Fall colors breaking out
Season peaking in Adirondacks, still in early stages around Finger Lakes

PHOTO PROVIDED The 2007 fall season is at its peak in the Lake Placid region, pictured above. Fall colors are just beginning to appear in the Finger Lakes region.

Vibrant, near-peak autumn color have made their way to New York's Adirondacks region, according to observers for Empire State Development's I LOVE NEW YORK program. Other areas of the state showing the most color progression are the Catskills and Thousand Islands-Seaway regions.

In the Finger Lakes region, foliage change is still in the early stages, but is making its way toward mid-point. Syracuse expects up to 25 percent color change with average-bright green leaves giving way to shades of average-bright yellow, purple and red leaves. Cayuga County expects 25 percent color change with red and yellow highlights of average brilliance. Steuben and Tioga counties expect 20 percent color change by the weekend, with red, yellow and some orange leaves of average brilliance. In Chemung County, Elmira projects 15-20 percent foliage change. Although green is still predominating, more bright yellows and reds are coloring the landscape along with the first bursts of burnt orange, deep purples, and occasional rusts.

In Rochester and the surrounding area, expect around 15 percent color change. Deciduous trees are still mostly green; weak trees are showing red and/or orangegold hues; some healthy maples and red oaks are beginning to show red-orange leaves; and ash and other trees are beginning to show yellow coloration. Also checking in with projections of 15 percent color change are Livingston and Wayne counties. Look for yellow, red and gold leaves of average brilliance. Other Finger Lakes reporting ! stations project 10 percent or less change by the weekend.

Fall colors are coming on strong in the Catskills region, with most areas expected to be at mid-point of transition by the weekend. Foliage spotters in the Saugerties area of Ulster County expect 60-65 percent foliage change, with bright y! ellow, red and orange leaves predominating. Up to 50 percent of the leaves are expected to be changed in Sullivan County; look for bright red, gold and orange highlights. At Belleayre Mountain, in Highmount, expect 40 percent color change with bright; yellow and red leaves. Delaware County projects 35-45 percent color change with large areas of bright red, purple and some orange leaves emerging from the green.