Want to take in the sights of fall in Delaware? Here's where you can go

It’s that time of year again. School’s in full session, the weather’s getting cooler – and the leaves are starting to change color.

While autumn has just begun, many Delawareans have already started to see their trees burst into bright shades of red, orange and gold, with the First State is scheduled to hit its peak foliage by early October .

Here are some of the best places you can see the leaves changing in Delaware this season.

Best places to see fall leaves in Delaware

According to the Visit Delaware website, the top places to see fall leaves include Bellevue State Park near Wilmington; Killens Pond State Park near Felton; and Trap Pond State Park near Laurel.

Visitors can also walk through and experience the natural beauty of the season at the botanical garden Mt. Cuba Center near Hockessin.

Upcoming events at the center this fall include the Fall Gardening Saturday , scheduled for Oct. 26.

Many also recommend taking a fall-themed hike through trails in Blackbird State Forest near Smyrna, Brandywine Creek Park near Wilmington, Lums Pond State Park near Bear, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Milton and White Clay Creek State Park near Newark.

Where else can you see the leaves changing?

If you’re looking to take in the beauty of fall from the comfort of your own car, The Moorings at Lewes recommends taking a drive down the Delaware Scenic Coastal Highway or the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway .

Take a hike: Best, underrated hiking trails in Delaware to explore this fall

Visit Delaware also suggests taking a fall foliage trip down the Nanticoke Heritage Byway near Seaford – or, if you’re in the mood for a picturesque steam train ride through Red Clay Valley, hop on board the Wilmington & Western Railroad .

Along with passing through state parks, many notable locations like Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library , the Nemours Estate near Wilmington and Old New Castle also provide passers-by breathtaking views of fall colors.

What is fall foliage?

According to Old Farmer’s Almanac , “fall foliage” is that time of year when leaves start changing color, going from a vibrant green to shades of red, orange, yellow, brown and even purple.

As the weather begins to cool, and the nights become longer and the days shorter, biochemical processes inside the leaves begin to cause the change in their colors, according to the U.S. Forest Service .

Certain trees also produce certain colors of leaves . For example, oak trees have red, russet or brown leaves, while dogwood trees tend to have purplish-red leaves.

When will the leaves change color this year?

According to the almanac, First Staters could expect to see the leaves changing around Sept. 25 and continue through Nov. 26.

Residents of New Castle County can expect to be the first to experience fall colors this year, followed by Kent and Sussex counties.

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. Reach her at omontes@delawareonline.com .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Want to take in the sights of fall in Delaware? Here's where you can go