This is the fourth 2021 I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report for New York State. Reports are obtained from volunteer field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend. Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon. I LOVE NY urges travelers to follow all COVID-related public health and safety guidelines while enjoying the foliage this season. Visitors should call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions are open and available. More information on New York State travel and COVID-19 is available here.

Beautiful peak and near-peak foliage will make its first appearance in New York State this weekend in the Adirondacks region, according to volunteer spotters for Empire State Development’s I LOVE NY program. Peak and near-peak conditions are predicted in parts of Franklin, Essex, Hamilton and Herkimer counties, along with colorful foliage at midpoint of change in parts of the Catskills, Chautauqua-Allegheny, and Thousand Islands-Seaway regions.

In the Adirondacks, Essex County spotters predict that peak foliage will arrive in Lake Placid over the weekend. Look for more than 90% change and mostly red and orange leaves with pops of yellow and green. Reports from the Whiteface region and the surrounding communities of Wilmington, Jay, and Au Sable Forks expect 70% color change and midpoint to near-peak foliage with many shades of red and yellow, and more color at higher elevations. At Whiteface Mountain, look for 45% color change and midpoint to near-peak foliage with brilliant shades of green, red, purple, and orange.

Foliage spotters in Newcomb and Schroon Lake expect up to 30% color change this weekend, featuring pops of red, along with some oranges and yellows, against a mostly green backdrop. Ticonderoga spotters are predicting 30% color change this weekend, with increasing bursts of yellow and orange leaves of average brilliance. In Clinton County, Plattsburgh foliage spotters expect 25% color change, with mostly muted green and yellow leaves. The foliage progression is a little sluggish in the Champlain Valley, where Crown Point spotters are predicting less than 20% change with muted-to-average shades of russet, and occasional yellows and oranges.

In Franklin County, peak foliage is expected in Tupper Lake this weekend, with up to 85% change showcasing shades of buttercup, mustard, orange soda, yellow cheddar, ginger, bittersweet, rhubarb, raspberry, and paprika. Travelers seeking great views should check out the Tupper Lake Triad of Mount Arab, Goodman Mountain, and Coney Mountain, relatively easy climbs that provide incredible foliage vistas. Spotters reporting from Saranac Lake predict up to 75% color change with near-peak conditions. Most leaves have changed to orange, red, and yellow with some pockets of green remaining. Spotters in Mountainview expect 45% color change and a midpoint mix of bright greens, yellows and oranges, along with some reds.

In Hamilton County, spotters from Long Lake predict foliage between midpoint and near peak of change this weekend, with 70% transition and average-to-bright reds, purples, and yellows.. Spotters in Lake Pleasant expect 60% foliage change with midpoint conditions highlighted by lots of deep reds and oranges of muted-to-average brilliance. Reports from the area say that this year’s colors seem to be very muted, with significant droppage near bodies of water, but the remaining leaves are some of the brightest. In Herkimer County, Old Forge will see bright, near-peak colors and 70% transition. Brilliant reds are popping, orange bursts are everywhere, and the yellows are starting to emerge. In the Adirondacks portion of St. Lawrence County, Cranberry Lake and Wanakena spotters predict 40% color transition and near midpoint of change, with bright red and green leaves. In Warren County, reports from Queensbury expect a little more than 15% color change and a mix of muted fall colors among mostly green leaves.