Much of the Finger Lakes is reaching peak fall color, with bright foliage expected this weekend in Waterloo, Penn Yan, Watkins Glen, Auburn and communities across Tompkins County, according to the latest I LOVE NY fall foliage report.
The report for Oct. 21-27 shows near-peak and peak conditions dominating the region, though the season is further along in some southern communities. Canandaigua, Farmington and Seneca Falls remain near peak, while parts of Steuben and Cortland counties have moved past peak.
In Seneca County, Waterloo is expected to reach 85% color change with peak conditions and bright red, gold and yellow leaves. Nearby Seneca Falls is at 70% change and near peak, with bright yellows, reds and several shades of orange.
Ontario County still has color developing. Farmington is at 60% change with very bright yellows and oranges, while Canandaigua is at 55% with bright fall colors. Both are listed as near peak.
Penn Yan is at peak with 70% change, featuring yellow leaves accented by bright reds. Watkins Glen also is at peak, with more than 80% change and mostly peach-orange foliage.
Cayuga County’s Moravia and Locke are at 100% change and peak conditions, showing bright oranges and reds. Auburn is at 80% change and peak, with predominantly red and orange leaves.
In Wayne County, Lyons is at peak with 75% change, featuring yellows, oranges and some muted deep reds.
Tompkins County is among the region’s most advanced areas still holding peak conditions. Ithaca, Trumansburg and Dryden are at 95% change, with very brilliant orange and gold leaves.
Elsewhere in the region, Elmira is at peak with 85% change and orange and yellow foliage. Mount Morris, at the northern end of Letchworth State Park, is at peak with 70% change. Observers there reported bright yellows in hickories, aspens and grape vines, while oaks are beginning to turn.
Some communities have already passed their seasonal high point. Corning, Painted Post and Hammondsport are past peak at 80% change, though observers still reported bright to very brilliant colors and some leaf loss. Geneseo is past peak with mostly muted-to-average yellows and pops of red.
Cortland, Marathon, Virgil and Homer are at 100% change and past peak, with vibrant deep orange and yellow leaves but significant leaf loss.
The state report draws on observations from more than 100 volunteers and reflects expected conditions for the coming weekend. I LOVE NY defines peak as foliage’s best overall appearance of the season, accounting for color change, brilliance and leaf loss — which is why communities can reach peak at different percentages of change.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.
