Leaf peeping

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Red maple leaves in autumn

Autumn colors in a New England-Acadian forest (Gile Mountain, Vermont)

Leaves in The Poconos. Photo: Mark F. Peterson

Leaf peeping is an autumn activity in areas where foliage changes colors. 'Leaf peepers' are those who participate in photographing and viewing the fall foliage.

"Leafing" is a tricky prospect because in numerous areas, the leaves are only visible for a limited number of weeks. Arizona's displays, though stunning, are only in their prime for a three-week period, on average.

The term "leaf peeping" made an appearance in "And It's Surely To Their Credit," an episode of The West Wing which originally aired on November 1, 2000. President Bartlet, during one of many attempts at recording his weekly radio address says, "This month, as autumn is in full bloom in much of the nation, the weekends will be devoted by many of you to leaf peeping and foot....Leaf peeping? Is that something we do now?"

Peaks of the Franconia Range of the White Mountains as viewed from Loon Mountain resort after an October snowfall, looking to the north. From left to right, the named peaks are Big Coolidge Mountain, Hardwood Ridge, Whaleback Mountain, and Potash Knob.

Fall foliage peak times in the United States

A reference to the practice was made in "Lethal Weapons", an episode of "Family Guy". In it, obnoxious New York tourists visiting to see fall leaves are prejoratively referred to as "leafers".