Fall foliagepeak tracker 2026
Where is fall color peaking right now?
No official report has come in for fall foliage yet this season. Next to start: Escudilla Mountain, Aroostook Refuge and Lost Horse Canyon, usually from Oct 1.
Updated Sep 28.
This week across the US
30%
of 280 volunteer sites show color (typical: 39%)
12%
of trees half colored in Massachusetts, the most of any state
33
places enter their usual window in the next 10 days
Across 280 USA-NPN volunteer sites in the week to Sep 26, 30% show some color (8% at half or more), 9 points less than a typical year for this week (39%). Most trees half colored or more: Massachusetts (12%), Maine (11%) and Maryland (10%). Coming into their usual window in the next 10 days: 33 places, among them Escudilla Mountain, Aroostook Refuge and Blue Ridge Parkway.
Every volunteer site, this fall
Where the color is, week by week
200 volunteer sites this week
- Green
- Yellow
- Orange
- Red
- Brown, leaves down
This year so far: only weeks that have happened, the latest counted up to Sep 28. Each dot is a volunteer site that reported that week (USA-NPN), colored by what its trees looked like. Official reports are on the live map and place pages. Data: USA National Phenology Network (CC BY 4.0).
State guides
- ColoradoNo report yet · 5 places in their usual window6 places →
- MaineNo report yet · 1 place in their usual window13 places →
- MichiganNo report yet · 2 places in their usual window3 places →
- MinnesotaNo report yet · 2 places in their usual window4 places →
- New HampshireNo report yet · first places usually from Oct 45 places →
- North CarolinaNo report yet · first places usually from Oct 13 places →
- TennesseeNo report yet · first places usually from Oct 14 places →
- VermontNo report yet · 8 places in their usual window10 places →
- VirginiaNo report yet · first places usually from Oct 84 places →
- WisconsinNo report yet · first places usually from Oct 54 places →
Places by state
California
- Kaiser Pass RoadIn its usual window
Local timing: Sep 25–Nov 30
- YosemiteStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–31
- Hat Creek RimStarts in ~4 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Mount ShastaStarts in ~4 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
ColoradoState guide →
- Great Sand DunesIn its usual window
Usually Sep 21–Oct 10
- Guanella PassIn its usual window
Regional timing: Sep 1–30
- Maroon BellsIn its usual window
Usually Sep 21–30
- Rocky MountainIn its usual window
Local timing: Sep 1–Oct 31
- San Juan SkywayIn its usual window
Usually Sep 11–Oct 20
- Black CanyonStarts in 10 days
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
Georgia
- F.D. Roosevelt State ParkIn its usual window
Usually September and November
Idaho
- Lemhi PassIn its usual window
Local timing: Sep 21–Oct 31
Iowa
- Backbone State ParkIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Effigy MoundsIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Lacey-Keosauqua State ParkIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Ledges State ParkIn its usual window
Usually September and November
MaineState guide →
- Katahdin Woods and WatersIn its usual window
Local timing: Sep 1–Oct 15
- Aroostook RefugeStarts in 3 days
Usually Oct 1–10
- Aroostook State ParkStarts in 10 days
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Bradbury Mountain State ParkStarts in 10 days
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Camden Hills State ParkStarts in 10 days
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Ferry Beach State ParkStarts in 10 days
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Grafton Notch State ParkStarts in 10 days
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Lily Bay State ParkStarts in 10 days
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Mount Blue State ParkStarts in 10 days
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Rangeley Lake State ParkStarts in 10 days
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- AcadiaStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–20
- Moosehorn RefugeStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–20
- Rachel Carson RefugeStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–20
MichiganState guide →
- Hiawatha National ForestIn its usual window
Local timing: Sep 21–30
- Pictured RocksIn its usual window
Usually Sep 24–Oct 10
- Au Sable RiverStarts in 3 days
Local timing: Oct 1–31
MinnesotaState guide →
- Chippewa National ForestIn its usual window
Usually Sep 17–30
- Mississippi River, Minneapolis–St. PaulIn its usual window
Usually Sep 24–Oct 7
- Superior National ForestStarts in 10 days
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- VoyageursSeason over
Local timing: Sep 11–20
Montana
- GlacierIn its usual window
Local timing: Sep 11–Oct 20
- Lost Horse CanyonStarts in 3 days
Regional timing: Oct 1–31
New Mexico
- Valles CalderaIn its usual window
Local timing: Sep 1–Nov 30
- Hyde Park RoadStarts in 3 days
Usually Oct 1–7
South Carolina
- Caesars HeadIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Devils ForkIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Jones GapIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Kings MountainIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Oconee State ParkIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Paris MountainIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Table RockIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Congaree National ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Usually Oct 21–Nov 10
South Dakota
- Spearfish CanyonIn its usual window
Local timing: Sep 1–30
Utah
- Bryce CanyonIn its usual window
Regional timing: Sep 11–Oct 31
- Capitol ReefIn its usual window
Regional timing: Sep 11–Oct 31
- Cedar BreaksIn its usual window
Regional timing: Sep 11–Oct 31
- ZionStarts in ~3 weeks
Usually Oct 21–Nov 10
VermontState guide →
- Green Mountain National ForestIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Jay PeakIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- KillingtonIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Lake WilloughbyIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- ManchesterIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Smugglers’ NotchIn its usual window
Statewide timing: Sep 15–Oct 15
- StoweIn its usual window
Statewide timing: Sep 15–Oct 15
- WoodstockIn its usual window
Statewide timing: Sep 15–Oct 15
- Missisquoi RefugeStarts in 3 days
Usually Oct 1–10
- Nulhegan BasinStarts in 3 days
Usually Oct 1–10
Washington
- Mount RainierIn its usual window
Local timing: Sep 1–30
- Washington PassIn its usual window
Usually Sep 21–Oct 10
- Mountain Loop HighwayStarts in ~4 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Wind RiverStarts in ~4 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
West Virginia
- Babcock State ParkIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Blackwater Falls State ParkIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Cacapon Resort State ParkIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Canaan ValleyIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Canaan Valley RefugeIn its usual window
Usually Sep 21–30
- Cass Scenic RailroadIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Coopers Rock State ForestIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Hawks Nest State ParkIn its usual window
Usually September and November
- Ohio River Islands RefugeStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–20
Wyoming
- YellowstoneIn its usual window
Local timing: Sep 1–Oct 31
Arizona
- Cave Creek CanyonStarts in 3 days
Local timing: Oct 1–Nov 30
- Escudilla MountainStarts in 3 days
Usually Oct 1–7
- San Francisco PeaksStarts in 3 days
Usually Oct 1–31
Kentucky
- Cumberland GapStarts in 3 days
Local timing: Oct 1–31
- Mammoth CaveStarts in ~3 weeks
Local timing: Oct 21–31
- Daniel Boone National ForestStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
New York
- Iroquois RefugeStarts in 3 days
Local timing: Oct 1–10
