Some great spots to see the leaves

Fall color is expected to make its first appearance of the season in New York State over the coming weekend, according to observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism's I Love NY program. The southern Hudson Valley, in Bear Mountain State Park, Rockland County, projects a 10 percent color change, with dull orange and red autumn highlights. In Sullivan County, fall colors are rapidly replacing the summer green leaves. The county will see up to 50 percent color change, with bright red, orange and yellow highlights. Hudson, in Columbia County, projects 25 percent color change in the lower elevations of the county, and 30 percent in the higher elevations. Look for golden yellow and deep red leaves. In Dutchess County, Poughkeepsie projects 25 percent color change, with bright yellow, rust and gold leaves of average brilliance. Highland, in Ulster County, projects 15 to 20 percent color change, highlighted by bright and beautiful red and yellow leaves. Fall colors are also coming on strong in the Catskills. Kingston, in Ulster County, projects near-peak foliage, with 75 to 80 percent color change highlighted by bright orange, yellow and red leaves. Greene County is edging past mid-point of color transition, with 60 percent leaf change and a wide range of colors of average brilliance. Each week during fall, I Love NY issues reports detailing the progression of colorful fall foliage across the New York based upon information filed by the state's officially designated "leaf peepers." These fall foliage spotters are instructed on how to rate foliage color in their areas, citing conditions such as brilliance, percentage of leaves changed, predominating colors and stages (just beginning, near peak, peak, and past peak). I Love NY compiles its weekly reports based upon information called in by the spotters. Some great spots to see the leaves Sky Top Tower at Lake Mohonk near New Paltz, Rt. 299. Views of six states. Trophy Point on grounds of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, Rt. 9W. Views of Hudson River. Hawk's Nest Drive, Rt. 97, just north of Port Jervis. Parallels upper Delaware River and passes 100-ft-deep "Big Eddy" gorge near Narrowsburg. ___________ On the Net: www.empire.state.ny.us/tourism/foliage