Tracking Down Nation's Fall Colors Part II

Exploring our nation's fall colors from Maryland to Wyoming

This is part two of our compilation of every single state’s fall colors. If you missed our first part, from Alabama to Maine, you can read that here.

We’ve compiled a list of every single state including:

• Links to foliage reports or hotlines

• Expected peak dates for colors

• Top destinations locals visit to see colors

Maryland

Expected Dates: In southern and central Maryland, peak colors are on display in late October and early November. If you can only visit during early October, visit parks around Garrett County. 

Foliage Report: Check updates at Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Favorite Places:

• Adkins Arboretum has over 400 acres and features hundreds of varieties of plants including a plethora of trees that change color. Five miles of paths take you along a colorful journey along with an added bonus of some epic birdwatching.

• Perched high above a 100-foot bluff, Turkey Point Lighthouse provides an exemplary 360-degree view but you have to work for it by climbing up a 2-mile hike.

Massachussetts

Expected Dates: During the first week of October, plan a visit to the western and southeastern regions for foliage. Peak foliage occurs mid-October for the central area and eastern regions.

Foliage Report: Check on New England Foliage

Favorite Places:

• On a clear day, you can see for almost 100 miles at Mount Greylock from the 3,400 foot outpost that provides captivating colors and beauty.

• For a drive that will provide almost a half day of sightseeing, be sure to check out the Mohawk Trail, a 69-mile byway that goes from Willamstown to Greenfield. Along the way, be sure to peep more than colors at Bridge of Flowers at Shelburne Falls.

Michigan

Expected Dates: The far western quarter of the Michigan upper peninsula peaks from mid-September to early October, whereas all other areas in the upper peninsula peak from late September to mid-October. The expected peak color for the lower peninsula is from late September to late October.

Foliage Report: Check at the Fall Color Blog for weekly updates of colors across both Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Favorite Places:

• Unless you live in the Upper Midwest, you may not be familiar with an epic mountain range Michigan known as the Porcupine Mountains, or the ‘Porkies’ as locals call them. It’s 31,000 acres of forest and rolling mountains as far as you can see full of beautiful array of colors and 90-miles of trails.

Minnesota

Expected Dates: On average, fall foliage peak times in the northern third of the state occur mid-September to early October. The central third of the state is most colorful between late September and early October. Southern Minnesota trees reach their peak late September to mid-October. One exception is the North Shore of Lake Superior where peak fall color arrives roughly one week later than inland areas.

Foliage Report: Check color updates at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Favorite Places:

• Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway is a wonderful route to take in colors by car, starting at Big Stone Lake all the way to Belle Plaine. This is a day or two route that is 287-miles and complete with six state parks and an endless variety of colors from bright red to gold.

• Tough to reach and trek through, but entirely worth a trip, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a mix of hardwood forest filled with pockets of lakes and streams—many areas only accessible by canoe. Of course, you can access plenty of the wilderness by hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Mississippi

Expected Dates: Plan for fall leaves in Mississippi to turn in late October to mid-November.

Foliage Report: The Natchez Trace Parkway through the National Park Services provides good color updates.

Favorite Places:

• The Freedom Hills Overlook sits at the highest point along the three-state-long Natchez Trace Parkway. At 800 feet above sea level, this overlook gives you stunning views of the autumn scenery across the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Missouri

Expected Dates: Colors start to change in late September and peak in mid-October. Fall colors begin in the northern part of the state and move south to the Ozark Mountains. 

Foliage Report: Missouri Department of Conversation

Favorite Places:

• At Tower Grover Park, bold fall colors line the paths and grassy lawns, treating you to a delightful view from every corner of the greenspace. As you waltz down each path, the cinnamon-orange maples, maroon sourwoods, and fiery red black gum trees light up the landscape in an amazing way. Want to kick your explorations up a notch? Pick up the pace to enjoy a brisk jog or ride your bike down the paths instead.

Montana

Expected Dates: Watch for fall colors in central Montana in late September to early October. Western Montana peaks in early to mid-October.

Foliage Report: Check for the Montana section at Leaf Peepers

Favorite Places:

• With 200 lakes, 50 glaciers, and countless waterfalls, Glacier National Park is the place in Montana to spy all the best colors.

• Recreational activities abound across Hyalite Canyon, and it all gets even better as the fall season comes along. With the chilly autumn weather comes colorful leaves that brighten up the landscape, plus an increase in wildlife activity.

Nebraska

Expected Dates: Leaves peak in Nebraska in mid to late October.

Foliage Report: Check the local reports at WOWT.

Favorite Places:

• The Heritage Highway takes you on a wonderful four-hour trip through 10 counties, starting in Edison and ending in Brownville. As you travel along the 238 mile route, you’ll get to see forests and prairies dressed in their autumn tones in between all the historic towns, including Rock Creek Station.

Nevada

Expected Dates: Fall colors in Nevada peak in mid- to late October.

Foliage Report: Take a look at the Fall Foliage Map on Smokey Mountains for the latest updates.

Favorite Places:

• Hop in the car and point it toward the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway. At just 12 miles of paved road, this mountain highway takes you up to the top of 8,800 Ruby Dome with views of yellow sagebrush and orange aspens. As a bonus, giant elk roam the area.

New Hampshire

Expected Dates: Generally, the best times to view the fall colors are near the end of September in the far north, the beginning of October in the White Mountain region, and the middle of October in the south.

