Foliage peaking in part of region this weekend

Peak and near-peak foliage is spreading throughout the Catskills region, according to the Empire State Development Division of Tourism.

Spotters reporting from Catskill in Greene County and nearby areas above 2,000 feet are expecting peak foliage this weekend, with nearly 100 percent of the leaves changed to shades of red, orange, yellow and burgundy, the tourism division said.

In Ulster County, leaf peeping is expected to be rewarding at Belleayre Mountain in Highmount. Foliage will be at peak there, with bright shades of red, orange and yellow.

Kingston foliage spotters predict 40 percent color transition and leaves at the midpoint of change this weekend. Spotters are starting to see a variation in color, with many orange, yellow and red leaves appearing.

In Columbia County spotters reporting from Hudson predict 45 to 55 percent color change this weekend, with yellow, gold, orange and some red leaves of average brilliance.

Poughkeepsie-based spotters in Dutchess County expect 50 percent color change this weekend, with average to bright red, orange and yellow leaves. The northern portion of the county will be at the midpoint of change, while the rest of the county will be in the early stages.

Foliage changed dramatically over the past week in Delaware County and will be near its peak this weekend, with nearly 75 percent color change and average shades of yellow, orange and red, along with some light green.

Southeast Sullivan County spotters reporting from Forestburgh expect foliage to be at the midpoint this weekend, with 50 percent color change and splashes of gold, pumpkin and wine, along with a little red. Spotters reporting from Ferndale expect leaves to be at the midpoint of change, with 30 percent color transition and average to bright red and purple leaves.