The extended heat of summertime has us all craving autumn — not to mention the breathtaking views of the forthcoming fall foliage. Thankfully, there’s a map for that.
The good people of SmokyMountains.com have created a way for us to find our way to the most gorgeous colors of the season. The website has a 2019 Fall Foliage Prediction Map that shows the progress of the changing colors.
Not only does it provide a map, but the website also explains why leaves change color, and even provides printable pages with leaf images for your kids to color. So fun!
There has been minimal change so far, but those fall colors are on the way. Right now, the best areas for seeing changing leaf colors are in the northern parts of the continental U.S. and much of the northwest portion of the country.
The Fall Foliage Map will also show areas that are peaking or past-peak.
If you’re late to planning your trip to view those fall colors, that’s OK — The Weather Channel says this season’s color-changing has been delayed because of the above-average temperatures throughout the country. It has to get cooler overnight in order for the trees to change.
At least that gives us more time to watch the map and plan out our fall foliage viewing.
The Weather Channel also says that in parts of the Mountain West, snow may put a damper on fall color viewing.
Early to mid-October will be the best time for the majority of the country to see the green leaves change to those beautiful hues of red, orange, yellow and brown.
Don’t let your enjoyment of viewing the fall colors be dampened by the thought of the winter weather coming soon. Take in the crisp outdoor air and snap some nice Instagram photos!
Will you use the map to guide your fall foliage tour this season?
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
