Even the most avid sun worshipers are now ready to dig out their long- sleeved shirts and begin planning driving tours and favorite outdoor activities around the changing of the leaves. But predicting fall color is no easier than forecasting the weather. That's why the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism has a network of fall color spotters in every region who have volunteered to supply weekly updates. You can also order a fall Arkansas Vacation Planning Kit by calling either of these numbers. Specific areas and highways are identified when possible.
Many people wonder what causes the leaves to begin changing color in the fall.
Contrary to popular belief, frost does not trigger this transformation. Most of the time, the first heavy frost does not occur until the period of color is nearly over. As The World Turns Leaves serve as factories where the tree's food is made. Chlorophyll gives leaves their green color. It uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, water and other nutrients from the soil to provide the tree with food.