- Allegany State ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Bear Mountain and West PointStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Finger Lakes National ForestStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- IthacaStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Lake GeorgeStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Lake PlacidStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Letchworth State ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- New York CityStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Niagara FallsStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- North-South LakeStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Saratoga SpringsStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Thousand IslandsStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Western CatskillsStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
North CarolinaState guide →
- Blue Ridge ParkwayStarts in 3 days
Usually Oct 1–31
- Nantahala National ForestStarts in ~2 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Pisgah National ForestStarts in ~2 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
TennesseeState guide →
- Great Smoky MountainsStarts in 3 days
Usually Oct 1–Nov 10
- Cherokee National ForestStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–Nov 10
- Natchez Trace ParkwayStarts in 13 days
Local timing: Oct 11–31
- Big South ForkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
New HampshireState guide →
- Crawford Notch and Zealand ValleyStarts in 6 days
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Pinkham NotchStarts in 6 days
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Waterville ValleyStarts in 6 days
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- White Mountain National ForestStarts in 6 days
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Great Bay RefugeStarts in 13 days
Local timing: Oct 11–20
WisconsinState guide →
- Apostle IslandsStarts in 7 days
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Chequamegon-NicoletStarts in 7 days
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- LakewoodStarts in 7 days
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Saint Croix RiverwayStarts in 7 days
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
Pennsylvania
- Allegheny National ForestStarts in 10 days
At one spot: Oct 8–14
- Erie RefugeStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–20
- Cherry Valley RefugeStarts in ~3 weeks
Usually Oct 21–31
- Bald Eagle State ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Black Moshannon State ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Cook Forest State ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Delaware Water GapStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Hyner View State ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Kinzua Bridge State ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Laurel HighlandsStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Laurel Hill State ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Little Pine State ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Ohiopyle State ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Pine Creek GorgeStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Sinnemahoning State ParkStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
VirginiaState guide →
- ShenandoahStarts in 10 days
Usually Oct 8–21
- George Washington and JeffersonStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–31
- Great Dismal Swamp RefugeStarts in ~3 weeks
Local timing: Oct 21–31
- Occoquan Bay RefugeStarts in ~3 weeks
Local timing: Oct 21–31
Connecticut
- McKinney RefugeStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–31
Indiana
- Indiana DunesStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–20
- Hoosier National ForestStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
Massachusetts
- Assabet River RefugeStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–20
- Fort River DivisionStarts in 13 days
Usually Oct 11–20
- Parker River RefugeStarts in 13 days
Local timing: Oct 11–31
Mississippi
- Natchez Trace Parkway, MississippiStarts in ~2 weeks
Local timing: Oct 15–Nov 20
Ohio
- Cuyahoga ValleyStarts in ~2 weeks
Usually Oct 15–21
Alabama
- Little River CanyonStarts in ~3 weeks
Usually Oct 21–Nov 10
- DeSoto State ParkStarts in ~5 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by early November
- Talladega National ForestStarts in ~5 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by early November
Maryland
- Patuxent Research RefugeStarts in ~3 weeks
Usually Oct 21–31
- AntietamStarts in ~4 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Catoctin MountainStarts in ~4 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Fort Frederick State ParkStarts in ~4 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Gambrill State ParkStarts in ~4 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Greenbrier State ParkStarts in ~4 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
Oregon
- McKenzie PassStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Mt. HoodStarts in ~3 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
Illinois
- Shawnee National ForestStarts in ~4 weeks
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
Texas
- Guadalupe MountainsStarts in ~4 weeks
Usually Oct 25–Nov 7
- Big Thicket National PreserveStarts in ~8 weeks
Usually Nov 21–Dec 10
Nevada
- Great BasinSeason over
Local timing: Sep 8–21
See two in one trip
George Washington and Jefferson + Blue Ridge Parkway + Great Smoky Mountains + Congaree National Park
Usually overlapping: Oct 21–31
- George Washington and JeffersonOct 11–31
- Blue Ridge Parkway, North CarolinaOct 1–31
- Great Smoky Mountains, TennesseeOct 1–Nov 10
- Congaree National Park, South CarolinaOct 21–Nov 10
George Washington and Jefferson → Blue Ridge Parkway (about 75 mi) → Great Smoky Mountains (about 65 mi) → Congaree National Park (about 200 mi). Straight-line miles; roads are longer.
Erie Refuge + Cuyahoga Valley + Ohio River Islands Refuge + Shenandoah
Usually overlapping: Oct 15–20
Erie Refuge → Cuyahoga Valley (about 85 mi) → Ohio River Islands Refuge (about 130 mi) → Shenandoah (about 160 mi). Straight-line miles; roads are longer.
Rachel Carson Refuge + Assabet River Refuge + Fort River Division + McKinney Refuge
Usually overlapping: Oct 11–20
- Rachel Carson RefugeOct 11–20
- Assabet River RefugeOct 11–20
- Fort River DivisionOct 11–20
- McKinney RefugeOct 11–31
Rachel Carson Refuge → Assabet River Refuge (about 85 mi) → Fort River Division (about 60 mi) → McKinney Refuge (about 75 mi). Straight-line miles; roads are longer.
Aroostook Refuge + Nulhegan Basin + Missisquoi Refuge
Usually overlapping: Oct 1–10
Aroostook Refuge → Nulhegan Basin (about 235 mi) → Missisquoi Refuge (about 70 mi). Straight-line miles; roads are longer.
San Juan Skyway + Escudilla Mountain + San Francisco Peaks
Usually overlapping: Oct 1–7
San Juan Skyway → Escudilla Mountain (about 275 mi) → San Francisco Peaks (about 175 mi). Straight-line miles; roads are longer.
Cherokee National Forest + Little River Canyon
Usually overlapping: Oct 21–Nov 10
Cherokee National Forest → Little River Canyon (about 110 mi). Straight-line miles; roads are longer.
Know before you go
- San Francisco Peaks
Usually Oct 1–31
- Getting around: Snowbowl Road: Paved, 7,342 to 9,514 ft; scenic lift rides at the top in fall
- Getting around: Kachina Trail: 5.2 miles through aspen groves; starts at the Snowbowl parking lot
- Timing tip: Inner Basin Trail: 3.9 miles into the old caldera, gold with aspens in early fall
- Open: Pine Flat Campground open (Oak Creek Canyon) (Apr–Oct)
- Top spot: Schultz Pass Road: Gravel forest road with colorful aspens in fall
Sources (5)
- US Forest Service, Snowbowl Scenic Drive ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Kachina Trail No. 150 ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Inner Basin Trail No. 29 ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Pine Flat Campground (Oak Creek Canyon) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Schultz Pass Road Scenic Drive ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Iroquois Refuge
Local timing: Oct 1–10
- Closures: Off-trail areas closed for nesting (Mar–Sep)
- Is there a fee: No. The refuge, visitor center and programs are all free.
- Can I bring my dog: Yes, on a leash no longer than 10 feet; only service animals may go inside the visitor center.
