It's almost time for one of the most colorful seasons of the year.
Several sites, including the Old Farmer's Almanac, Smoky Mountains and Ohio State Parks, have begun releasing their 2026 fall foliage forecasts. The maps estimate when peak color is expected to arrive in different parts of the country, including Greater Cincinnati, based on historical and current foliage patterns.
Here's what to know.
When will the leaves change color in Greater Cincinnati?
According to SmokyMountains.com's fall foliage map, Greater Cincinnati will begin seeing minimal color change around Sept. 29. The region is expected to reach partial and near-peak color by mid-October.
Peak fall foliage is expected to blanket Greater Cincinnati by late October before fading past peak by early November.
The forecast is intended as a planning
guide and is not an exact prediction. Instead, it gives leaf peepers an estimate of when they are most likely to see peak fall color in different parts of the country.
The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts peak color will arrive in southern Ohio in late October. In Hamilton County, foliage is expected to peak around Nov. 1.
Ohio State Parks also forecasts peak color in Southern Ohio from late October into early November.
When will the leaves change color in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana?
Here's when the tristate is expected to see peak fall colors, according to the Farmer's Almanac.
- Ohio: Oct. 5-21.
- Indiana: Northern Indiana, Oct. 5-21; Southern Indiana, Oct. 12-28.
- Kentucky: Eastern Kentucky, Oct. 5-21; Western Kentucky, Oct. 12-28.
Ohio fall foliage map 2026
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When will peak fall colors reach Cincinnati? See 2026 foliage maps
