subject: Suggestions For Enjoying The Fall Color Display [print this page] The striking array of brilliant colors that graces temperate areas of the world during autumn is, from a biological standpoint, a side effect of deciduous trees preparing for their winter's sleep.
The vibrant oranges, reds and yellows of fall appear as chlorophyll, a crucial ingredient in photosynthesis (the process plants use to transform sunlight, soil, and water into sugars) drains from leaves, allowing underlying carotenoids and anthocyanins to show. (Carotenoids are found in yellow, orange and brown plants; they give color to bananas, rutabagas, and butter cups. Anthocyanins are responsible for the color found in concord grapes, blueberries, cherries, plumbs, and strawberries.) Fall's lengthening nights signal to trees that winter is on its way and that they should begin to shift from active sugar production to passive protection of their sugar stores.
Biology aside, most lovers of fall colors are simply appreciate the visual experience. By carefully planning your trip to see the amazing display of autumn leaves, you'll likely have a more pleasant one. The tips below will help you take in the stunning colors of fall.
Fall Activities
Consider creating a memento of your autumn adventures. Artists can bring their palette and easel to set up a studio en plein air. Photographers can bring their cameras. An easy fall craft for families is to gather fall leaves, bring them home, and seal them between two layers of wax paper to create placemats. (An iron can be used to melt the top and bottom pieces of wax paper together.)
The Right Time
Keeping a careful eye on the weather can help you find a spectacular time for viewing the fall colors. Watch for a pattern of warm, sunny days with cool but not freezing nights. The ideal year for fall leaves will have a warm, wet spring; typically hot summer weather; and warm, sunny fall days with cool nights. Soil and water conditions also impact the brilliance of the autumn display.
Geographic location factors into autumnal shift; northern areas and high-altitude zones generally see changing colors earliest, often in September. Trees farther south will change their colors later. For instance, the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee usually enjoy brilliant fall colors in November.
Different species naturally change color at different times; oaks, for instance, are always some of the last trees to shift.
Packing for a Fall Hike
Here are some things to bring along on your fall hike:
Layers of Clothing. Wear several layers of clothing so you can quickly adjust to the ambient temperature. Fall's weather can be deceptive; in the afternoon, you may not want to wear the heavy jacket you needed in the morning.
Extra food and water. Nothing is more enjoyable than a picnic on the trail - just be sure to bring a little more food than you think you'll need. Stomping through the woods in search of amazing fall colors can really work up an appetite. You'll appreciate having the extra stash of trail mix or jerky if you're forced to spend a night outdoors. Also remember to bring extra water for everyone in your party.
An LED flashlight or headlamp. Always carry a headlamp or LED flashlight when hiking in the woods. Carrying an LED flashlight ensures that you will be able to light your way back on the trail should darkness fall unexpectedly. Especially in the fall, hikers are inclined to forget that nightfall can arrive sooner than they may anticipate. Furthermore, survival experts recommend hikers bring a headlamp or flashlight in case an incident occurs and they are forced to spend a night in the wilderness. A headlamp or LED flashlight will allow you to gather branches for a fire and for shelter; it will also bring you comfort (The human psyche is attuned to light as a symbol of safety.)
A multi-tool. In addition to an LED headlamp or flashlight, it's wise to bring a multi-tool when hiking. From cutting wood for fires to preparing food, a multi-tool is like the MVP of survival - it can accomplish all sorts of tasks quickly and effectively. Without a multi-tool, surviving in the wild is much more challenging. If you've ever watched wilderness reality shows such as "Man vs. Wild," you can appreciate just how often a multi-tool can come in handy in a survival situation.
Conditions can change quickly in the autumn. In the mountains, a light drizzle can become a brutal snowstorm within minutes. Be prepared for anything, and carefully research the trail and weather conditions before leaving home for your autumn hike.
