Last weekend, my family and I took a little mini-vacation. As we were driving down the freeway, I kept remarking how amazing the leaves on the trees just popped against the cloudy skies. As we drove on M-50 through Dundee and into Monroe, Mich., I wondered, will these still be like this next weekend? What about the weekend after that? Is this the peak of the colors? I found out that Verizon Wireless, my cell phone carrier, recommends apps to get an idea of when the leaves will change and where the colors are throughout the area near you.
I downloaded Foliage Leaf Paper, a free app for both Android and iOS (iPhone and iPad). It quickly loaded a color coded map based on my GPS location. When I clicked on my area, it asked me to gauge the leaves around me. I could pick from turning, moderate, peak and fading. Users can also add foliage reports by posting photos and writing comments. I even looked at a location we are visiting in a few weeks for a weekend camping trip. I hope they hold out.
There are some other apps as well.
Audubon Trees ($4.99):
- Audubon Trees—A Field Guide to North American Trees can help any leaf peeper become a tree and leaf expert.
- This apps lets users browse and identify trees and leaves by shape, family and name, and comes with an advanced search option.
- Once a user has identified the shape, users can find specific leaves and read all about it.
- Users can then share findings on Facebook, and even report the sighting in the app.
- Available on iPhone, iPad and Android.
InnTouch Bed and Breakfast Locator (free):
- This app offers thousands of bed and breakfast options for those looking for a quaint place to stay during their leaf peeping trip.
- Offers detailed information on each property with photos.
- Helps users locate inns around them, or offers search function by city and state.
- Provides instant access to contact the inn for reservations.
- Available on iPhone and iPad.