September 22 may have marked the first day of autumn and baristas everywhere may be making pumpkin spice lattes at an alarming rate, but Newtown has not hit its peak for feeling like fall just yet.For more information about the Newtown Forest Association properties that can be visited to see fall foliage, visit newtownforestassociation.org.

That is because New England's highly sought-after fall foliage will not have its optimum seasonal coloring until about mid-October.

Newtown resident Dan Dalton is a member of Newtown Forest Association, in charge of many private properties around town that are available for the public to enjoy.

The goal, he says, of the nonprofit group is to "preserve, conserve, and manage forest land in Newtown."

With more than 100 properties, totaling 1,000-plus acres, Mr Dalton says that there are plenty of places residents can go to see Newtown's fall foliage that are open from sunrise to sunset.

One of the most popular spots in town is Nettleton Preserve, as it boasts some breath-taking views of Main Street.

While sitting on the wooden bench atop Castle Hill Road, people can spot iconic town landmarks like the flagpole, Trinity Church, Newtown Congregational Church, and Edmond Town Hall. Beyond the tops of those buildings is a horizon full of rolling hills and all kinds of trees as far as the eye can see.

The former apple orchard has 26 acres of hiking trails and makes for an adventurous walk exploring, or a leisurely rest stop to take in the sights on the bench atop the hill.

Those looking to discover, or rediscover, more of Newtown's natural beauty this fall season need to venture to Holcombe Hill.

Located at 55 Great Hill Road, there are 86 acres filled with trails and fields. The most spectacular view, however, can be seen from the highest point of the hilltop, which is at an elevation of 830 feet above sea level.

From that far up, people can see a 360-degree horizon filled with trees from not just Newtown, but also all the surrounding towns. There are benches scattered across the property and a picturesque white gazebo, making for perfect places to take in the tranquil fall season sights.

Another place Newtown Forest Association maintains that makes for an excellent place to observe the autumn foliage is the Brunot Preserve.

With its entrance at 124 Taunton Hill Road, the Brunot Preserve has 76 acres that border a 74-acre parcel of land the Town of Bethel acquired and preserves as open space.

Much of Brunot Preserve is a wooded forest with a trail system that stretches across streams, meadows, and rolling hills.

Mr Dalton explained that it makes for an aesthetically pleasing place to observe the autumn colors, as light shines down on different areas in the forest each time, allowing for hikers to see new beauty uncovered every visit.

What Makes Leaves Change Colors In The First Place?

Many witness the wonder of the autumn season - watching once rich, green leaves transform into shades of reds, purples, browns, and yellows - but few know exactly what causes the leaves to change color.

Dan Dalton explained it has to do with the different components in the tree's leaves.

The reason leaves are a shade of green in the first place is because of chlorophyll and photosynthesis.

"Chlorophyll is the compound that takes energy from sunlight and turns it into food. It is the key ingredient in photosynthesis and is green," Mr Dalton said. "As we get into the fall, the sun gets lower and lower, the days get shorter, and the angle of the sun changes… as it does this, the chlorophyll starts to break down and photosynthesis starts to slow down as the trees get ready to go dormant."

Without optimal sunlight, chlorophyll cannot be replenished all the time so the leaves become less green. When this happens, other components in the leaf come through more and create a change in coloring.

"One of the other pigments that are in most leaves is keratin, a yellow coloring. As the green breaks down, the yellow becomes more apparent," Mr Dalton said, adding local trees known for their yellow leaves are birches and hickories.

What causes the red and purple shades in leaves is a component called anthocyanin, which is found in red maple and tupelo tree leaves.

When the leaves change colors, though, the tree also forms a little layer called the "abscission layer" on the stem of each leaf.

"Basically, it's the leaf being cut off from the tree. The tree is sealing over where it used to have a pipeline going from the photosynthesis through the stem to the tree," Mr Dalton said.

Without that connection, the leaf will eventually be blown off the tree and fall to the ground in a sea of colorful autumn leaves.