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You will find that large portions of Madison County have moved past the peak point in the fall foliage department this weekend.  Especially in parts that are south of US Route 20.  There are still pockets of really rich golds and oranges north of US Route 20, especially on the valley sides running north and south.  Areas of the county near Oneida Lake and the villages of Canastota and Chittenango are all peaking this weekend.  Enjoy what should be the last good leaf peeping weekend of the year.
 
 
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Chittenango Falls
We are coming up on the Columbus Day weekend, which is traditionally the peak of the fall foliage season.  Despite the windy weather this week, there has not been much leaf loss.  That combined with a rapidly changing color palate on the hillsides has led to some awesome colors and great views around the county.  Most of the county is at 70% of peak and could be nearing peak by the Monday holiday.  I spent a good part of my morning at Chittenango Falls State Park and the views there are spectacular.  There are ample changes around the county, but the drive up and down Route 13 from Chittenango to Cazenovia is well worth the trip right now.  You can expect that some of the hills near Brookfield will be at peak by the time the weekend starts, so grab your cameras and head on out to take some fantastic pictures. 
 
 
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Well the leaves have really started to change over the past week and we are approaching close to 60% of peak color in parts of Madison County.  The color change is more noticeable in the hills especially along US Route 20 between Cazenovia and Morrisville.  The area in and around Chittenango Falls State Park is also looking quite spectacular this weekend.  If the weather holds, it should be a wonderful weekend for leaf peeping across Madison County.
Here are a couple of suggestions for the best foliage viewing this weekend:
1. The Link Trail between Cazenovia and Chittenango Falls State Park.  This foot trail is fairly easy to travel for the beginning hiker so it is perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities.  It follows the Chittenango Creek and there are some wonderful foliage views along the trail.
2. Brookfield State Forest.  This state forest is situated in some of the highest elevations in the county.  The leaves are quite far along and the maples are showing many shades of red and orange this weekend.
3. Route 13 from Cazenovia to DeRuyter.  This scenic stretch of highway features many elevation changes, local farms, and an Amish community.  It makes for a perfect fall drive in Madison County.
Don't forget you can always see conditions around New York State by visiting I Love NY's Fall Foliage website. 
 
 
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The leaves are starting to change colors in Madison County and there are some great places to go this weekend to enjoy it.  As the nights start to cool off further the change will kick into high gear.  A couple of points of interest.  The drive along NYS Route 13 between Cazenovia and the top of Chittenango Falls State Park is spectaular right now.  There are a lot of oranges and reds and the drive itself along Chittenango Creek is well worth it.  Also, in the southern part of Madison County in areas such as Brookfield, Georgetown and DeRuyter are showing areas of nice color change.  County-wide the leaves are at 25% of peak color, in come pockets it is pushing closer to 50%. Enjoy the weekend and beautiful fall landscape that comes with it!
 
 
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The string of spectacular weather continues in Central New York State and the bright sunny days with cool nights are starting to change the color in the landscape ever so slightly.  This weekend you can expect about 10% of peak color in the Madison County area.  More change is happening in the hills above 1800 feet in the southern areas of the county from Brookfield over through Lebanon and Georgetown.  Some color is starting to appear north of route 20 but it is still widespread green in most places.  Enjoy the good weather this weekend and get out and explore Madison County.
 
 
Look real hard and you can find color starting to show in a few places.  Driving around the Wampsville area this morning I noticed a few village tress were starting to shed the greens for oranges and yellows.  We are still a few weeks out from all out change, but if you are persistent you can find some spots this weekend to start taking your fall foliage pictures.  Make sure to come back every week for updates.  The official I Love NY fall foliage report is up and running to.  You can find it here.  You also still have time to submit your photos to our photo contest.  Fall is a perfect time for taking pictures and you can learn all about it at our main website.
 
 
This is your source for fall foliage updates in Central New York.  Stop back every Thursday to see our report and a synopsis of reports from around the region.  The first report will be live on September 10th.  Let's keep our fingers crossed for a wonderful fall foliage season.
 
 

Sadly the leaves have reached their peak and moved on for another year.  All is not lost however, as even today I found some pockets of great foliage.  It seems that in areas with ancient maples, the leaves have hung on a little longer and makes for a really awesome photo opportunity.  Check out areas in the Stockbridge Valley, along Oneida Lake and in the villages of Chittenango, Canastota and the city of Oneida.  Those areas are all at lower elevations and there are still many trees that have held on their leaves.  While, not widespread, you will find plenty of spots to leaf peep.

 
 

Large parts of the county have moved beyond peak this weekend, but in the northern section of the county in areas such as Chittenango, Bridgeport, Fenner, parts of Cazenovia, Oneida and Canastota, peack foliage is here and it is brilliant.  Bright reds, bright yellows and oranges dominate this year and even in the southern part of the county, pockets of brilliance remain.  With great crisp fall weather forecast for the weekend, it is your best last chance to get out and enjoy the fall colors.

 
 

Temperatures in the 70's and bright sunshine.  That, in a nutshell, is your Columbus Day forecast for Central New York.  It makes for the perfect weekend to take in the fall colors.  Gas prices have come down more than $1 a gallon and that makes it affordable to cruise along the highways and by-ways of Madison County.  The leaves are reaching their peak this weekend and there are a lot of deep oranges, reds and yellows covering the hillsides.  Some of the best places to take in the foliage include the village of Cazenovia along the lake, the Great Swamp Conservancy in Canastota and in the village of Hamilton.  Photo opportunities abound this weekend and we want to see your photos.  Send them to newsletter@madisontourism.com and we will post them in a photo show right here at the blog.  Have a great weekend.