While summer is still holding on for another couple of weeks, the newly-crisp air and falling temperatures remind us that fall is near. And with fall comes one of nature’s greatest shows: leaves which turn bright colors before falling to the ground.
Although no one can say for sure when the colors will be at their brightest, there are some predictions based on this year’s precipitation and temperatures that can help guide your leaf-viewing plans.
flickr/Tim Vrtiska
Nebraska has never been known as a prime destination for fall foliage viewing, but we do have pockets of thick deciduous trees that turn absolutely spectacular in the fall. In this map from SmokyMountains.com, we see that most of the state won’t even begin to see significant changes until the middle of October.
Smoky Mountains
In the week of October 22, the furthest western parts of Nebraska will be at peak foliage. The rest of the state will begin to see partial changes this week.
Smoky Mountains
Just in time for Halloween, most of the state will be nearing peak foliage in the week of October 29. Meanwhile, the furthest western reaches of Nebraska will be past peak foliage and any deciduous trees will likely be bare.
Smoky Mountains
Most of Nebraska will reach peak foliage the week of November 5. This is later than most years, which can be attributed to healthy precipitation this summer, as drought conditions and other trauma can cause leaves to begin changing colors earlier.
Smoky Mountains
Many of the largest heavily-treed areas are populated by evergreens, meaning that they don’t experience the same gorgeous color changes as the areas with deciduous trees.
flickr/Shelby Bell
But even if you don’t live in an area with color-changing trees, you can still enjoy the beauty of fall. The skies are clear, the air is wonderfully fresh, the land is transitioning from live crops to resting fields, and the sunsets and moonrises are absolutely breathtaking. It’s a wonderful time to be in Nebraska.
flickr/Mr. Nixter
What do you think of this year’s foliage predictions? Where do you think is the best place in Nebraska to see the colorful autumn leaves? Share your thoughts in the comments!
flickr/Tim Vrtiska
Smoky Mountains
flickr/Shelby Bell
flickr/Mr. Nixter
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