It is that time of year when the days are getting shorter and the temperatures begin to fall. You know it won't be long until the trees begin to show off their bright colors.

But when are the typical peak time for leaf peeping in Kentucky's scenic spots? Well I have the answer for you!

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, the chlorophyll inside the leaves begins to break down. As that happens, we begin to see the colors that reside in the leaves all summer long. 

The lack of sunlight is the primary reason for the change in the colors, however weather does have an impact on the brightness of the colors. The combination of cool nights and warm, sunny days brings brighter and more vibrant colors. It also aids in the acceleration of the colors change.

Rainfall also has an effect as well. In years with adequate rainfall, the colors will also tend to be brighter in color. In drought situations, colors will appear more dull because the tree is stressed and is in survival mode.

So when are peak times in the great state of Kentucky so you can plan your leaf peeping spots now?

The higher elevations in the eastern part of the state will see the color change first since those areas tend to be a little cooler than southwest Kentucky. Peak colors in those areas are in mid-to-late October.

Central Kentucky sees its peak colors in late October and in some years it will hold off until early November. Far southwestern parts of the state sees its peak time in early November.

If you want to head out of the state, don't worry I have you covered. Here are typical peak color times around our region if you want to do some traveling.

• Red River Gorge
• Eagle Falls Trail
• Carter Caves State Resort Park
• Berea Pinnacles
• Cherokee Park
• Bad Branch Falls
• Jefferson Memorial Forest