Peak for leaf peepers on Long Island is this weekend, NY officials say
A cyclist rides before a backdrop of fall foliage at Belmont Lake State Park in West Babylon on Monday Credit: Barry Sloan
Leaf peepers will not have to travel far as Long Island’s foliage is expected to reach peak color change this weekend, state officials said.
The crisp, fall air coming with Halloween and the start of November is bringing bright orange, yellow and red leaves popping over the Island's highways, state parks and at the Gold Coast estates.
Most of Long Island has seen 80% to 100% color change, according to Empire State Development’s "I Love NY" campaign, which tracks fall foliage throughout the state with more than 90 volunteer field observers.
The report’s website defines peak as "the best overall appearance the foliage will have during the season, taking into account color transition, brilliance, and leaf droppage."
On Long Island, vibrant leaves typically arrive around Halloween, although warm weather may have delayed some fall colors at some gardens, representatives said.
"Every year is different and sometimes fall colors are delayed, but we’re in a pretty average year for this timing," said Vincent Simeone, director of Planting Fields Arboretum. "Usually fall color peak is around Halloween. We’re going to see a good show in the next week. As temperatures are cooling and the days get shorter, it will accelerate the fall color season."
At Sands Point Preserve, organizers said the North Shore estate may have another week before it reaches full peak colors. The 216-acre estate includes five miles of walking trails, featuring several oak and maple trees.
"There are plenty of pretty yellows and reds," said Tracy Strianese, the preserve's education director. "We’re a few days out until full peak. I don’t know if it’s because it was so dry or warm but fall definitely came a little late. Some leaves are falling off trees before changing colors."
Parts of Old Westbury Garden have appeared slightly past peak, said Maritza Ramirez, spokeswoman for the gardens. Camellias are still blooming at the gardens, while wisteria bloomed much earlier than usual, Ramirez said.
"There are lots of leaves on trees changing colors, with still some green but a lot of leaves on the ground. It’s going to be a really great fall weekend here," Ramirez said. "My impression was it came late. By mid-October, we finally saw a real full pop."
Other regions reaching peak foliage include West Hempstead, Manhasset, Old Westbury, West Babylon and East Islip, according to the state. The Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River is showing 75% color change.
The report lists peak colors on Suffolk County’s North Shore, "with very bright yellow, orange and red leaves" along Route 25A.
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
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