- Getting around: Headquarters (HQ) Nature Trail: 1.1-mile accessible gravel loop from the Visitor Center through grassland, woods and marsh, lined with goldenrod
- Top spot: Kanyoo Nature Trail: Two short loops off Route 77, with a marsh platform and a boardwalk at Mohawk Pool
Sources (3)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge frequently asked questions ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Missisquoi Refuge
Usually Oct 1–10
- Are the trails open during hunting season: Not all of them. Every trail closes during the rifle and muzzleloader deer seasons except the Black Creek & Maquam Creek trail, and deer and waterfowl seasons bring advisories on some trails. The refuge's phone line, (802) 868-4781, has the latest.
- Getting around: Stephen J. Young Marsh Trail: 1.25-mile loop from a freshwater wetland into the woods, with raised boardwalks
- Getting around: Discovery Trail: 1-mile loop from the refuge headquarters past ponds and fields into the woods
- Open: Mac's Bend Road open to cars (Sep–Dec)
- Top spot: Mac's Bend Road: 2-mile round trip on a gravel road by the river; eagles and osprey nest in the floodplain forest; open to cars September–December
- Nulhegan Basin
Usually Oct 1–10
- Is the visitor station open every day: Yes, the Nulhegan Basin visitor contact station is open all year, 365 days, with exhibits and restrooms.
- Getting around: Nulhegan Basin Overlook: Panoramic view of the basin, a short accessible walk from the visitor contact station on VT Route 105 in Brunswick
- Getting around: Lewis Pond Boardwalk: 275-foot accessible boardwalk through mature cedars to a platform facing Lewis Pond and Gore Mountain
- Getting around: Nulhegan River Trail: 1-mile loop from the visitor station's granite overlook down to the river and back
- Top spot: Lewis Pond Overlook: Wide vista over the basin, 45 minutes' drive from the visitor station; trailhead for the Gore Mountain Trail
- Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley, New Hampshire
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Is there a fee at the Zealand trailhead: Yes: $5 per vehicle per day, or an annual pass for $30 ($40 for a household). The trailhead isn't maintained in winter, and there's no fee then.
- Getting around: The Sugarloafs and Trestle Trail: Twin summits in 1.2 miles, or an easy loop along the Zealand River
- Open: Sugarloaf I Campground open (May–Oct)
- Open: Sugarloaf II Campground open (May–Oct)
- Top spot: Zealand Trail: 2.3 miles from the end of Zealand Road to the AMC's Zealand Falls Hut
Sources (5)
- US Forest Service, Zealand Trailhead ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, White Mountain NF passes ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Sugarloaf Trailhead ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Sugarloaf I Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Sugarloaf II Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Is there a parking fee at the Livermore trailhead: Yes: $5 per vehicle per day, or an annual pass for $30 ($40 for a household).
- Getting around: East Pond: 1.4 miles from Tripoli Road, with a side loop to Little East Pond
- Getting around: Smarts Brook loops: Short loop hikes off Route 49 in Thornton
- Open: Waterville Campground open (May–Oct)
- Top spot: Greeley Ponds: Reached by the Livermore Trail, which runs 7.7 miles to Route 112
Show all 88
- Black Canyon
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Do I need a reservation: No reservations are needed to enter. Plan the rim you want: driving from one rim to the other takes 2 hours or more on roads outside the park.
- Getting around: Oak Flat Loop: A 2-mile loop, rated difficult
- Open: South Rim Road open (Apr–Nov)
- Open: North Rim Road open (May–Nov)
- Top spot: South Rim Drive: 12 overlooks you can reach by car
Sources (4)
- Acadia
Usually Oct 11–20
- Cost and permits: Cadillac reservations (May–Oct)
- Cost and permits: Cadillac Mountain: Road to the 1,530-ft summit; reservations mid-May to mid-October
- Do I need a reservation: Only to drive Cadillac Summit Road, from mid-May to mid-October. The National Park Service says no reservation is needed for the rest of the park, or if you arrive on foot, by bike or by taxi.
- Open: Cadillac summit road open (Apr–Nov)
- Top spot: Park Loop Road: 27-mile road to Sand Beach, Jordan Pond and Cadillac
- Indiana Dunes
Usually Oct 11–20
- What are the park's hours: Unless posted otherwise, public areas are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Getting around: Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm: 3.4-mile outer loop through maple, beech, basswood and oak
- Timing tip: Calumet and Porter Brickyard bike trails: Especially pretty in late summer and early fall
- Open: Dunewood Campground open (Apr–Oct)
- Top spot: Mount Baldy: A dune 126 ft above Lake Michigan
- Moosehorn Refuge
Usually Oct 11–20
- Cost and permits: Eagle Observation Platform: Accessible platform on Route 1 with free mounted binoculars, one of Maine's best public bald eagle viewing spots
- Getting around: Upper Magurrewock Marsh blind: Accessible blind on Charlotte Road, between headquarters and Route 1, for waterfowl and beavers
- Getting around: Woodcock Trail: Accessible self-guided walk near headquarters off Charlotte Road
- Getting around: Scenic driving loops: A short scenic loop in each division, Baring and Edmunds; look for the vehicle icon on refuge maps
- Parker River Refuge
Local timing: Oct 11–31
- Is there an entry fee: Yes for cars: $5 a day per car, covering everyone inside. Walking or biking in is free. The gatehouse takes cash or checks only.
- Can I bring my dog: No. Pets are never allowed at Parker River; service animals are welcome on a leash.
- Getting around: Pines Trail: Short wheelchair-accessible path of crushed stone and earth
- Getting around: North Pool Overlook: Wheelchair-accessible overlook from an unpaved lot
- Top spot: Hellcat Boardwalk Trail: 0.91-mile boardwalk trail
- Cuyahoga Valley
Usually Oct 15–21
- When should I go to avoid the crowds: On weekdays, in the morning or later in the day: parking lots fill around midday on warm, sunny weekends, and Brandywine Falls parking is usually full by 10 a.m. in nice weather and on weekends, says the National Park Service.
- Getting around: Oak Hill Trail: 1.4-mile loop with red maples, orange sassafras, yellow ash
- Getting around: Brandywine Falls: Sugar maple reds to white oak browns; parking full early
- Timing tip: Busy season (Apr–Oct)
- Top spot: Ledges Overlook: View of the changing colors across the valley
- Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Closures: Cradle of Forestry closed (Nov–Apr)
- Closures: Sunburst Campground closed (Nov–Mar)
- Is parking easy at Looking Glass Falls: Parking is limited, and the Forest Service asks visitors not to park in the road. Looking Glass Rock Trail is very busy in the autumn color season.
- Getting around: Forest Heritage Scenic Byway: 79-mile loop on highways 276, 215 and 64
- Top spot: Looking Glass Falls: One of the most photographed falls in the East
- Great Dismal Swamp Refuge
Local timing: Oct 21–31
- Is there a fee: Only on the Wildlife Drive: $5 per vehicle, cash only, waived with passes such as America the Beautiful or a Duck Stamp.
- When is the Wildlife Drive open: Every day: 7 am to 7 pm from April through September, 7:30 am to 5 pm from October through March. The gate closes an hour earlier.
