STORY FORMAT: Web/Print Article
WORD COUNT: 483
WRITTEN BY: Rebecca Guldberg
HEADLINE: AN ONLINE TOOL PREDICTS THE BEST TIME TO GO LEAF-PEEPING
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The web site uses different types of data including temperature, precipitation, elevation and location to determine when Fall colors will reach their peak.
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As our temperatures become cooler and the days grow shorter, nature also puts on a dazzling display-- an explosion of changing fall leaves that turn to a vibrant red, orange and yellow. So pull through the drive through of your favorite coffee shop and grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte before hitting the road because "Leaf-Peeping" as it's called, is one of the most affordable and relaxing activities you can enjoy.
Timing is everything when it comes to leaf-peeping and Brittany Betts knows it. She handles marketing for a vacation rental company in The Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. She says her company noticed that many of their visitors wanted to time their trips when the fall leaves were changing, so they developed an online map that predicts the peak times when fall colors are at their best nationwide.
"The map was created mostly to give vacationers the ability to see an accurate depiction of when the leaves would change colors so they knew when to visit," Betts explains.
She says they worked with a data analytics company which measures temperatures, precipitation, elevation and location. It uses this data to predict when and where the leaves will be at their most vibrant throughout the country. You can check your favorite leaf-peeping location at SmokyMountains.com/Park.
"The map offers a visual prediction of peak foliage times across the United States," Betts says. "It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to experience the best of fall."
One of the best parts about leaf-peeping is its accessibility. Unlike other travel experiences that can be costly, enjoying fall foliage is practically free.
Leaves tends to change from mid-September to early November, depending on the location. To truly appreciate fall foliage, it helps to understand the science behind the stunning colors. The secret lies in chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis which feeds the trees during the warmer months. As fall approaches and temperatures drop, chlorophyll breaks down, revealing the hidden red, orange and yellow pigments in the leaves. This transformation provides a survival strategy for trees to conserve energy through the winter months.
To get started, visit SmokyMountains.com/Park and explore their interactive fall foliage prediction map. You can also check resources like The Farmer's Almanac, which offers a fall foliage map with a broader look at regional trends. While no map can predict the exact timing with complete accuracy - factors like weather can influence leaf changes - they do provide a reliable guide to help plan your leaf-peeping travels.
Happy leaf-peeping!