Region 1
New England Fall Color
The mountains turn before lake-level valleys and the Maine coast. Compare elevations before choosing a weekend.
Typical planning window: September 26–October 19
Kancamagus Highway · Smugglers’ Notch / VT-108
2027 trip planning
Fall color across the United States: where to go and when
Choose one of 15 regions to see broad peak-season guidance, scenic-drive options, official National Weather Service weekend weather and available local foliage observations.
Seasonal timing is a planning estimate, not a measurement of current leaf color. NWS forecasts cover weather, not foliage. Check road access and local reports before travel.
Explore the changing season
U.S. Fall Color Map
Move the date to preview broad seasonal color across 15 regions. Tap a circle to plan your trip.
CARTO Voyager street map
September 1December 8 · Texas and late-season color
GreenEarly
Developing goldMore developed
Approaching peakTypical peak
Past peak
Seasonal stages are historical planning estimates, not observed foliage percentages.
Use the directory below for regional planning.
If the basemap does not load, the color markers and all region links remain available.
Colored areas are small illustrative washes around regional anchors, not uniform foliage coverage. Each region has varied elevations and species. NWS is a weather forecast, not a leaf-color observation. View Michigan’s detailed live map.
Plan with the 15 regional guides
Region 2
Great Smoky Mountains Fall Color
High ridge forests change before lower Gatlinburg and Cades Cove. A single park-wide peak date is misleading.
Typical planning window: October 5–November 5
Newfound Gap Road / US-441 · Cades Cove Loop Road
Region 3
Colorado Aspen Color
Aspens react to elevation, frost, and wind; high-elevation road access can change rapidly.
Typical planning window: September 14–October 7
Maroon Creek Road · Kebler Pass
Region 4
Adirondacks Fall Color
Summits and interior lakes can change earlier than sheltered valleys. Compare Whiteface with Lake Placid.
Typical planning window: September 18–October 13
Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway · NY-86 through Wilmington Notch
Region 5
Minnesota North Shore & Western U.P. Color
Superior moderates shoreline trees while inland ridges and western U.P. maples turn earlier.
Typical planning window: September 17–October 11
North Shore Scenic Drive / MN-61 · Gunflint Trail
Region 6
Ozarks Fall Color
Oak-heavy hillsides often reach color later than northern hardwood destinations.
Typical planning window: October 19–November 10
Arkansas Scenic Byway 7 · Pig Trail Scenic Byway / AR-23
Region 7
Eastern Sierra Aspen Color
High aspen basins may peak well before Owens Valley; fall storms affect passes.
Typical planning window: September 20–October 13
Bishop Creek Canyon · June Lake Loop / CA-158
Region 8
Wasatch Fall Color
Wasatch slopes mix aspens with red mountain maple and vary sharply with elevation.
Typical planning window: September 19–October 12
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway · Guardsman Pass
Region 9
Columbia River Gorge Fall Color
Oregon and Washington slopes, river elevation and microclimates develop color unevenly.
Typical planning window: October 9–November 5
Historic Columbia River Highway · WA-14 Columbia River Scenic Byway
Region 10
Door County Fall Color
Lake Michigan moderates some shoreline stands; inland maples and park corridors can differ.
Typical planning window: October 4–October 26
WI-42 north peninsula · Peninsula State Park Scenic Drive
Region 11
Poconos Fall Color
Ridge-top stands, Delaware valley sites and lakes can reach their color windows at different times.
Typical planning window: October 5–October 29
Delaware Water Gap / US-209 · PA-402 / Lake Wallenpaupack corridor
Region 12
Texas Hill Country Fall Color
Lost Maples offers localized canyon color, not uniform Hill Country foliage. Fall timing is unusually variable.
Typical planning window: October 31–November 27
FM-337 · FM-187 / Lost Maples approach
Region 13
West Virginia Highlands Fall Color
Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley elevations turn earlier than sheltered lower slopes.
Typical planning window: September 28–October 22
Highland Scenic Highway / WV-150 · US-48 / Corridor H overlooks
Region 14
Catskills Fall Color
Hunter and Windham ridges often shift earlier than Hudson Valley lowlands.
Typical planning window: September 30–October 24
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway / NY-28 · NY-23A / Kaaterskill Clove
Region 15
Shenandoah Skyline Drive Fall Color
Skyline Drive runs along high ridges; east and west valley trees may peak days later.
Typical planning window: October 8–October 31
Skyline Drive North District · Skyline Drive Central District
Michigan fall color already has a dedicated live engine
For the most detailed Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula timing, use the Michigan Fall Color map and regional guides. The national collection uses a separate forecast layer, preserving the Michigan product.