The following states and regions are so proud of their changing leaves and leaf peeping or leaf peeking season, that they have established telephone "Hot Lines," up-to-the-minute websites, or have their tourism offices ready to advise travelers on current conditions of foliage and estimated "Peak Leaf Peeking."  Use this guide as the basis for planning your family's change of foliage autumn adventure. Once you decide on your destination, check the tourism office sites to find accommodations in your budget range. 

Travel Tip:  You may have to book a room several weeks in advance of the leaves turning, but over the years, these forecasts have been pretty accurate. Once you hit the road, keep in mind that this is a very popular activity, and you may well be stuck behind a huge tour bus on a narrow mountain road for longer than your back seat crew can tolerate.  Be sure to pack snacks and beverages for the car, and cameras, batteries and zip-loc baggies for leaf collection.

Here's FTF's guide to the key leaf peeking states (some phone numbers may operate only seasonally), as well as a printable list of the striking leaf colors you can expect from the most common deciduous trees:

• Alabama (North): 800/252-2262: www.state.al.us
• Arizona: 866/275-5816: www.arizonaguide.com
• Arkansas: 800/628-8725: www.arkansas.com
• Connecticut: 888/288-4748: www.tourism.state.ct.us
• Delaware: 800/441-8846: www.visitdelaware.com
• Georgia:  800/847-4842: www.georgia.org
• Expect Walnut, Butternut, Catalpa, Elm, Hickory, Linden, Sycamore, Grey Birch, and Oak Trees (oak leaf pictured here) to turn brilliant shades of rust, green and yellow.
• Kentucky: 800/225-8747: www.kentuckytourism.com
• Maine: 888/624-6345: www.visitmaine.com
• Maryland: 800/532-8371: www.mdisfun.org
• Massachusetts: 800/227-6277: www.massvacation.com
• New Hampshire: 603/271-2665: www.visitnh.gov
• New Jersey: 800/847-4865: www.state.nj.us/travel
• New York: 800/225-5697: www.iloveny.com
• North Carolina:  800/847-4862: www.visitnc.com
• Pennsylvania: 800/847-4872: www.visitpa.com
• Expect Poplar, Honey Locust, Gingko, Beech, Japanese Maple, Most Birches and Chestnut Trees to have their leaves turn varied shades of yellow before dropping to the ground. A Japanese Maple leaf is pictured here.
• Rhode Island: 401/539-3031: www.visitrhodeisland.com
• Tennessee: 800/697-4200: www.state.tn.us/tourdev/
• West Virginia: 800/225-5982: www.callwva.com
• Vermont: 800/837-6668: www.travel-vermont.com
• Virginia's Shenandoah Valley: 800/434-5323: www.visitshenandoah.org
• Wisconsin: 800/432-8747: www.travelwisconsin.com
• Blue Ridge Parkway: 828/298-0398: www.nps.gov/blri/
• U.S. Forest Service:  202/205-8333: www.fs.fed.us/news/fallcolors

Generally speaking, the prime season for observing fall foliage is from mid-September to late October, and it generally works its way from north to south and from higher elevations to lower elevations. 

Some of the most renowned seasonal colors can be found in the state parks of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and northern New England.  The roads are significantly less crowded during midweek visits, but leaf watchers should book hotel accommodations well in advance during the peak season.  

• The common Maple (maple leaf pictured at left), Sassafras and Sumac trees display a beautiful array of red, orange and purple leaves at their peak of leaf-changing.