McKinney Refugefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. It usually peaks Oct 11–31.
Right now in McKinney Refuge · September
- Outer Island open (ferry or private boat) · May–Sep
- Sheffield Island ferry and lighthouse tours · May–Sep
13days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 11–31
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 80% chanceThis Afternoon
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 4:52 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Outer Island open (ferry or private boat)NowMay–Sep
- Sheffield Island ferry and lighthouse toursNowMay–Sep
- Fall color over the Menunketesuck marshesOct
Best spots around Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
- Salt Meadow UnitHeadquarters in Westbrook on the Menunketesuck River; a 1.7-mile trail through forest, salt marsh, shrubland and meadow
- Great Meadows Unit421 acres of salt marsh and upland in Stratford, with two short trails, two blinds and two decks
- Milford Point UnitBarrier beach counted among Connecticut's best birding spots; deck at the entrance
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across New England, red maple is ahead of a typical year; the rest are close to typical. Which trees turn when →
McKinney Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge wildlife watching (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 11–31. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 13 days (usually Oct 11–31).
Where is the fall color?
The Fish and Wildlife Service points to the Salt Meadow Unit in Westbrook, along the Menunketesuck River, usually mid to late October.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are the Salt Meadow trails open?
Every day of the year, from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I visit the islands in fall?
Outer Island is open only from late May through late September, by the Thimble Islands Ferry (fee) or private boat. Falkner Island is closed to the public all year.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I walk off the trails?
No. Stay on trails, platforms and other open areas; going into the forest or marsh is not allowed.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge wildlife watching ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge?
Salt Meadow Unit: headquarters in Westbrook on the Menunketesuck River; a 1.7-mile trail through forest, salt marsh, shrubland and meadow; Great Meadows Unit: 421 acres of salt marsh and upland in Stratford, with two short trails, two blinds and two decks; Milford Point Unit: barrier beach counted among Connecticut's best birding spots; deck at the entrance.
What is Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Outer Island open (ferry or private boat) (May–Sep), Sheffield Island ferry and lighthouse tours (May–Sep) and Fall color over the Menunketesuck marshes (Oct).