- Getting around: Lake Drummond Wildlife Drive: 6-mile gravel road to the lake, 3 boardwalks; drive, walk or bike
- Getting around: Portsmouth Ditch Trailhead: 1.5-mile TRACK trail loop
- Occoquan Bay Refuge
Local timing: Oct 21–31
- Does it cost anything: No, entry is free.
- When is the refuge open: Every day: 7 am to 5 pm from October through March, 7 am to 7 pm from April through September. Gates close automatically.
- Is Wildlife Drive always open: Not always: the drive and trails can close for a season to protect nesting wildlife or for land management.
- Getting around: Wildlife Drive: One-way 2-mile loop through the wetlands; drive, bike or walk
- Top spot: Walking roads: About 4 flat gravel miles with forest, wetland and water views
- Mt. Hood
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Cost and permits: Wilderness permits at trailheads (May–Oct)
- Is the road to Trillium Lake open in winter: No: recreation gates close vehicle access from December 1 to April 1 each year, and an Oregon Sno-Park permit is needed from November 1 to April 30.
- Getting around: Trillium Lake: A 2-mile loop around the lake, with Mt. Hood views
- Season: Timberline Trail season (Jul–Oct)
- Top spot: Hood River Valley: Vine and bigleaf maples below the summit of Mt. Hood
- McKenzie Pass
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Cost and permits: Wilderness permits at Proxy Falls (Jun–Oct)
- Is the McKenzie Pass highway open in winter: No. The McKenzie Highway (Highway 242) closes in winter; the Forest Service points to TripCheck for current conditions.
- Getting around: McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass Scenic Byway: An 82-mile loop; allow five hours with stops
- Getting around: Proxy Falls: Loop trail to Lower and Upper Proxy Falls, off Highway 242
- Wind River
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Cost and permits: Lewis River falls area: reservations needed (Jun–Sep)
- How long is the Falls Creek Falls hike: About 1.5 miles through forest to a cable suspension bridge over a rock gorge, then 0.7 mile more to the base of the falls. The trailhead is 13.4 miles up Wind River Road from Carson.
- When are the trails free of snow: Low-elevation trails usually melt out by mid-May and high-elevation trails by mid-July, though snow can linger on north-facing slopes.
- Getting around: Panther Creek Falls: An easy 200-yard walk to a viewing platform
- Top spot: Falls Creek Falls: A suspension bridge over a rock gorge, then on to the falls
- Hat Creek Rim
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Cost and permits: Christmas tree permits at Old Station (Nov–Dec)
- Is Hat Creek Rim Overlook open in the fall: Yes: it's open April through November, dawn to dusk, with no fee. There are picnic tables and vault toilets but no running water, and no overnight camping.
- Open: Hat Creek Rim Overlook open (Apr–Nov)
- Open: Subway Cave lava tube open (Apr–Oct)
- Top spot: Hat Creek Rim Overlook: View over Hat Creek Valley; Pacific Crest Trail access
- Mount Shasta
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Closures: McCloud River Loop winter gates (Nov–Apr)
- When is the road up Mount Shasta open: The road to Panther Meadows and the Old Ski Bowl is open each year from July 1 through October 31. The rest of the year it's closed to cars at Bunny Flat, but you can go on foot.
- Getting around: Castle Lake: About 11 miles from Mt. Shasta on a paved road
- Open: Road to Panther Meadows open (Jul–Oct)
- Top spot: McCloud River falls: Three falls, 15 to 50 feet, about 3 miles round trip
Sources (5)
- Guanella Pass
Regional timing: Sep 1–30
- Cost and permits: Brainard Lake Recreation Area: Glacial valley below the Divide; timed-entry reservation to park
- Do I need a reservation for Brainard Lake: To park inside the recreation area, yes: a timed-entry reservation. Without one you can park at the Gateway Trailhead and walk or bike in for a $10 day-use fee. The seasonal gate is open from about mid-June to mid-October.
- Getting around: Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway: From Idaho Springs; highest paved road in North America
- Open: Brainard Lake gate open (Jun–Oct)
- Top spot: Guanella Pass Scenic Byway: Georgetown to Grant over an 11,700-ft pass through aspen
- Rocky Mountain
Local timing: Sep 1–Oct 31
- Closures: Trail Ridge Road closed (Oct–May)
- Do I need a reservation: In 2026, yes, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. through October 12, and for Bear Lake Road between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. through October 18. You can enter the park before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. without one.
- When does Bear Lake parking fill up: Early, all year: the Park Service says the lot is often full by 9 a.m.
- Getting around: Trail Ridge Road: 48 miles, up to 12,183 ft: the highest continuous paved road in the US
- Top spot: Bear Lake Road: 9.2 miles, climbing from 8,200 to 9,475 ft; aspens at Moraine Park, Hollowell Park and Glacier Gorge
Sources (5)
- National Park Service, Rocky Mountain hours and seasons ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- National Park Service, Rocky Mountain timed entry 2026 ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- National Park Service, Exploring the Bear Lake Road corridor ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- National Park Service, Rocky Mountain road status ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- National Park Service, View fall colors on Bear Lake Road ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Glacier
Local timing: Sep 11–Oct 20
- Is Going-to-the-Sun Road open in the fall: Usually the whole road stays open until the third Monday in October, conditions permitting. Then the west-side gate moves to Avalanche Creek or Lake McDonald Lodge, and the road beyond is open to hikers and bicyclists.
- Are visitor centers open in the fall: They close in late September and early October; the restrooms at Apgar Visitor Center stay open all year.
- Open: Going-to-the-Sun Road fully open (Jul–Oct)
- Season: Summer season services (May–Sep)
- Top spot: Highway 2: Along the park's southern edge; sometimes the best road for larch
- Voyageurs
Local timing: Sep 11–20
- How long does fall last here: Not long: the Park Service says fall can be a really short season, because cold weather arrives quickly.
- Is there an entrance fee: No. Voyageurs has no entrance fees. Pets aren't allowed on its trails.
- Getting around: Blind Ash Bay Trail: 2.9-mile loop to views of Kabetogama Lake
- Getting around: Echo Bay Trail: Loop through the change from deciduous to boreal forest
- Lemhi Pass
Local timing: Sep 21–Oct 31
- Cost and permits: Byway usually free of snow (Jun–Oct)
- Cost and permits: Sacajawea Memorial Picnic Area: Day-use area at 7,400 ft by the pass; no water
- Cost and permits: Sharkey Hot Springs: Mile 4.8: two outdoor soaking pools, a BLM fee site
- Open: Sacajawea Memorial Picnic Area open (Jun–Sep)
- Top spot: Agency Creek Road: The byway's descent from Lemhi Pass to Tendoy; steep, narrow first two miles
- Maroon Bells
Usually Sep 21–30
- Cost and permits: Maroon Bells Scenic Area: Maroon Lake, 6.5 miles southwest of Aspen; reservation needed by shuttle or car
- Cost and permits: Hanging Lake: Steep 1.2-mile climb of 1,200 ft; timed reservation per person
- Cost and permits: Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness: Surrounds the scenic area; overnight permits in popular zones
- Open: Independence Pass open (May–Oct)
- Cave Creek Canyon
Local timing: Oct 1–Nov 30
- Can I get there in a regular car: To the South Fork, yes: from Portal take FR 42 about 2 miles to the South Fork turnoff, and the Forest Service says all these roads suit passenger cars. The Burro Trail's Horseshoe Canyon road (FR 314) is different: 12 miles of 4-wheel-drive road. FR 42 and 42B can close for snow, floods or fire danger.
