Early Fall Colors
Autumn is a Colorful Season in the Northern Sierra
The fall colors are showing up early this year in the Northern Sierra foothills.
In Nevada City and Grass Valley, home to some of the Golden State's best fall colors, tones of yellow, orange and red are beginning to paint Victorian neighborhoods and surrounding hillsides.
“The leaves are really starting to change,” said Cathy Whittlesey, executive manager of the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce. “It's a few weeks earlier than usual. I think we'll have great color through mid-November.”
Whittlesey said her office is already receiving fall color inquiries from autumn travelers. Visitors are invited to call ahead for day-to-day observations on local color and other travel information.. The chamber may be reached at (530) 265-2692 or (800) 655-NJOY.
With outstanding Gold Rush history and wide choices in lodging, dining and wine tasting, the Nevada City-Grass Valley area is one of California's best areas to view autumn foliage. The brightest fall colors are located in the old-fashioned Victorian neighborhoods surrounding the downtown historic districts where century-old Red Maple trees stand in testament to the early pioneers who planted them.
Museums, galleries, the 800-acre Empire Mine State Historic Park, hiking and biking trails and nearby lakes and rivers are among the local attractions. Lodging choices include historic and resort hotels and more than a dozen quaint bed and breakfast inns. The surrounding area features several wineries; Grass Valley and Nevada City each feature three downtown tasting rooms.
Nevada City and Grass Valley are located 60 miles northeast of Sacramento. From the capital, take eastbound Interstate 80 to Auburn and then drive north on Highway 49. From Reno, take westbound I-80 and State Scenic Route 20; a pleasant, 80-mile ride.
For visitor information, call the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce at (530) 265-2692 (toll-free, 1-800-655-NJOY), or the Grass Valley/Nevada County Chamber of Commerce at (530) 273-4667 or 1-800- 655-4667.
