This Week is Prime Time to See Fall Foliage in the Guilford Area

By Wendy Ann Mitchell

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

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) have 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