If you're dying to catch the autumn tree colours, terrified you might have missed the moment, well, stop. Don't panic. The US Fall Color Hotline is here to avert any leaf-induced disasters.

The what hotline? Surely, only in America, the country that practically invented the hospitality industry, could such a service exist?

A quick call will connect you to an automated menu giving up-to-date foliage reports across the US. Select which region you want to visit, and you'll receive advice on peak foliage viewing times, scenic drives and other fall activities.

And this is detailed stuff – timings are pinpointed to each weekend and locations are narrowed down to individual highways, towns and local landmarks. So you'll be ready to spring into action when you hear the words, "This is probably the last weekend to see any decent fall colours. Remember to bring a camera and have a great viewing week … "

· The Forest Service's Fall Color Hotline, +1-800-354-4595 (free within the US).