Patuxent Research Refugefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Patuxent Research Refuge. It usually peaks Oct 21–31.
Right now in Patuxent Research Refuge · September
23days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 21–31
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 10:53 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Patuxent Research Refuge through the year
- Spring wildflowers on the North TractMar–May
- Fall colorOct
- Fire Road Trail closedNov–Jan
Best spots around Patuxent Research Refuge
- Forest Trail, North TractBeeches turn bright gold and maples reddish in autumn
- Cash Lake Trail, South TractAlong the refuge's largest lake, with waterfowl and a beaver lodge
- Loop Trail, South TractPaved, accessible loop with views of Lake Redington and Cash Lake
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Mid-Atlantic, sugar maple and flowering dogwood are behind a typical year; the rest are close to typical. Which trees turn when →
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, Patuxent Research Refuge, Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patuxent Research Refuge, Visit Us (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 Patuxent Research Refuge in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 21–31. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Patuxent Research Refuge right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 23 days (usually Oct 21–31).
When does fall color peak here?
The Fish and Wildlife Service puts the peak in late October.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Which trees give the color?
On the North Tract's Forest Trail, beeches turn a bright gold and maples go reddish in autumn.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patuxent Research Refuge, Trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What can you see at dusk?
Stay into the evening and you may spot the eastern red bat, which hangs among the leaves and blends right in.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
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.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patuxent Research Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Patuxent Research Refuge?
Forest Trail, North Tract: beeches turn bright gold and maples reddish in autumn; Cash Lake Trail, South Tract: along the refuge's largest lake, with waterfowl and a beaver lodge; Loop Trail, South Tract: paved, accessible loop with views of Lake Redington and Cash Lake.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Patuxent Research Refuge?
Fire Road Trail closed (Nov–Jan).
What is Patuxent Research Refuge like through the year?
Fall color (Oct), Spring wildflowers on the North Tract (Mar–May) and Fire Road Trail closed (Nov–Jan).