Peck Pond, Pulaski State Park
Northwest Rhode Island, Rhode Island · 515 ft
A 13-acre pond ringed by red maple swamp that turns deep red a week before the surrounding oak uplands. The loop trail keeps water on one side the whole way, so the reflection can be worked from several angles in one morning.
Typical peak
Oct 9 – Oct 17
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Crowds
low
Rarely busy. You will likely have the spot to yourself at dawn.
Getting there
Park at the Pulaski State Park beach lot on Pulaski Road, about half a mile off RI 44 in Chepachet.
What turns here
- red maple
- scarlet oak
- black birch
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 13Typical color progression for Peck Pond, Pulaski State Park. No change from Sep 5 to Sep 22. First color from Sep 22 to Oct 1. Approaching peak from Oct 1 to Oct 9. Peak from Oct 9 to Oct 17. Past peak from Oct 17 to Oct 27. Bare from Oct 27 to Nov 10.
Color starts around Sep 22.
Light at peak
Peck Pond, Pulaski State Park on October 13, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:29 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 100° | 6:57 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 7:34 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:33 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 5:32 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 260° | 6:09 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:37 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 13m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.