OLD FORGE — Gorgeous peak fall colors are expected in the Adirondacks this weekend, with beautiful near-peak leaves to be found throughout most of the Catskills, according to field observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program.

In Herkimer County, spotters in Old Forge predict peak colors this weekend with 90% leaf change and an abundance of brilliant reds, especially on the shores of lakes and rivers. All shades of orange are flourishing, with golds and yellows in abundance against the green pines.

With primarily sunny and seasonably warm days and cool nights predicted for the weekend, those out for a weekend hike, drive or stroll should find the dazzling show both easy to view and comfortable to enjoy.

In addition to hiking, visitors to Old Forge can also opt for a chair lift ride to the top of McCauley Mountain, or a kayaking/canoeing along the area’s pristine waterways.

In the Mohawk Valley, observers in Oneida County predict 40% to 60% foliage change this weekend with varying shades of red and orange. Reports from Herkimer are predicting 40% change with gradual increases in color change heading to the north reaching 60% change in the Boonville area.

Reports from Cooperstown and Oneonta predict 50% change this weekend with muted shades of yellow and orange, plus a little red. Some trees appear bare, while others are fully green. Chenango County foliage should be at midpoint of change near Norwich, with 50% change featuring seasonal colors of average brilliance.

For those undeterred by a longer drive than Old Forge, the colors in the northern Adirondacks are expected to be worth the trip.

Travelers to the Tupper Lake area will find beautiful peak foliage this weekend with 90% color change, according to
spotters at Tupper Lake and Mt. Arab Lake. Bright, breezy days and frosty nights have accelerated leaf change with a splendid palette of saffron, turmeric, yam, curry, paprika, ginger, cinnamon, eggplant, dandelion, buttercup, caramel, vermilion, and chili pepper-colored leaves, while mums and asters adorn the forest.

Foliage will also be at peak in Saranac Lake with 85% color change with a bright and brilliant mix of reds, oranges, and yellows. Spotters in Lake Pleasant predict peak foliage this weekend with 95% color change and average to bright red and orange leaves. Most areas seem to be changing rapidly, and with little leaf droppage.

Spotters in Speculator anticipate peak foliage with more than 75% change highlighted by bright yellows and reds. Lake Placid spotters expect near-peak leaves with 85% color change and brilliant yellows, along with bright shades of orange, red, and burnt orange. Ticonderoga foliage should be around 60% color change and passing midpoint, with shades of yellow, peach, and some red.

In the Catskills, Greene County foliage spotters at higher elevations in the towns of Hunter and Windham predict near-peak foliage this weekend with 75% change and red, green, orange, and yellow leaves of average brilliance. Catskill spotters report foliage at midpoint of change with at least 50% transition. In Delaware County, observers from Delhi predict near-peak foliage with 75-80% color transition and an abundance of brilliant shades of purple, orange, yellow, and red.

In the Thousand Islands-Seaway region, St. Lawrence County spotters in Colton predict near-peak foliage this weekend with bright red, orange, and green leaves. Jefferson County reports from Alexandria Bay expect foliage will be at midpoint of change with 50% color transition.

In the Finger Lakes, Steuben County spotters in Corning, Hammondsport, and Hornell are predicting near-peak foliage this weekend with up to 75% color change and bright to very brilliant shades of gold, yellow, and orange, along with some red.

In Cortland County, spotters in Downtown Cortland are predicting 30% change with red leaves of average brilliance beginning to appear over the green and yellow. In Tompkins County, Ithaca spotters are predicting 35% transition with average to bright shades of orange, yellow, and red.