The Finger Lakes region is beginning to show its full spectrum of autumn colors as peak foliage approaches in several areas, according to the latest I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report. From Oct. 9 to 15, vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows will dominate the landscape, offering prime viewing opportunities for leaf peepers across the region.
Cayuga County is seeing a 50-55% color change in Auburn, with muted shades of yellow and red taking over the landscape. In nearby Seneca County, Waterloo is experiencing 50% color transition, with bright reds and golds contributing to the area’s seasonal beauty.
In Steuben County, peak foliage has arrived, with 75% color change in Corning, Hammondsport, and Hornell. These areas are ablaze with bright orange and yellow hues, signaling that the best of the fall season is now on display.
Schuyler County, home to Watkins Glen and Hector, is experiencing a 35% color change. Leaves are showing increasing shades of yellow and gold, with some pops of orange and red. Similarly, in Tompkins County, Ithaca and Trumansburg are enjoying 50% color change, with a wide range of bright fall colors lighting up the scenery.
In Monroe County, the city of Rochester is showing relatively low color change at 20-30%, though areas like Brighton are ahead, with 40-45% of trees displaying green-yellow, maroon, and red hues.
Other Finger Lakes communities, like Penn Yan in Yates County, are showing 40-50% color change, varying by elevation, with bursts of seasonal colors evident throughout. In Onondaga County, Green Lakes State Park is currently at 35% change, with average-to-bright reds, yellows, and some orange hues adding depth to the fall landscape.
While some areas, such as Elmira in Chemung County, are at about 40% change with pops of orange-yellow and bright red, others, like Cortland, are still in early stages, with 25% color change marked by orange and yellow leaves.
As fall progresses, the Finger Lakes region promises even more stunning displays of autumn colors, with peak foliage expected to continue spreading throughout the area in the coming weeks.
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