Leaf peeping is a seasonal activity brought about by the autumn transformation of deciduous tree leaves from green into often dazzling reds, yellows, and oranges.
While people have long looked forward to and have admired the beauty of the autumn leaves, it didn't become a defined tourist activity, under that name, until the 1960s.
Growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and living now in Maine, perhaps I'm jaded. While someone was sure to comment on the spectacular color of the leaves in the fall, we could walk outside our door and view the leaves on our own trees. Still, Mom would often want to go for a drive to see the autumn leaves, but we didn't have to leave the state to do that, or even the township. Nevertheless, after twelve years in Southern California and twenty in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, the changing seasons in Maine welcome me each fall.
The practice of marveling at changing foliage goes back a long way, through various cultures. By other names, leaf peeping has been a tradition in Japan since at least the Heian period. It is a concept deeply rooted in Japanese culture, with Shinto and Zen as examples. Traveling to see the changing leaves became widely popular there in the 18th century. Ginkgo, zelkova serrata, and chestnut trees are common among leaf peepers in Japan.
In parts of Europe, the rhythmic cycle of the seasons has long inspired poets, painters, and nature enthusiasts. The vibrant autumn colors were often portrayed as a metaphor for the passage of time and the nature of change. Over time, as travel became more accessible, these natural spectacles began to attract the attention of wanderers and adventurers who wished to capture the moment on canvas or film.
Across the Atlantic, countries in Northern and Central Europe, such as Germany, Austria, and parts of Scandinavia, celebrate the season with festivals that highlight the brilliance of their forest leaves.
In North America, particularly New England, the term leaf peeping eventually emerged as travel and photography merged with a general appreciation for seasonal show. Prominent leaf peeping locations in the United States are in New England and New York, including the temperate forests of the Appalachian Mountains. Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are famous for their dramatic fall displays. Aspen trees are especially popular for leaf peeping in the Western United States. Canada also offers breathtaking autumn views, with areas like Quebec and Ontario at the forefront.
The economic impact of leaf peeping on local communities shouldn't be overlooked. In many tourist-dependent regions, the autumn months promise a financial boon. Local businesses, from bed and breakfasts to family diners and craft shops, thrive during this period. Scenic byways and national parks introduce special leaf peeping tour packages, guided hikes, and photography workshops to enhance the visitor experience. Municipalities often organize autumn festivals to celebrate the natural spectacle and promote regional products, artisanal crafts, and the communities themselves. This seasonal tourism creates jobs, supports local businesses, and encourages community investment in preserving natural landscapes.
As leaf peeping gains momentum across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, it invigorates local economies.
Recommended Resources
Autumn Leaves Scenic Car Tours
Offered by Scenic Car Tours UK, a Motorsport UK UK-registered car Club, the annual autumn leaves viewing tour is part of the HRCR Scenic Tour Series. The dates of the tour are set forth, and information about the accommodations and dining to be expected along the way, and a description of what might be expected during the trip are included. The entry fee will include all food and accommodation during the trip, along with a full-color road book. Photos and contacts are included.
https://www.autumnleaves.sceniccartours.uk
Written, edited, and published by Lara Kaylor, a travel and outdoor journalist, the seasonal news site reports the changing fall colors throughout California. Founded in 2009 by John Poimiroo, a career travel writer, photographer, and destination marketer, the website continues to serve leaf peepers and color spotters in California. Reports and photos on the site are provided by volunteer color spotters, public land agencies, and destination marketing organizations.
https://californiafallcolor.com/
Dedicated to fall foliage, the online platform is centered around a map that allows travelers to find the richest fall colors and plan their trips accordingly. It's in-house fall foliage model evaluates real-time weather conditions and predicts how colorful the fall foliage is throughout the Lower 48 states. Its website discusses the model and its accuracy, and includes a map archive dating back to 1981. It's team is introduced, and an informational blog is included.
https://www.explorefall.com/
Online with fall foliage reports for more than 22 years, archives are available to 2019. Current foliage reports are provided, including those for the Northeast, New England, Midwest, Rockies, South, and West regions, along with specific parts of each of these regions, links to other fall foliage websites and guides, including webcams in Canada, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont.
https://leafpeepers.com/
Maintained by Jeff Foliage, an author and photographer, who reported on fall foliage for Yankee Magazine, and has been chasing peak color and taking pictures for more than 55 years. The website includes autobiographical data, reviews, press mentions, and information on purchasing one of his New England calendars or art from his gallery. Resources for planning a leaf peeping trip, forecasts and reports, fall foliage photography, New England webcams, and contact data are included.
https://jeff-foliage.com/
New England: Peak Fall Foliage Map
From the editors at Yankee Magazine, New England covers various topics, including travel, food, home, garden, and regional culture. In this section, it features a map of where the peak fall foliage is likely to be the best. By clicking on the "play" button, viewers can see how the color rolls through New England. As the map changes, so will the calendar as it highlights the approximate peak dates for different parts of the region. Other articles relating to fall foliage are included.
https://newengland.com/foliage/foliage/peak-fall-foliage-map/
This is a guide to fall foliage tours in Upstate New York, including the Adirondacks, Catskills, Capital and Saratoga region, Chautauqua and Allegheny, Central New York, Finger Lakes region, Greater Niagara, Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island. The site provides information on peak foliage times, driving tours, lodging options, dining facilities, and events. A map of the United States will show foliage sites throughout the country by date, from September through November.
https://www.nyfallfoliage.com/
