% of the U.S. is dealing with drought conditions as of early October, impacting many regions, particularly the Northeast and the western states. This has led to muted hues as leaf chlorophyll breaks down differently due to the lack of moisture.
“This will likely result in a shorter season with less color,” said Brad Rippey, a meteorologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
However, despite the lighter foliage, autumn enthusiasts are encouraged to still head outside. Andy Finton, a senior conservation ecologist, asserts that New England’s forests maintain resilience and beauty, even under stress from climate change.
The tourism sector related to leaf-peeping has shown surprising resilience, with many inns in New Hampshire reporting full bookings. Although numbers of Canadian visitors have declined, domestic travelers are making up for it.
In particular, areas in Colorado have also seen busy fall tourism, even as foliage may not be as vibrant due to dry spells. Experts note that fall conditions seem to have arrived earlier this year across both mountains and urban areas.
As the season progresses, there is an invitation to embrace the natural wonders that remain visible, underscoring that every autumn, regardless of challenges, still holds beauty.
