As we get closer to the magic of October colors, Vermilion County Conservation District Environmental Education Supervisor Lara Danzl says the recent weather is a good recipe.  According to Danzi,“If we continue to have these weather conditions; with the cooler nights, warm days, and rain coming in every so many days, we should have beautiful fall foliage.” 

When will the fall colors peak?

Depending upon fall temperatures and rain conditions, the peak foliage time in Vermilion County and Central Illinois is usually the second and third weeks of October.  

Look at a recent year’s fall foliage along Aiden’s Pond in Vermilion County’s Kennekuk County Park near Danville. 

From the air.

The great thing about this area is the variety of places you can go to get a great view.

“If you climb up the observation tower at Forest Glen Preserve, you’re going to get a bird’s eye view of the Vermilion River Valley with all the beautiful colors,” says Danzi.

Check out this map to see where the tower is located.

This observation tower (left) at the Forest Glen Preserve gives you a chance to view the Vermilion River valley (right). Just imagine all the colors that will be in this picture soon!  

From your car.

“In addition,” Danzl continued, “there’s the North Fork River in Heron County Park.  When you drive over the bridge the reflection of the fall colors along that river are just gorgeous. 

“Then there are Lake Mingo (in Kennekuk Park) and Lake Vermilion (in Danville).  You’ll get gorgeous colors along the shorelines of those lakes, with once again, color reflecting off the water.”  

On a hike.

You can’t beat Vermilion County for gorgeous fall hiking trails like Lookout Point Trail in Kennekuk County Park.  It’s a moderate level hiking trail about 1 mile long. 

Fall leaf fun facts to impress your friends.

Vermilion County also has Kickapoo State Park. Danzl says Vermilion County is the perfect place for the “rules of Mother Nature” to be seen.  And the number one rule, Danzl reminds us, is that those wonderful colors are ALWAYS THERE.  It just takes the major of autumn for us to see them. 

“The orange and yellow colors we see in the fall are actually inside the tree leaves year-round. The reason why we do not see the typical fall colors in the summer is due to the high levels of green chlorophyll pigments that are dominant inside the leaves.  During the summer, chlorophyll is so plentiful and active that it covers all the other colors found in the leaves. 

“But, when our daylight hours begin to shorten, with the sun setting earlier and rising later, the tree begins to slow down the photosynthesis process. The cooler temperatures are also an indicator to the trees that summer is coming to a close. The chlorophyll breaks down so the green color disappears, and the vibrant fall colors become visible.” 

Share your fall photos with us!

If you head out to see some fall color and take some pics, make sure you use #justaroamaway and tag @justaroamaway on Facebook and Instagram.  One of your photos may be featured on our social media.