HOOK

bark Hickory. Reds and oranges will be provided from trees like the Bigtooth Aspen and White Ash, and of course Black, Mountain, and Sugar Maples. Up in the Adirondack Mountains, many of these trees promote a typical autumn landscape. Sugar Maples, Birches, and the Quak- ing Aspen grow leaves that span the spectrum of warm colors, so bright that on a sunny day one may not believe their eyes. In the Catskills and neighboring regions of the Hudson Valley, oaks and hickories dominate the forests, with their deeper maroon-reds and bronze yellows. A difference in elevation will help determine the vibrancy and variety of colors each autumn. This display of color is the reason many are quick to con- gregate to autumnal hot spots when leaves change. Labeled "leaf peepers", reports of autumn travelers appeared in the news as early as the late 19th century in local Vermont and New Hampshire newspapers, and as travelers continued, their title appeared in Vermont, a century later. In September 1965, Vermont's "Bennington Banner" newspaper mentioned in a foliage update that "prospects for weekend 'leaf peepers' seem extremely good," and a few years prior within an Octo- ber 1963 issue, a "crowd of 'leaf-peekers' in town" was in- cluded in an article. If you're in the Hudson Valley while leaves are peaking, take the time for a drive through one of the Catskill's scenic byways, including NY routes 28, 23, or 214. Enjoy the Five State Lookout, overseeing New York and the neigh- boring states of Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut. If you're looking to get into the woods, the lookout is just un- derneath Windham High Peak, with a trail leading to the summit and expansive views awaiting you. One could take themselves to the taller summits of the Adirondacks, where leaves may peak earlier in the season, but views are just as bountiful. If access is attain- able, views from Chimney Mountain in Indian Lake are outstanding, or give Cascade Moun- tain in the High Peaks Wilderness, or Mount Arab near Tupper Lake a try for sweeping vis- tas of the wild, colorful lands surrounding. Whatever you do, consume as much time outdoors as you can, for the seasonal foliage show is a limited time offer, returning in another 12 months. HOOK Mountain that borders the Hudson River in its autumn splendor, and which HOOK is named after. Photo by Janet A. Wortendyke In the Catskills and neighboring regions of the Hudson Valley, oaks and hickories dominate the forests, with their deeper maroon-reds and bronze yellows. HOOK 59

• Cover