Iowa’s seeing bumper crops this fall of corn, soybeans — and colorful autumn leaves. Leaf-watchers are cruising the state’s ten scenic byways, soaking in the sights. Troy Siefert, the Iowa D-O-T’s scenic byways coordinator, says the Hawkeye State has 12-hundred miles of designated byways that are perfect for such leisurely excursions. Siefert says the fall color is one of the most spectacular sights you’ll see, though the scenic byways also offer a variety of historic and cultural features. He says some people in more southern states have to drive hundreds of miles to see what many Iowans have in their back yards — the beautiful reds, oranges and yellows of fall. He says the color is peaking now in central Iowa although there are pockets of pretty areas in both northern and southern Iowa. The recent strong winds have ruined some colorful trees by blowing the leaves away but Siefert says there’s still plenty of good color left. Siefert says this coming weekend may be among the best for leaf-watching in central Iowa, though the color show could very well last into November.Consult the Iowa Department of Transportation’s website at: “www.dot.state.ia.us” and click on the “Iowa Autumn Pages” for more details on when and where to go.