Colors of leaves expected to peak next week

The glorious reds, oranges, yellows and golds adorning the region’s treetops should look their best starting Tuesday.

The Virginia Department of Forestry said fall foliage is expected to be the most vibrant between Tuesday and Nov. 10, although it’s not an exact science.

“[Nature] sets its own schedule,” said John Campbell, the agency’s director of public information.

Although some parts of the state are reporting more muted tones, Camp-bell said the local foliage’s colors are on target.

Jerry Stenger, the research coordinator for the University of Virginia’s Climatology Office, said the leaves primarily are driven to change color by the shorter days and a lower angle of the sun.

The green chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down to reveal some of autumn’s brilliant hues.

Stenger said the type of tree can determine the leaf color, but that’s not a steadfast rule.

“Sometimes we can try to predict leaf colors will be, but usually nature has a way of putting in one last twist,” Stenger said.

Although local and state tourism groups don’t track visitors who are here for the foliage, there are other signs that tourists are flocking to the area for the leaves. Allie Baer, of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau, said hotel occupancy is up by 5 percent from August. Hotel rooms are booking up for October and November as well, but Baer said that also might be due to UVa football games and the Virginia Film Festival.

Richmond residents Denny Wimmer and Randy Scarupa enjoyed a picnic at a scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Thursday afternoon with their dog, Sonny, a 15-year-old Shih Tzu/poodle mix.

“It’s like a tradition thing that we do,” Scarupa said. “Sonny’s 15 and we’ve brought him up here every single year.”

Tamra Talmadge-Anderson, spokeswoman for the Virginia Tourism Corp., said fall appeals to couples seeking weekend getaways. Festivals, pumpkin patches and orchards draw families to the region for autumn day trips.

The forestry agency recommends people visit Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park to see a vibrant collection of colors. More information about fall foliage can be found at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fall/index.htm.

Daily Progress photographer Megan Lovett contributed to this story.