Ohio River Islands Refugefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It usually peaks Oct 11–20.
Right now in Ohio River Islands Refuge · September
13days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 11–20
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:20 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Island beaches busy with boatersJun–Aug
- Golden floodplain colorOct
- Wide backchannel views with the trees bareDec–Feb
Best spots around Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
- Middle Island auto tour1.5-mile drive on the island's western shore, stops with signs
- Headland Trail, Middle IslandThrough the island's densest, most mature floodplain forest
- Riverview Trail, visitor centerAbout 0.7 mile down into floodplain forest by the river
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Southern Appalachians, every species with enough observations is close to a typical year. 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, Ohio River Islands National Wildlife 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 Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 11–20. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Ohio River Islands 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 11–20).
When does fall color peak here?
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service puts the peak in mid-October, when the floodplain turns golden.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do you get onto Middle Island?
Middle Island, at St. Marys, is one of the few Ohio River islands reached by a bridge. It has more than 3.5 miles of trails and the 1.5-mile auto tour.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
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.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there restrooms?
Indoor restrooms and drinking water are only at the visitor center. Middle Island has an outdoor toilet; other units have no facilities.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge?
Middle Island auto tour: 1.5-mile drive on the island's western shore, stops with signs; Headland Trail, Middle Island: through the island's densest, most mature floodplain forest; Riverview Trail, visitor center: about 0.7 mile down into floodplain forest by the river.
What is Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Golden floodplain color (Oct), Island beaches busy with boaters (Jun–Aug) and Wide backchannel views with the trees bare (Dec–Feb).