Peak Fall Foliage Forecast Across the U.S.
The 2026 fall foliage season is shaping up to be a vibrant display across various regions of the United States, with peak colors expected to vary by location. California’s Sierra Nevada will see its strongest colors in mid- to late October, while the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon and Washington offers a mix of maples, waterfalls, and evergreens, though drought and wildfires may impact the interior Northwest. In the central U.S., the Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri will peak later, lasting into late October or November. New England remains a top destination for leaf-peeping, with Vermont’s Green Mountains, New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, and Maine’s Acadia National Park showcasing sugar maples. The central Appalachians, including West Virginia and eastern Kentucky, are expected to have one of the best displays this year due to favorable moisture and elevation conditions.
