New York State’s 2021 fall foliage season is underway, with the first signs of the spectacular seasonal colors to come appearing in the Adirondacks and Catskills regions, according to volunteer observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program.

In the Adirondacks, Tupper Lake spotters expect up to 10% color change this weekend. The summer greens are starting the cycle to autumn brilliance with subtle traces of goldenrod and copper, and the soft maples are providing a patchy, rhubarb splatter. Elsewhere in Franklin County, the color transition will be less, with Malone and Saranac Lake each predicting 5% change. Essex County spotters in Wilmington, Jay and Au Sable Forks predict up to 10% color change this weekend as muted shades of red and yellow begin to appear. Foliage change around Whiteface Mountain Ski Area will only be about 5%. Lake Placid spotters are predicting around 10% color change with mild shades of yellow and muted shades of orange. In the Adirondack Hub area of Newcomb look for up to 10% color change with subdued shades of yellow and red beginning to appear.