Tuesday, September 22, 2009

ALGONQUIN PARK FALL COLOUR REPORT

ALMOST AT PEAK !!!!

Report Date: Tuesday September 22, 2009
Dominant Colour: A substantial portion of the Sugar Maple canopy is showing quickly developing yellows, oranges, and reds. Recent below freezing temperatures, frost, and shortening daylight length has been rapidly encouraging the breakdown of chlorophyll (the green food manufacturing pigment in leaves) revealing Algonquin's spectacular fall colour.

The peak of fall colour in the Sugar Maple canopy is expected during the last week of September or the first week of October. For the past 35 years, the average peak of Sugar and Red Maples in Algonquin Park has been September 27 (with a range from September 15 [1982] to October 9 [1996]. This variation in this peak is a result of numerous variables such as temperature, frost, precipitation, winds, etc., thus exact timing can not be precisely determined until it happens.

Traditionally, higher elevation areas of Algonquin Park, such as the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor out to Algonquin Inn and the western half of the backcountry change colour eariler than the eastern half, as a result of the east's lower elevation. This year, wide-spread frost has encouraged fall foliage change throughout the Highway 60 area including: West Gate (km 0.0); Lake of Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach (km 33.8); and Brewer Lake (km 48.6).

Therefore, plan now for your Algonquin Park fall foliage trip any time from now to mid-October to see Algonquin's brightest season.

This fall foligage colour report will be updated as the season progresses. Check back for updates.

Percentage of Colour Change: 40-49%
Percentage of Leaf Fall: 0%-9%
Good places for viewing: West Gate (km 0.0)
Algonquin Art Centre (km 20.0)
Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach (km 33.8)
Visitor Centre Viewing Deck (km 43.0)
Brewer Lake (km 48.6)
Algonquin's Backcountry (Interior)

Side Roads with Great Foliage Viewing Opportunities: Arowhon Road (north from km 15.4)
Source Lake Road (north from km 20.0)
Centennial Ridges Road (south from km 37.6)
Rock Lake Road (south from km 40.3)
Opeongo Road (north from km 46.3). This road is best for late season foliage viewing.
Recommended Trails: Hardwood Lookout Trail (Km 13.8)
Track and Tower Trail (Km 25.0)
Centennial Ridges Trail (south from Km 37.6)
Booth's Rock Trail (south from Km 40.3)
Lookout Trail (Km 39.7)

http://www.algonquininn.com/
e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

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