There is something special about the arrival of autumn in Sullivan County.

Today, the fall equinox marks the turning point between summer and winter, when daylight hours and nighttime are nearly equal. Daylight hours will continue growing shorter [until December 21], with cool mornings and the familiar colors of fall slowly beginning to appear across our hills and valleys.

We have long been a destination for “leaf peepers,” who seek out the trees lining our roadways and hiking trails.

According to the I Love NY Fall Foliage Report, the Catskills region is currently at “just changing” in terms of the colors of the leaves.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts “peak” color to hit around mid-October. That seems a little late to us, as we usually see peak at the very beginning of October. I guess we will see if the trusty Almanac is right this time!

Autumn also brings a change in the rhythm of life. Summer vacations are behind us, children are back in school, harvest season is underway and communities begin looking toward the holidays and the colder months ahead.

By many accounts, the fall harvest is bountiful this year, particularly apples. The mighty Oak trees are also laden heavy with acorns, a possible sign of a tough winter to follow.

Enjoy the harvest and celebrate our agricultural community at this weekend’s Farm Fest at Hilly Acres Farm in Jeffersonville—held on Saturday, September 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spend an autumn day enjoying everything that makes this time of year special: hayrides, local food, demonstrations, activities and more.

Soon enough, the leaves will fall and winter will arrive. But for now, we have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful times of year in Sullivan County.