Fall officially gets underway with the autumnal equinox, the date in September when hours of day and night are roughly equal. Here are the dates for the first day of fall for 2009 through 2012:
Autumnal Equinox Dates
September 22, 2009
September 22, 2010
September 23, 2011
September 22, 2012
Of course, just because the calendar says it's the first day of fall doesn't necessarily mean that New England will experience fall temperatures--nor fall colors--on that date. There are many natural factors that influence the progression of the fall foliage season. Learn a bit about why leaves change color, and, if you're hoping to see spectacular autumn hues, these tips on how to see fall foliage at its peak will help you time a trip so that the odds are stacked in your favor. Hint: The first day of fall is probably too early in the season to see strong color anywhere but the northernmost regions of New England.
