{"id":17305,"date":"2023-09-19T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/?p=17305"},"modified":"2023-09-19T09:20:39","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T13:20:39","slug":"a-leaf-peepers-guide-to-admiring-the-autumn-foliage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/a-leaf-peepers-guide-to-admiring-the-autumn-foliage\/","title":{"rendered":"A Leaf-Peeper\u2019s Guide to Admiring the Autumn Foliage\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As summer slips away from the northern hemisphere, it seems like all the land puts on its greatest show. The autumn foliage may be the most captivating piece of natural scenery that mother nature provides. This season is \u201ca second spring when every leaf is a flower,\u201d as Albert Camus once phrased it. From crisp yellows and burnt oranges to the very deepest red and ochre, woodlands are suddenly crowned with a new majesty before the long sleep of winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The allure of fall leaves creates so many opportunities for quality time in the great outdoors. Not only can you bask in a landscape that looks as if it were painted by hand, but you can also discover physical and spiritual nourishment. Outdoor activities<\/a> often associated with leaf-peeping, like hiking and biking, contribute to essential cardiovascular fitness. Plus, these can easily be made into spaces for social connection, which is vital for mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your presence of mind while enjoying the natural splendor, combined with some moderate physical exertion, acts as a kind of ecotherapy<\/a>. This contributes to everything from lower blood pressure and reduced stress to positive self-esteem and decreased risk of depression. For these reasons, and for the simple wonder of pretty colors, autumn is the perfect time to plan some outdoor adventures.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to make the most of leaf-peeping season <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you really want to take full advantage of this spectacular seasonal showcase, don\u2019t leave things to chance. There are lots of helpful resources that can help you pinpoint where and when to spot the best leaves, like this map of the peak fall foliage in New England<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind a few factors that determine the timing of peak foliage. As a general rule of thumb, areas in the north tend to experience fall earlier, with southern latitudes often lagging behind for a few weeks. But like any rule of thumb, there are exceptions here! Places at higher altitude, such as the mile high city of Denver, dip into autumn well before cities like New York that are more northern but lie at very minimal elevation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activities that naturally pair with fall foliage <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some people plan outings to do nothing more than look at the beautiful trees. But you may find it helpful to add another layer of motivation to your leaf-peeping itinerary. This way, you not only have a great excuse to get outdoors, but you also create a more enriching experience that combines natural wonder with physical fitness and the spirit of community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, on Wednesday, October 4<\/a>, you could go birdwatching in the Dan Ryan Woods with Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Group<\/a>. This community of more than 30,000 members will be enveloped in fall foliage while a trained naturalist from the Forest Preserves of Cook County organization helps them discover migratory and residential birds.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For something more intentionally fall-focused, you could join Asheville Nature, Wisdom and Wellness Events<\/a> for a harvest festival on Sunday, October 15<\/a>. This Meetup group of nearly 150 members will participate in a traditional ceremony, giving thanks to the cycles of nature, and embracing its constant change. This event will take place at the Sacred Fire Council House, which will be abundantly decorated with natural gifts from the surrounding area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a truly life-affirming experience of autumn beyond the fall foliage, you could join Magic Hour Adventures<\/a> for a sunrise hike in Valley Forge National Historic Park, just 20 miles outside of downtown Philadelphia. On Friday, October 20,<\/a> this Meetup group of more than 400 members will witness a new dawn climb over the horizon and wash the hills in gold.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More ways to celebrate the passing season <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if the leaves don\u2019t change where you are, there are still plenty of meaningful autumn activities you can pursue, such as: <\/p>\n\n\n\n