NORTH JERSEY — If you think the fall colors are slow to appear this year, you may be right.
The New Jersey Forest Service publishes an update at the end of each week in fall, showing which of the Garden State's 21 counties are at or past peak foliage.
Only the northwesternmost counties are at peak, according to the map (linked below).
Earlier this season, experts predicted North Jersey would be at peak by now.
According to the map, Bergen is near peak, and Hudson County is at the midpoint.
"Sweet gum, black gum, maples, sassafras and birches are bringing vibrant shades of yellow, orange and reds to the Garden State!" the Forest Service said on Friday. "This map represents overall reported conditions per county, fall foliage conditions can vary by location, and factors such as sunlight, rainfall and soil moisture influence when leaves change and how vibrant their colors become. Call park offices for the latest local foliage updates before heading out.
"Every year brings a unique display of fall color across New Jersey!"
See the map here.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Ridgewood Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.