Thinking of “leaf peeping” this weekend but don’t know where to go?  The US Forest Service recently launched its expanded Fall Colors 2011 and the site is jam packed with information about one of nature’s most spectacular seasons.  Within minutes I had all the information I needed to plan a weekend adventure of leaf peeping.

The Fall Colors website includes clickable maps that link to forest-by-forest fall color information, state tourism, and fall color websites.  It also offers a variety of family activities like finding direction without a compass, how to make leaf and bark rubbings, and how to make a waterscope.  Waterscopes are a simple, but very useful tool that allows you to easily see the life taking place in shallow streams and ponds.

You can also access the latest foliage updates at the Fall Colors Hotline – 1-800-345-4595.  The hotline provides audio updates on the best places, dates and routes to take for peak viewing of fall foliage in national forests.

The hardest part for me will be deciding between a road trip to the White Mountain National Forest in Woodstock, New Hampshire via the Kancamagus Highway  or a trip along the Connecticut River byway in Vermont.   Either way, I’m sure it will be a good choice!