Experience Fall Colors at Land Between the Lakes

Land Between the Lakes, KY/TN – With more than 151,000 acres of primarily hardwood forest, Land Between the Lakes is the perfect place to enjoy autumn colors.

The public is encouraged to drive the public access roads, or hike, bike, ride on horseback or ATVs, on hundreds of miles of designated trails while enjoying the cooler days and changing seasons.

“Temperature, light, and water supply trigger the natural process that cause leaves to turn from green to the stunning display of colors seen during the fall,” says Yvonne Helton, Silviculturist at Land Between the Lakes. “These factors also influence the degree and duration of fall colors. The timing of the color changes varies by species. Blackgums and sumacs usually turn first. Tulip poplars, sweetgums, sassafras, and maples follow soon after. Oak leaves turn last, long after other species have already shed their leaves.”

Certain colors of leaves are characteristic of particular species. Blackgums, sumacs, and Virginia creepers turn bright shades of red; sassafras turns a brilliant orange; tulip poplars and hickories turn shades of yellow; oaks turn red, brown, or russet; while maples and sweetgums display the most vibrant colors including fiery reds, yellows, and oranges.

Photographs depicting fall color at Land Between the Lakes are available for download on Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lblkytn/albums under Fall Colors. For detailed information on the progress of autumn color displays across the country, visit the U.S. Forest Service Fall Colors website at http://www.fs.fed.us/fallcolors/2016/index.shtml

To find more information about Land Between the Lakes, log on to the official website at www.landbetweenthelakes.us or call 1.800.LBL.7077 or 270.924.2000.