Leaf-peeper alert: Fall color approaches peak at Crow’s Nest

The red maples are at their peak of fall color in an outrageous combination of bright reds, oranges and yellows. Where they grow in the open in our swamp they are at their showiest now and look great against the backdrop of trees in the hills that haven’t turned yet—mainly tuliptree and oak. Some of the goldenrod is past peak but there’s still a lot to see in our meadows.

Dogwoods are a deep burgundy in this photo and sassafras is a bold orange; the fiery red is sumac. Ash is mostly past and wasn’t great this year. A lot of the walnut is finished but some still has a clear yellow fall color. Black gum is usually spectacular and is just about to finish. Hickory is also a nice yellow right now.