Lenox is know to have four distinct seasons, but autumn
is quite possibly the most beautiful. Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp
nights not only facilitate the changing of the leaves, they offer perfect
weather for enjoying the foliage. Striking shades of yellow, orange,
red and purple paint the Lenox landscape to create breathtaking views.
The hillsides and valleys are emblazoned with amazing colors. Spend your
days photographing the foliage and visiting the wonderful museums and
galleries. Then, return to the Inn and relax by the fire with a wonderful
beverage from our pub. You may choose to sit by the waterfall and bask
in the fresh air of the incredible Berkshire autumn.
 When
does it peak?
Estimating the peak is a daunting prospect. The entire season in any
given area only lasts about three weeks. Typically, the peak is the first
three weeks in October, although there may be splendid colors in late
September and even the last week of October. As with any other weather
patterns, predicting the foliage is about as reliable as predicting the
weather in January for a June wedding. One day of solid rain will change
everything overnight, as will two very cold nights or a few unseasonably
warm days... the variables are too numerous to list. For a detailed up-to-the-minute
report for the entire state call (800) 227-6277 or click here for
the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's Fall Foliage update
page.
How
long does it last?
Generally about three weeks. Sometimes you will see a tree that has begun
to turn late in the summer. Trees that begin to turn very early are usually
diseased or stressed in some way. The most favorable weather conditions
for brilliant red colors are warm sunny days followed by cool nights
with temperatures below 45 degrees F. Rain and wind will end the show
pretty quickly once the colors have changed.
What
kind of weather can we expect?
Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night with
differentials as great as 50°. If you are going out early, bear in mind that it
may warm up to 75° or even 80° at mid-day and, likewise, if you
go out during the heat of the day, when the sun goes down, the temperature
may plummet amazingly fast and you don't want to be caught out on a hike
without warm clothes. Dress in layers and keep extras in the car or your
knapsack. Most likely the days will be temperate, about 65° to 75° but
the nights will by cool, dropping quickly to 30° or 40°
What
is there to do in the area?
There are fairs and festivals and events happening all over the area.
Don't forget that most of the museums are open until November. There
is always something to do in the beautiful Berkshires!
What
makes them change color?
In the summer, hardwood leaves contain green, yellow and orange pigments.
It is chlorophyll that gives the leaves their green color and masks the
yellow and orange pigments. The shorter days and cooler temperatures
of Autumn trigger chemical changes in the trees which break down the
green pigment revealing the other colors and resulting in the bright
fall foliage. Sunny, cool days and cold, but not freezing, nights are
the optimal conditions for the brightest colors. If you want to know
more, visit Science
Made Simple
What
are the optimal viewing conditions?
There is a greater contrast and more depth of color on overcast days
and in the early morning and particularly the late afternoon when the
sun is low. In bright sunlight, as in mid-day, the colors become "bleached" out.
How
can one predict the foliage season?
With such variables as temperature, rainfall and sunlight, no one can
truly predict how brilliant the foliage will be in any given year or
how long it will last or when it will peak but it's assuredly the subject
of endless speculation in these parts. |