- Open: Rustler Park Campground open (Apr–Oct)
- Open: Idlewilde Campground open (Apr–Oct)
- Top spot: Maple Camp, South Fork Trail #243: Gold and scarlet maples along the creek; famous birding habitat
Sources (4)
- Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Usually Oct 1–Nov 10
- Cost and permits: Cades Cove car-free Wednesdays (May–Sep)
- Getting around: Cades Cove Loop Road: Busy one-way loop drive
- Timing tip: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Busy one-way drive
- Top spot: Foothills Parkway: Three sections just outside the park
- White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Closures: Lincoln Woods Trail closed for repairs (Jun–Nov)
- Open: Russell-Colbath House open (May–Oct)
- Open: Rocky Gorge site open (May–Oct)
- Top spot: Kancamagus Scenic Byway: 34-mile byway, at its best in the foliage season
- Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Cost and permits: Barnes Field group sites by reservation (May–Oct)
- Is there a fee at Glen Ellis Falls: Yes, a recreation fee is charged. The site isn't maintained in winter, and there's no fee then; the closing date depends on the weather.
- Open: Dolly Copp Campground open (May–Oct)
- Top spot: Glen Ellis Falls: Short hike to a 66-foot waterfall at a site built by the Civilian Conservation Corps
- Saint Croix Riverway
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Is the Saint Croix Riverway open in the fall: Yes. The St. Croix and Namekagon rivers and the park's seven hiking trails are open year-round. The St. Croix River Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls is open daily through the end of October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Open: St. Croix River Visitor Center open (Apr–Oct)
- Open: Namekagon River Visitor Center open (May–Sep)
- Top spot: Ridge View Trail: Near Osceola; 3 miles, big maples, bluff views of the backwaters
- Rachel Carson Refuge
Usually Oct 11–20
- When should I go to avoid crowds: Early morning or later in the day. Parking is limited, and those are also the best hours for wildlife.
- Can I bring my dog: Only on the Carson Trail, on a leash.
- Getting around: Carson Trail: One-mile level loop through coastal forest with salt marsh views and 11 stops; wheelchair and stroller accessible
- Top spot: Timber Point Trail: Biddeford: past wetland and shrubland to marsh, river and ocean views; FWS suggests it mid to late October; Timber Island only at low tide
- Cherry Valley Refuge
Usually Oct 21–31
- Can I bring a dog or a bike: No. Pets, jogging, biking and horseback riding are all off limits on the trails; service animals are allowed.
- Getting around: Front Nine Trail: 1.7 paved miles past wetlands on Cherry Creek and grass fields
- Getting around: Back Nine Trail: 1.7 paved miles over rolling hills
- Top spot: Cherry Valley Ridge Trail: 3.2 miles of dirt and gravel through oak and pine forest and fields on the Kittatinny Ridge; photo blind on the way
- Patuxent Research Refuge
Usually Oct 21–31
- Closures: Fire Road Trail closed (Nov–Jan)
- When is the refuge open: South Tract: sunrise to sunset, closing at 4 pm on Tuesdays; the visitor center Wednesday to Saturday, 10 to 4. North Tract: Sundays 8 am to 4 pm.
- Getting around: Loop Trail, South Tract: Paved, accessible loop with views of Lake Redington and Cash Lake
- Top spot: Forest Trail, North Tract: Beeches turn bright gold and maples reddish in autumn
- Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Closures: Snake Road closed to cars (Sep–Oct)
- Getting around: Pomona Natural Bridge: 0.3-mile loop to a 90-foot sandstone arch
- Open: Redbud Campground open (Mar–Dec)
- Top spot: Garden of the Gods Observation Trail: Quarter-mile to bluff-top sandstone formations
Sources (4)
- US Forest Service, LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Explore the Shawnee ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Antietam
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Festival: Battle anniversary (September 17) (Sep)
- When is the battlefield open: The park is open during daylight hours. The visitor center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the park and visitor center close on Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1.
- Getting around: Snavely Ford Trail: 1.8-mile loop along Antietam Creek, mostly flat and shady
- Top spot: Three Farms Trail: 1.6 miles one way through some of the quietest, most beautiful parts of the park
- Talladega National Forest, Alabama
Statewide: usually well under way by early November
- Cost and permits: Lake Chinnabee day-use area open (Mar–Dec)
- Open: Turnipseed campground open (Mar–Nov)
- Open: Coleman Lake open (Mar–Dec)
- Top spot: Cheaha Mountain: Alabama's highest point, 2,407 feet
- Canaan Valley Refuge
Usually Sep 21–30
- When is the visitor center open: Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.
- Getting around: Brown Mountain Overlook Trail: Valley-floor loop overlooking the refuge's wetlands
- Getting around: Freeland Boardwalk Trail: Short accessible boardwalk past a beaver pond to balsam fir
- Top spot: Cabin Mountain Trail: Climbs through forest to a wide view of the valley
- Mississippi River, Minneapolis–St. Paul
Usually Sep 24–Oct 7
- When is the park open: The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Coldwater Spring is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; partner parks inside the area set their own hours.
- Getting around: Battle Creek Regional Park: Park by the creek at 2300 Upper Afton Road (Maplewood/St. Paul) and walk upstream
- Getting around: Minnehaha Regional Park: Next to Coldwater Spring: paved paths around the gorge, or stairs down to Minnehaha Creek
- Top spot: Winchell Trail: 5 miles round trip on the Minneapolis bank of the Mississippi Gorge, Franklin Avenue to 44th Street; maples in scarlet and gold, stairs down the bluff
- Kaiser Pass Road
Local timing: Sep 25–Nov 30
- Is Kaiser Pass Road open in the fall: Usually. The Forest Service's seasonal gates open the first 5.6 miles from May 15 to December 1, and the next 14.5 miles from Memorial Day weekend to November 15. Dates can change with weather, and large RVs and motorhomes are not recommended on this road.
- Open: Upper Kaiser Pass Road gate open (May–Nov)
- Open: Kaiser Pass campgrounds open (Jun–Sep)
- Top spot: Kaiser Pass Road: Aspens, black oaks and dogwoods on the climb above Huntington Lake
Sources (5)
- Sierra National Forest, Current Conditions (seasonal road gates) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Sierra National Forest, Portal Forebay Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Sierra National Forest, Badger Flat Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Sierra National Forest, Mono Hot Springs Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Fall Colors ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Aroostook Refuge
Usually Oct 1–10
- When is it open: Every day of the year, from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Getting around: Headquarters trails: Lima, East Loring, Durepo Loop and Beaver Pond trails start at the refuge headquarters
- Top spot: Auto Tour Route: Three-mile seasonal route with open vistas, driven or walked, ending at the Cold War weapons storage area
- Lost Horse Canyon
Regional timing: Oct 1–31
- Getting around: Lake Como Loop Trail: 8-mile loop with a waterfall at the lake's west end
- Season: Lake Como pass season (May–Sep)
- Top spot: Lost Horse Canyon: Glacier-carved granite canyon up Lost Horse Road (FR 429)
- Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
Usually Oct 1–31
- Is there an entrance fee, and is the road open: There's no entrance fee. The Parkway is open year-round, but sections can close for weather or maintenance.
