I-49 drive from Alma to Fayetteville is amazing! Now considering NWA. (Little Rock: construction, Walmart)

[Luvvarkansas]

Originally Posted by justanokie

They do have aspens up there you know. Large stands that change color and put on quite a show. You would be hard pressed to match the contrast of red and yellow aspens, mixed with green pines and a blanket of white snow.

Yes, that's what I was saying....all I've ever seen in pictures of fall in the west is aspens...solid yellow. I've never seen any red ones, but I'm not saying it ain't so. (and I don't much like snow)

In Arkansas the fall colors are red, yellow, orange, gold, purple....and all possible shades of these colors (and probably more that I can't think of). Sugar maples can actually look like they are on fire, with yellow/orange flames on the outer part of the tree and glowing orange/red embers in the middle. The first ones to turn, sumacs, are usually blood red. The next to turn, black gum, is a purplish/red show. Those small maples that are usually at the edges of the woods by the roads always look like candy to me, there are so many different colors in them. And the gold of beech trees just can't be beat (they also have a special, glowing shade of green in spring, and even into summer). I just love a deciduous hardwood forest.

Add bright green moss on lovely boulders and sparkling, gurgling water to the fall foliage, and it actually makes my heart clench, it's so beautiful.

And I-49 between Ft. Smith and Fayetteville is a lovely drive, for an interstate.

[Luvvarkansas]

Originally Posted by jim9251

I also remember on old 71 there were signs at each entrance, giant yellow signs. Something to the effect 26 people have been killed on this highway, don't you be next. Still, one of the great fall drives in the USA.

Yep, it's hard to keep your eyes on the road at some places on old 71 between Van Buren and Fayetteville.

[justanokie]

Originally Posted by Luvvarkansas

Yes, that's what I was saying....all I've ever seen in pictures of fall in the west is aspens...solid yellow. I've never seen any red ones, but I'm not saying it ain't so. (and I don't much like snow)

In Arkansas the fall colors are red, yellow, orange, gold, purple....and all possible shades of these colors (and probably more that I can't think of). Sugar maples can actually look like they are on fire, with yellow/orange flames on the outer part of the tree and glowing orange/red embers in the middle. The first ones to turn, sumacs, are usually blood red. The next to turn, black gum, is a purplish/red show. Those small maples that are usually at the edges of the woods by the roads always look like candy to me, there are so many different colors in them. And the gold of beech trees just can't be beat (they also have a special, glowing shade of green in spring, and even into summer). I just love a deciduous hardwood forest.

Add bright green moss on lovely boulders and sparkling, gurgling water to the fall foliage, and it actually makes my heart clench, it's so beautiful.

And I-49 between Ft. Smith and Fayetteville is a lovely drive, for an interstate.

No doubt hardwoods throw off more colors. And thats why its popular to visit those areas during fall. I lived in CT for a while. Fall driving around NH, VT, MA, NY, CT and PA is amazing.

Here is a pic of some Rocky mountain fall





Maybe off track but my absolute fav tree, I discovered while I lived in CT. Copper Beech. Here is a summer and a fall pic. They make excellent shade trees. I have several planted and growing. They are deep copper to purple black color in spring/summer and in the fall they range from bright orange to a deep red.

[jim9251]

First pic is basically my backyard. Still I think old 71 is one of the prettiest drives in the country and northwest Arkansas one of the nicest most scenic.

[nmnita]

I don't know the difference between a palm tree and a redwood (well that isn't really true) but I can say, regardless of the type of tree, fall here is absolutely beautiful. Too bad it only lasts a couple of weeks.

[jim9251]

I also remember how the top of Boston Mountain was a thriving tourist area, climbed that tower many times. Sadly the interstate really hurt that area and last I went through there in 2009 most of the places were closed.

[Tyryztoll]

Well, we found out today we have the green light to pursue a move to NWA this spring! I applied at 2 hospitals immediately........prayers accepted from anyone who feels inclined! Very excited!

[JWG223]

Originally Posted by justanokie

No doubt hardwoods throw off more colors. And thats why its popular to visit those areas during fall. I lived in CT for a while. Fall driving around NH, VT, MA, NY, CT and PA is amazing.

Here is a pic of some Rocky mountain fall





Maybe off track but my absolute fav tree, I discovered while I lived in CT. Copper Beech. Here is a summer and a fall pic. They make excellent shade trees. I have several planted and growing. They are deep copper to purple black color in spring/summer and in the fall they range from bright orange to a deep red.

Very nice! All I have on my property are hardwoods (and some cedar, and 2 pine trees). However, I don't recall them being quite THAT pretty!

[Loveswater_outdoors]

Yea NWA is great, and very pretty, but that view of the Rockies is pretty much unbeatable. I am not a total homer as to admit that. However the cost of living in Colorado is also sky high...

[Tyryztoll]

We're in town this weekend scouting the area out. Did the drive out to Eureka Springs today......then down to Huntsville and back over to Springdale on 412. Amazing beauty.....and the sunset tonight was a special bonus.