Overview

• I LOVE NY released its inaugural 2025 weekly foliage report for Sept. 10–16, confirming the season has started statewide with measurable early color upstate.
• Early hotspots include Wilmington and Old Forge at about 20% change, Saranac Lake near 15%, and Catskills locations such as Delhi, Windham and Liberty generally in the 10–15% range.
• Field notes also show initial changes in parts of the Southern Tier, while New York City locations like Central Park and Pelham Bay remain under 5%.
• A SmokyMountains.com model cited by CBS projects many Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes and western areas peaking by mid-October, with parts of the South and Deep South reaching peak later in October through mid-November.
• The Climate Prediction Center anticipates above-average fall temperatures across much of the U.S., which can affect timing and vibrancy, and the U.S. Forest Service says the best displays follow warm, sunny days with cool, non-freezing nights.