- Open: Visitor centers open (May–Oct)
- Top spot: Craggy Gardens (MP 364): Wildflowers, fall leaves and wide views
- Hyde Park Road
Usually Oct 1–7
- Getting around: Winsor Trailhead: At the ski basin parking lot; trails into the Pecos Wilderness
- Open: Black Canyon Campground open (May–Oct)
- Top spot: Hyde Park Road (NM 475): Santa Fe Scenic Byway; giant aspen forest on the way to the ski basin
Sources (5)
- US Forest Service, Winsor Trailhead #254 ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Black Canyon Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Big Tesuque Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Santa Fe Ski Basin (Santa Fe National Forest) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- US Forest Service, Santa Fe National Forest, Española Ranger District ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Lakewood
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Open: Bagley Rapids, Boulder Lake and Ada Lake campgrounds open (May–Oct)
- Open: Mountain fire tower open to climb (May–Oct)
- Top spot: Ada Lake fall color drive: Ada Lake Road to Diamond Roof Road (Forest Road 2123)
- Chequamegon-Nicolet
Statewide: usually well under way by early October
- Open: Lac Vieux Desert campground open (May–Oct)
- Open: Kentuck Lake campground open (May–Nov)
- Top spot: Natural History Auto Tour: US 45 north from Eagle River, ending in Three Lakes
- Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania
At one spot: Oct 8–14
- Getting around: Longhouse Scenic Byway: 36-mile loop through the forest
- Open: Rimrock Overlook open (Mar–Dec)
- Top spot: Rimrock Overlook: A favorite fall color view over the reservoir
- Shenandoah
Usually Oct 8–21
- Cost and permits: Old Rag: Day-use ticket needed March 1 to November 30
- Do I need a ticket for Old Rag: Yes, from March 1 to November 30 you need an Old Rag day-use ticket ($2) in advance, plus a park entrance pass.
- Top spot: Skyline Drive: 105 miles along the crest, over 75 overlooks
- Superior National Forest, Minnesota
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Cost and permits: Boundary Waters quota permit season (May–Sep)
- Open: Baker Lake campground open (May–Sep)
- Top spot: Sawtooth Mountains Fall Color Tour: Four signed routes through maples, tamaracks and birches
- Assabet River Refuge
Usually Oct 11–20
- Can I bike or bring a dog: Bikes are allowed on 7.5 of the 15 miles. Dogs are not: only certified service animals may use the trails.
- Getting around: Puffer Pond: Accessible fishing and wildlife-viewing pier
- Top spot: Winterberry Way Trail: 1.5 miles past wetlands good for spotting wildlife
Sources (3)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge wildlife watching ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee
Usually Oct 11–Nov 10
- Open: Chilhowee Campground open (Apr–Oct)
- Open: Backbone Rock Campground open (Apr–Oct)
- Top spot: Cherohala Skyway: 43-mile National Scenic Byway into North Carolina
- Fort River Division
Usually Oct 11–20
- When is it open: Year-round, from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Getting around: Fort River Birding and Nature Trail: Fully accessible mile-long loop from grassland to upland forest, with overlooks and benches
- George Washington and Jefferson
Usually Oct 11–31
- Open: Beartree campground open (May–Oct)
- Open: Bark Camp campground open (May–Sep)
- Top spot: Mount Rogers Scenic Byway: Scenic road through the Mount Rogers high country
- McKinney Refuge
Usually Oct 11–31
- When are the Salt Meadow trails open: Every day of the year, from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Open: Outer Island open (ferry or private boat) (May–Sep)
- Top spot: Salt Meadow Unit: Headquarters in Westbrook on the Menunketesuck River; a 1.7-mile trail through forest, salt marsh, shrubland and meadow
Sources (3)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Closures: Tsali and Cheoah campgrounds closed (Nov–Apr)
- Is parking hard at Dry Falls and Whiteside Mountain: Yes: parking is very limited, especially on weekends and holidays, and the Forest Service asks visitors to carpool.
- Top spot: Cullasaja Gorge: 7.5 miles of US 64 between Franklin and Highlands
- Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi
Local timing: Oct 15–Nov 20
- Is the Parkway Visitor Center near Tupelo open in the fall: Yes. It is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1.
- Getting around: Beech Springs Trail (milepost 266): Paved trail from the Parkway Visitor Center near Tupelo, with stops naming the plants of a hardwood forest
- Top spot: Old Town Overlook Trailhead (milepost 263.9): Start of a Natchez Trace Scenic Trail day hike to see the colors up close
- Hoosier National Forest, Indiana
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Closures: Caves closed for bats (Aug–May)
- Open: Most campgrounds open (Apr–Oct)
- Top spot: Buzzard Roost: Cliff-top views over the Ohio River into Kentucky
- Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Open: Great Meadows Campground open (Apr–Nov)
- Open: Grove Campground open (Apr–Oct)
- Top spot: Red River Gorge Scenic Byway: About 46 miles; Nada Tunnel and stone arches
- Mountain Loop Highway
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Getting around: Old Monte Cristo Townsite Trail: Walk from Barlow Pass among vine maples
- Open: Road to Artist Point open (Jul–Oct)
- Top spot: Mountain Loop Highway: 55 miles from Granite Falls to Darrington; 14 miles gravel
- Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas
Usually Nov 21–Dec 10
- Closures: Hunting season (use caution off the sandbars) (Oct–Feb)
- Getting around: Pitcher Plant Trail: 1-mile loop in the Turkey Creek Unit, with a boardwalk through a pitcher plant bog
- Top spot: Kirby Nature Trail: Starts at the historic Staley Cabin
Sources (4)
- Manchester, Vermont
Usually September and November
- Closures: Kelley Stand Road: Unpaved forest road from Arlington over the mountains along the Roaring Branch; closed in winter
- How long is the hike to Lye Brook Falls: The spur to the 125-foot falls leaves the blue-blazed trail at 1.8 miles, on a steady, gradual climb along old logging railroad grades. The Forest Service warns the rocks are slippery: don't climb the falls.
- Top spot: Forest Road 58: Up from Peru by Mad Tom Notch Road to a view over the Manchester Valley
- Spearfish Canyon
Local timing: Sep 1–30
- Getting around: Little Spearfish Trail: 6-mile loop through pine, aspen and paper birch near Timon
- Season: Spearfish Canyon campgrounds' peak season (May–Sep)
- Top spot: Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway: Limestone canyon walls; the Black Hills' best waterfalls
- Katahdin Woods and Waters
Local timing: Sep 1–Oct 15
- Do I need a reservation or a pass: No. Admission is free and day trips need no reservation; the park strongly recommends reserving campsites. It has no boats to rent.
