As the days grow shorter and each morning brings a heavy dew or frost a patchwork quilt of color is laid across our landscape. Whether you look forward to the change in season or dread the coming winter the brief glory of fall calls many of us out to explore its wonders.

What causes leaves to change color? Leaves contain a chemical called chlorophyll, which is used to turn the sun's energy into sugars. As the days shorten trees stop synthesizing chlorophyll and the leaves loose their green color allowing other pigments in the leaf show through. Carotenoids, which aid photosynthesis, give leaves a yellow, orange or brown color. Anthocyanins add reds and purples. In some trees, as the concentration of sugar in the leaf increases, the sugar reacts to form anthocyanins. Red maples, red oaks, and sumac produce anthocyanins in abundance and display the brightest reds and purples in the autumn landscape.

Why does color vary year to year? In addition to day length, leaf color is affected by the weather. The best fall foliage comes after a spring and summer with adequate rain, and warm sunny fall days with cool nights. It is the warm, sunny fall days that can produce excess sugars in the leaves of certain trees such as the maples. These sugars produce anthocyanins creating the brilliant reds and deep oranges. Of course some years summer drought or a cold wet fall can cause the leaves to fall early or not turn as bright. This year some portions of the highland region were defoliated by both eastern and forest tent caterpillars, which defoliated the trees. These trees did grow new leaves but early fall rains and cool weather has caused an outbreak of anthracnose, a fungus that although not harmful to the tree can affect the foliage color. So individual trees and localized areas may turn early or a dull color but much of the region should experience a wonderful fall show.

Where to see fall color in the Highlands? 1. The AMC noble view is a great place for hiking, and you can also rent one of the buildings for a night. 2. Mount Greylock State Reservation, Lanesboro: 413-499-4262 Mount Greylock is the highest peak in Massachusetts. The reservation has an extensive trail network as well as a road to the summit. Bascom Lodge provides overnight accommodations 413-743-1591 3. Mount Sugarloaf in Deerfield: The north peak is accessible only by foot. The south peak is accessible by car. Both provide views of the Connecticut River Valley and Berkshire hills to the west. 4. Monroe State Forest: 413-339-5504 For those that like to get off the beaten path. Includes trail network and scenic overlook.

For driving: Other scenic drives include: East River Road (Chester/Worthington) Skyline Trail(Hinsdale to Huntington) Shelburne Falls Rd (Conway) Route 57 Southwick to Great Barrington.