Fall Foliage 2016 Peaking in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties

BROOKFIELD, CT — New Englanders know that autumn is the most wonderful time of the year in our area. From Cornwall to Kent, Bethel to Bristol and Mystic to Middlebury, Connecticut is painted with vibrant shades of scarlet, gold and ginger leaves.

The State of Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) interactive fall foliage report map forecasts the color across Connecticut will change in the northern parts of the state first, around Columbus Day, and then move down into the valleys and down toward the shore.

The Connecticut River, starting at the mouth of Long Island Sound (between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme) and going up toward East Haddam, will hold the foliage the longest into the first week or so of November, the website states.

Connecticut’s Office of Tourism says Connecticut has an advantage compared to northern New England states because the season typically runs longer into the fall season, offering more opportunities to take in stunning views. They estimate the dates of peak foliage is from October 3 through November 15. This week, Oct. 24 - 30 is prime time for viewing in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties.

The State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has released a fall foliage report map that shows the progression of autumn colors across the state.

According to Christopher Martin, Director/State Forester, Division of Forestry, Bureau of Natural Resources, DEEP, “Connecticut’s woodlands are poised to present a brilliant display of colors this fall given spring and summer rainfall amounts and moderate temperatures. Continued moderate conditions will set Connecticut on a path toward an ideal foliage season this year.”

• It’s predicted that peak foliage occurred October 9 – 16 in Connecticut’s northwest and northeast corner
• Eastern and western mid-state counties’ peak is October 17 - 25
• Shoreline and the lower River Valley will peak toward the last week of October through early November

The DEEP’s Connecticut’s Fall Foliage page has information on where to view the fall foliage, information on the colors of fall and why leaves change color.

Click here for info on fall foliage driving tours along Routes 1, 7, 9, 15, and 169.

Photo credit: Ruby Mitchell