Fall foliage season is fast approaching in the High Country.
A new map from the folks at the epicenter of fall color season, the Great Smoky Mountains, shows where and when fall colors should be peaking all across the U.S.
The experts predict patchy colors appearing this week. By next week colors are peaking. The best, fullest fall colors in Summit County arrive in the third week of the month, starting Sept. 22. By the first, maybe second week in October they will be gone.
That is just about average for Summit County. But even the best fall color forecast depends on Mother Nature. Wind, rain and especially a few days of sub-freezing weather could mess up your fall foliage trip planning. (National Weather Service predicts a dusting of snow above treeline this coming weekend.)
But wait…
… you might say. This map is a joke. Fall colors are already here!
Trus, some trees are turning already. They always do, especially at higher altitudes. But this year, more than usual seemed to be turning two or three weeks ago.
Experts tell the Denver Post those trees were going dormant. As in, they were dried out from four weeks of hot, arid weather July into August.