This is the second 2023 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.

New York State’s gradual transition from the greens of summer to the multi-colored kaleidoscope of fall continues this weekend, with a few locations in the Adirondacks approaching midpoint of leaf transition, and areas from Long Island to Western New York beginning to see their first significant color changes. This is according to the field reports from volunteer observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program.

Foliage change in other areas of the state will be 5% or less.

In the Adirondacks, foliage spotters from Tupper Lake and Mt. Arab Lake in Franklin County predict up to midpoint of change for the coming weekend, with 45-50% color transition. Shades of pineapple, dandelion, turnip, apricot, tangerine, cranberry, avocado and sporadic scarlet will transform the landscape. The repeat of last year’s sweltering summer coupled with no frost and plenty of rain have created a slow, muted transition this year, with spotters awaiting an explosion of magnificent hues. In Saranac Lake, spotters expect about 25% change, with a muted mix of green and yellow leaves, along with isolated pops of red, especially along the waterfront. In the northern portion of the county near Malone, spotters predict about 10% change with some muted red and orange leaves.

Herkimer County foliage spotters in Old Forge predict foliage may reach midpoint of change with up to 40% transition dominated by dark reds and burgundy, along with some yellow, gold and emerging orange. There is still a significant number of green leaves.

In Essex County, spotters reporting from Wilmington, Jay, Upper Jay, and Au Sable Forks predict up to 35% change this weekend with average shades of deep purple along with muted red and orange, plus some shades of green shifting to yellow and gold. Observers at Whiteface Mountain Ski Area are predicting 15% change with a mix of bright green, red, purple, yellow, and orange leaves. Spotters in Lake Placid expect 15% change, with touches of yellow in lower elevations and some reds and yellows in higher elevations. Reports from Newcomb predict just under 15% foliage change, with muted to average shades of red and orange, along with darker shades of red and purple. Leaf spotters in Ticonderoga predict just over 5% change, with bright red and orange markings on the tips of some leaves.

Hamilton County spotters reporting from Lake Pleasant predict 20% leaf change this weekend with increasing shades of red and orange leaves of average brilliance. Reports from Long Lake predict 10% transition with some muted yellow leaves and individual maple trees showing red.

In Lewis County, spotters in Lowville expect nearly 15% foliage change, with hints of yellow and some muted orange. Warren County spotters in Lake George anticipate 10% change with hints of yellow and orange leaves.