- Are the roads open in the fall: The north and south entrances and the Katahdin Loop Road are usually open to vehicles from late May to late October. From mid-November to late May they are closed to wheeled vehicles; high winds and heavy rain can also close roads.
- Top spot: Barnard Mountain: Hike to the top for a wide fall view
- Great Basin
Local timing: Sep 8–21
- Festival: Astronomy Festival (Sep)
- Getting around: Strawberry Creek: Easy Sage Steppe Loop and Upper Strawberry Trail aspens
- Top spot: Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive: 12 miles; the easiest way to see golden aspens
- San Juan Skyway
Usually Sep 11–Oct 20
- Closures: San Juan Skyway: A 232-mile paved loop, open all year except brief snow closures
- Open: Chimney Rock National Monument open (May–Oct)
- Top spot: Million Dollar Highway: Ouray to Silverton: one of the country's most scenic fall drives
- Woodstock, Vermont
Statewide timing: Sep 15–Oct 15
- When is the visitor center open: Thursday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend through October 31. The trails and carriage roads are open every day, dawn to dusk.
- Season: Quiet season: trails only (Nov–May)
- Top spot: Mount Tom Forest: 550 acres; the oldest professionally managed forest in the US
- Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan
Local timing: Sep 21–30
- Open: Bay Furnace campground open (May–Oct)
- Open: Point Iroquois Light Station open (Jun–Oct)
- Top spot: Fall Color Tour, west side: Maple, oak, birch, beech and aspen color
- Au Sable River
Local timing: Oct 1–31
- Getting around: Westgate Scenic Overlook: River views and fall color; short walk to Rollways
- Top spot: Au Sable Vista: Deck over the Au Sable River and Alcona Pond
- Erie Refuge
Usually Oct 11–20
- When is it open: Outdoor areas are open all year, from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Top spot: Reitz's Pond observation blind: On Boland/Ritchie Road in the Sugar Lake Division, for wildlife and leaf peeping
- Great Bay Refuge
Local timing: Oct 11–20
- Closures: Fall archery hunt for deer and turkey (Sep–Nov)
- Top spot: Karner Blue Butterfly Trail: 0.87-mile refuge trail
- Ohio River Islands Refuge
Usually Oct 11–20
- When is the refuge open: Every day, from an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset. The visitor center near Williamstown opens Monday to Saturday and closes on federal holidays.
- Top spot: Middle Island auto tour: 1.5-mile drive on the island's western shore, stops with signs
- Yosemite
Usually Oct 11–31
- Getting around: Badger Pass to Bridalveil Creek: Gentle walk on the old road to aspen groves
- Top spot: Yosemite Valley: Yellow bigleaf maples on the south wall; a red sugar maple by the Chapel
- Lake Placid, New York
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Getting around: Whiteface Mountain: Next to Lake Placid; on a clear day the summit looks out over Vermont, New York and Canada, and the Veterans Memorial Highway climbs from Wilmington to a parking area at the top
- Top spot: High Falls Gorge (Wilmington): Trails and picnic areas along the Ausable River on Route 86, in Wilmington, less than 12 miles away
- Finger Lakes National Forest, New York
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Open: Backbone Horse Campground open (May–Nov)
- Top spot: Caywood Point: Trail down to a lakeside beach with panoramic views
- Letchworth State Park, New York
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Getting around: Middle Falls: The tallest of the three falls (107 ft), an easy paved walk from the Upper Falls
- Top spot: Letchworth State Park: State park: camping and a playground (New York State data)
- Western Catskills, New York
Statewide: usually well under way by mid-October
- Getting around: Catskill Scenic Trail: A 26-mile rail trail through Bloomville, Hobart, Stamford and Roxbury, with parking at Bloomville and Stamford
- Top spot: Shavertown Trail (Andes): A spectacular view after one moderately strenuous mile; trailhead on County Route 1 in Andes
Sources (1)
- Zion
Usually Oct 21–Nov 10
- Timing tip: Busy season (May–Sep)
- Top spot: Riverside Walk: Easy 1-mile trail along the Virgin River between narrowing walls
- Delaware Water Gap
Statewide: usually well under way by late October
- Cost and permits: Beach fee season (Apr–Oct)
- Top spot: Mt. Tammany: 1.2 miles one way, 1,201 ft up
- Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont
Usually September and November
- Closures: Lincoln Gap Road: Steep, winding road from Warren to Lincoln; closed in winter
- Top spot: Middlebury Gap (Route 125): Texas Falls observation site and picnic area at its east end
- Mount Rainier
Local timing: Sep 1–30
- Getting around: Tipsoo Lake: Easy walk around a subalpine lake
- Top spot: Paradise: Huckleberry turns brilliant red; Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls, 1 mile
- Valles Caldera
Local timing: Sep 1–Nov 30
- Open: Backcountry roads open (May–Nov)
- Top spot: Valle Grande: Elk viewing during the fall rut
- Yellowstone
Local timing: Sep 1–Oct 31
- Closures: Most roads closed to cars, few services (Nov–Mar)
- Top spot: Yellowstone Lake: 7,782 ft: high country, where the park lists fall color in September
- Capitol Reef
Regional timing: Sep 11–Oct 31
- Getting around: Scenic Drive: A 7.9-mile paved road for passenger vehicles
- Top spot: Fremont River: Cottonwoods turn yellow; shrubs turn red and yellow in fall
- Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
Statewide timing: Sep 15–Oct 15
- How long is the climb to Sterling Pond: The trail starts north of the state park campground and rises 900 feet to the pond, through dense secondary forest. The pond is open to fishing and swimming.
- Top spot: The notch on Route 108: The pass between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak and the Sterling Range
- Stowe, Vermont
Statewide timing: Sep 15–Oct 15
- When are the crowds worst: Across Vermont, hotels, restaurants and roads fill quickly in foliage season, and Columbus Day weekend is usually the most crowded, so book early.
- Top spot: Mount Mansfield: Vermont's highest peak, right above the village; a gondola and a toll road go up in summer
- Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota
Usually Sep 17–30
- Open: Campgrounds open (May–Sep)
- Top spot: Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway: 47 miles from Grand Rapids north to Bigfork
- Great Sand Dunes
Usually Sep 21–Oct 10
- How long is Medano Pass Road open: Weather permitting, until the end of hunting season, typically just after Thanksgiving weekend.
