As long as I have been looking at leaves change color, I am still amazed by the actual variety in how an area passes through the peak of the bell curve. The ideal would probably be that every tree in your view was at peak at the same time. That does not often happen. And if it did then the period of time to look would be very short. On the other hand, when the trees spread out their timing, you see great tree color mixed with past and still green trees.
The strength of the color is another factor that is based on the weather patterns both temperature and moisture. Elevation plays a strong roll in the timing and strength.
Many of us near water face the additional factor that the water tempers the air temperature. The air does not get as hot or as cold near the water. This appears to slow down the foliage wave around the lakes. Which can be handy if you are in an area past peak.
The randomized wave travels down the state on average about 50 miles per week. So if it's too green go north, and too brown go south.
If it's a combination of green colorful bare and brown than you are int the right area. Then its a matter of finding the most flamboyant trees during my favorite time of the year.
One of our favorite times to look and photograph is when the leaves and trunk are still wet from the rain. The contrast can be natures version of photoshop.
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