2012 Fall Foliage Forecast

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism just launched this interactive fall travel planner, featuring everything from foliage-condition forecasts to recommended driving routes to a friendly, leaf-waving squirrel. Moreover, the high-tech tourism commission will send foliage updates straight to your phone. Text "MAFALL" to 74642 to receive timely messages about foliage conditions.

Michigan

Foliage isn't exclusive to New England. Find out when and where to see spectacular colors in Michigan with this guide from Michigan.org. You can also sign up for foliage email updates.

Vermont

Get Vermont's 2012 foliage update on VermontVacation.com. The report has the requisite state map, plus a downloadable audio report. Here's a helpful tip from a recent release from the local tourism board: "In general, higher elevation areas in the northernmost regions will offer the most panoramic views of emerging color across the valleys, and many low-lying marsh areas will offer some of the most vivid and varied early season change."

Colorado

Colorado doesn't have a foliage map like some other states, but its tourism board does offer suggested fall itineraries on the Official Site of Colorado Tourism. Even better, there's a hotline you can call to get up-to-date info on conditions in the Rockies. Dial the U.S. Forest Service's nationwide hotline at 800-354-4595.

Maine

Head to Maine's Official Fall Foliage site to view conditions across the state this season. But hurry—northern regions of Maine are already seeing pops of color as the leaves begin to turn. One of the best ways to take a gander at the leaves in the Pine Tree State: Hit the road. The Maine Office of Tourism has a useful list of scenic byways and mini road trips for viewing the vivid hues of the season.

New Brunswick, Canada

According to the 2012 New Brunswick Fall Leaf Report, 80 percent of the province is covered with trees. Although the interactive map on the report features travel tips and activity ideas, it doesn't offer a very up-to-date assessment of fall color conditions.

Kentucky

Check the color-coded map on the Kentucky Department of Travel website for an update on the leaf-peeping situation in various parts of the state. And be sure to check out the events listings on the left-hand side of the page (the Fall Elk Watches sound particularly enticing).

New York

New York's 2012 Fall Color Report, available on the I Love New York website, is updated weekly. The site also displays a colored map that shows which parts of the state are in peak color change. You certainly don't have to have a car to go foliage spotting, especially in New York. Note Amtrak's 15 percent discount (at time of publication) that is promoted on the New York website.

Virginia

If you're planning your leaf-viewing excursion late in the season, head south. In Virginia, it's possible to see vibrant colors as late as the end of October and early November. Locate vineyards, fall festivals, and, naturally, the best foliage on Virginia's tourism website. The site is updated weekly with information on the status of changing leaves across the state.

You Might Also Like:

• 10 Best Beer Cities in the World
• Top Five Bargain Destinations for Fall 2012
• 10 Great Fall Festivals