- Top spot: Medano Pass Primitive Road: A rough 22-mile road up to Medano Pass, 10,040 ft
- Washington Pass
Usually Sep 21–Oct 10
- Getting around: Lake Ann / Maple Pass Loop: Steep loop above tree line from Rainy Pass; golden alpine larch and red huckleberry
- Top spot: Blue Lake Trail #314: 2.2 miles to a turquoise lake with scattered larch, just past Washington Pass Overlook
Which trees turn when
- New England →
First species to turn in New England, by week of fall Species Week of Sep 1 Week of Sep 8 Week of Sep 15 Week of Sep 22 Week of Sep 29 Week of Oct 6 Week of Oct 13 Week of Oct 20 Week of Oct 27 Week of Nov 3 Week of Nov 10 Week of Nov 17 Week of Nov 24 Flowering dogwood Red maple Yellow birch Sugar maple - Southern Appalachians →
First species to turn in Southern Appalachians, by week of fall Species Week of Sep 1 Week of Sep 8 Week of Sep 15 Week of Sep 22 Week of Sep 29 Week of Oct 6 Week of Oct 13 Week of Oct 20 Week of Oct 27 Week of Nov 3 Week of Nov 10 Week of Nov 17 Week of Nov 24 Flowering dogwood Yellow buckeye Tuliptree Sweet birch - Mid-Atlantic →
First species to turn in Mid-Atlantic, by week of fall Species Week of Sep 1 Week of Sep 8 Week of Sep 15 Week of Sep 22 Week of Sep 29 Week of Oct 6 Week of Oct 13 Week of Oct 20 Week of Oct 27 Week of Nov 3 Week of Nov 10 Week of Nov 17 Week of Nov 24 Flowering dogwood Red maple Sugar maple Northern spicebush - Upper Midwest →
First species to turn in Upper Midwest, by week of fall Species Week of Sep 1 Week of Sep 8 Week of Sep 15 Week of Sep 22 Week of Sep 29 Week of Oct 6 Week of Oct 13 Week of Oct 20 Week of Oct 27 Week of Nov 3 Week of Nov 10 Week of Nov 17 Week of Nov 24 Green ash Red maple Sugar maple Paper birch
When does it turn?Flowering dogwoodRed mapleSugar mapleAmerican beechPaper birchNorthern red oakWhite oakEastern redbudRiver birch
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in 2026?
It depends on the place. In a typical year it comes first to San Juan Skyway (Sep 11–Oct 20) and last to Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas (Nov 21–Dec 10). Each place page has its own dates.
Where can I see fall foliage?
We track 155 places: San Juan Skyway (usually Sep 11–Oct 20), Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota (usually Sep 17–30), Canaan Valley Refuge (usually Sep 21–30), Great Sand Dunes (usually Sep 21–Oct 10), Maroon Bells (usually Sep 21–30), Washington Pass (usually Sep 21–Oct 10), Mississippi River, Minneapolis–St. Paul (usually Sep 24–Oct 7), Pictured Rocks (usually Sep 24–Oct 10), Aroostook Refuge (usually Oct 1–10), Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina (usually Oct 1–31), Escudilla Mountain (usually Oct 1–7), Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee (usually Oct 1–Nov 10), Hyde Park Road (usually Oct 1–7), Missisquoi Refuge (usually Oct 1–10), Nulhegan Basin (usually Oct 1–10), San Francisco Peaks (usually Oct 1–31), Shenandoah (usually Oct 8–21), Acadia (usually Oct 11–20), Assabet River Refuge (usually Oct 11–20), Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee (usually Oct 11–Nov 10), Erie Refuge (usually Oct 11–20), Fort River Division (usually Oct 11–20), George Washington and Jefferson (usually Oct 11–31), Indiana Dunes (usually Oct 11–20), McKinney Refuge (usually Oct 11–31), Moosehorn Refuge (usually Oct 11–20), Ohio River Islands Refuge (usually Oct 11–20), Rachel Carson Refuge (usually Oct 11–20), Yosemite (usually Oct 11–31), Cuyahoga Valley (usually Oct 15–21), Cherry Valley Refuge (usually Oct 21–31), Congaree National Park, South Carolina (usually Oct 21–Nov 10), Little River Canyon (usually Oct 21–Nov 10), Patuxent Research Refuge (usually Oct 21–31), Zion (usually Oct 21–Nov 10), Guadalupe Mountains (usually Oct 25–Nov 7), Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas (usually Nov 21–Dec 10), Allegany State Park, New York, Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania, Antietam, Apostle Islands, Aroostook State Park, Maine, Au Sable River, Babcock State Park, Backbone State Park, Iowa, Bald Eagle State Park, Pennsylvania, Bear Mountain and West Point, New York, Big South Fork, Black Canyon, Black Moshannon State Park, Pennsylvania, Blackwater Falls State Park, Bradbury Mountain State Park, Maine, Bryce Canyon, Cacapon Resort State Park, Caesars Head, Camden Hills State Park, Maine, Canaan Valley, Capitol Reef, Cass Scenic Railroad, Catoctin Mountain, Cave Creek Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania, Coopers Rock State Forest, Crawford Notch and Zealand Valley, New Hampshire, Cumberland Gap, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky, Delaware Water Gap, DeSoto State Park, Devils Fork, Effigy Mounds, F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Ferry Beach State Park, Maine, Finger Lakes National Forest, New York, Fort Frederick State Park, Gambrill State Park, Maryland, Glacier, Grafton Notch State Park, Maine, Great Basin, Great Bay Refuge, Great Dismal Swamp Refuge, Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, Greenbrier State Park, Maryland, Guanella Pass, Hat Creek Rim, Hawks Nest State Park, Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan, Hoosier National Forest, Indiana, Hyner View State Park, Pennsylvania, Iroquois Refuge, Ithaca, New York, Jay Peak, Vermont, Jones Gap, Kaiser Pass Road, Katahdin Woods and Waters, Killington, Vermont, Kings Mountain, Kinzua Bridge State Park, Pennsylvania, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, Iowa, Lake George, New York, Lake Placid, New York, Lake Willoughby, Vermont, Lakewood, Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania, Laurel Hill State Park, Pennsylvania, Ledges State Park, Iowa, Lemhi Pass, Letchworth State Park, New York, Lily Bay State Park, Maine, Little Pine State Park, Pennsylvania, Lost Horse Canyon, Mammoth Cave, Manchester, Vermont, McKenzie Pass, Mount Blue State Park, Maine, Mount Rainier, Mount Shasta, Mountain Loop Highway, Mt. Hood, Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina, Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee, New York City, Niagara Falls, New York, North-South Lake, New York, Occoquan Bay Refuge, Oconee State Park, Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania, Paris Mountain, Parker River Refuge, Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania, Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, Rangeley Lake State Park, Maine, Rocky Mountain, Saint Croix Riverway, Saratoga Springs, New York, Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, Sinnemahoning State Park, Pennsylvania, Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont, Spearfish Canyon, Stowe, Vermont, Superior National Forest, Minnesota, Table Rock, Talladega National Forest, Alabama, Thousand Islands, New York, Valles Caldera, Voyageurs, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, Western Catskills, New York, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, Wind River, Woodstock, Vermont and Yellowstone.
How long does the fall foliage season last?
Across the places we track, from about Sep 11 (San Juan Skyway) to Dec 10 (Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas). Each place's own window is shorter.
Why does color come earlier in some places?
Higher ground turns first. In the Great Smoky Mountains, color can start as early as mid-September at the highest elevations, develops above 4,000 feet from early to mid-October, and reaches the lower and middle slopes between mid-October and early November.Source: National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains fall color ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do you track fall foliage?
Each place moves through 6 stages: Still green, First color, Moderate, High color, Peak and Past peak. Every stage we show comes from a dated report with its source, and every forecast lists its sources.