Summer is fading, and autumn air is welcoming one of the year’s most spectacular sights in the Poconos: fall foliage.

The official first day of fall is Sept. 22, but the leaves have already begun their transformation into vibrant hues, marking the start of a fantastic but fleeting display.

The best way to see the fall leaves is to plan ahead with the fall foliage forecast updated every Thursday through the end of October plus the easy-to-read forecast map that breaks things down by northern, central and southern regions.

The Poconos, renowned for its breathtaking foliage, has been a top destination for leaf peepers for years. Visitors and residents can immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty of the season’s vibrant colors.

Current fall color is mostly shades of red from red maples and sumac.

In open fields and along roadsides, goldenrod is currently in bloom, adding a bright yellow color to the landscape.

Expect to see some sugar maples starting to change this week, revealing a range of colors from soft brown to bright orange. The projected date range for peak color is Oct. 8 through 14.

The central color zone encompasses southern Wayne, Pike and northern Monroe counties. A few trees are showing scattered color, but that is primarily a stress response.

With the projected cooler weather, expect pops of color to appear along the Pocono Plateau in the coming days. The birch trees are starting to turn yellow and the red maples are turning their characteristic red.

The projected date range for peak color is Oct. 8 through 14.

The southern color zone encompasses southern Monroe County and Carbon County, including Jim Thorpe fall foliage.

In some areas, huckleberry and spicebush are showing change in the understory. Black gum, black walnut and red maple trees are showing color in other areas, but the majority of leaves are still green.

The projected date range for peak color is Oct. 20 through 28.

“Fall is the best combination of beauty, festivals, outdoor recreation and that traditional hospitality the Poconos is so well known for,” said Chris Barrett, president/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “Be sure to plan ahead with the Fall Foliage Forecast and ensure you and your family and friends get the most out of a visit to the Pocono Mountains this fall.”

In addition to the fall foliage forecast map, visitors can browse special fall offers for overnight stays and view the foliage in real-time through live cameras. Midweek trips to the Poconos are recommended for more affordable prices and smaller crowds.

The forecast is subject to change and is dependent on the weather. Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at PoconoMountains.com or by phone at 570-421-5791.