Foliage Report: The Fall Foliage Tracker is a great resource on Visit New Hampshire

Favorite Places:

• Another wonderful itinerary for fall color awaits you on the Kancamagus Scenic Byyway—a 34.5 mile trip beginning in Lincon and ending west in Conway that includes tons of overlooks and wild terrain full of color and forest.

• Take a unique train adventure on the Mt. Washington Cog Railway, which will pull you on a steam engine up over a 25 percent grade to the summit, which is bursting with fall color.

New Jersey

Expected Dates: Fall foliage peak viewing for inland New Jersey is mid- to late October. Late October to early November is the best time for foliage in coastal areas of the state.

Foliage Report: Check reports at the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Favorite Places:

New Mexico

Expected Dates: At higher elevations, peak viewing is in early to mid-October. Lower elevations peak from mid-October to early November.

Foliage Report: Check reports at New Mexico tourism site.

Favorite Places:

• All through autumn, fall colors dominate the landscape all across Parvin State Park, giving you plenty of amazing views while you enjoy your outdoor activities. At this lakeside greenspace, you can spend time on the water, lounge around the shores, or explore 15 miles of trails. You’re even able to rent a cabin or reserve a campsite for an extended stay, so you can take in the gorgeous fall colors for days at a time.

New York

Expected Dates: New York is known for great foliage so plan your trip sometime between the last few days of September through the month of October. The Adirondacks and Catskills provide the most opportunities for viewing vibrant fall colors.

Foliage Report: Check reports at I Love New York.

Favorite Places:

• At Letchworth State Park, versatility is the name of the game as there are activities for practically everyone to enjoy. From hiking and picnicking to whitewater rafting and camping, the sky is the limit in how you want to spend your time in the park. In fact, you could even go up in the sky by booking a hot air balloon ride with Balloons Over Letchworth.

North Carolina

Expected Dates: Inland areas of the state can expect fall foliage peak time around mid- to late October. The coastal regions of North Carolina typically hit their peak from late October to early November.

Foliage Report: Check reports at Blue Ridge Mountain Life

Favorite Places:

• Whether you like paddling on the river, hiking through the trails, or camping under the fall foliage, you’re going to enjoy a trip to Hanging Rock State Park. Set along the Sauratown Mountain range, this stellar greenspace offers phenomenal views of the monadnocks surrounded by lovely autumn hues.

• The masterful Biltmore Estate is the perfect mansion and grounds to explore, but it’s one of the best times to visit in Autumn when the colors of the local mountains explode with color.

North Dakota

Expected Dates: North Dakota leaves peak with fall colors in early to mid-October.

Foliage Report: Check updates at North Dakota Tourism

Favorite Places:

• Pembina Gorge serves as a phenomenal place to enjoy fun adventures while enjoying scenic views of all the best autumn colors. Across its 2,800 acres, this park features gorgeous wetlands, prairies, and virtually undisturbed forests. The many trails allow you to explore while hiking, biking, horseback riding, or driving your OHV. Or you can take your kayak down the Pembina River to see the beautiful waters reflect the colorful views.

Ohio

Expected Dates: Most trees peak during the second and third week of October. Late in the month tends to be an ideal time to visit the southernmost areas of the state.

Foliage Report: Check reports at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Favorite Places:

• At just over 26 miles, the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway will provide all the colors you need with the opportunity to stop at six locations within Hocking Hills State Park.

Oklahoma

Expected Dates: Fall foliage in Oklahoma is at its best in late October through early November.

Foliage Report: Check reports and local fall festivals at Travel Oklahoma

Favorite Places:

• Located in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area serves as a truly serene place to soak in the fall hues. The 30 miles of trails allow you to enjoy the oak, hickory, and sycamore trees on foot, on bicycle, or on horseback. Not sure which trails to pick? Stop at the Travertine Nature Center for key insights.

Oregon

Expected Dates: Mid- to late October is peak foliage time for Oregon, on average.

Foliage Report: Check updates and local reports at Travel Oregon

Favorite Places:

• Located at 7,140 feet in the Elkhorn Mountains, Anthony Lake is the perfect place to get away from it all while enjoying the colors of fall. The tent and RV campsites put you right at the lakeside where you can soak in the views between all your swimming and boating fun. If you’d like a little more protection from the elements, you can stay in a yurt instead.

Pennsylvania

Expected Dates: Peak color is during early October for the northern region of the state. The central region typically reaches full color in mid-October. For southeastern Pennsylvania, peak color occurs during the last two weeks of October.

Foliage Report: Check reports at Visit PA

Favorite Places:

• The Gateway to the Endless Mountains is one of the can’t miss drives in PA, and even included in National Geographic’s most scenic drives in the country.

• Driving through Lancaster, PA, is like taking a trip through time. There is a reason that the Amish have chosen to call this part of Pennsylvania home. The beautiful views abound in this untouched part of the country. The fresh air, wildflowers, and almost mawkishly warm environment make this the best option for a midsummer road trip! 

Rhode Island

Expected Dates: Peak viewing for Rhode Island is mid- to late October.

Foliage Report: Reports updated at Visit Rhode Island

Favorite Places:

• Take a 3.5 mile hike along the Newport Shoreline at the Cliff Walk of Newport for great fall colors. To take the entire trail, you can expect to budget about three hours or more if you want to stop along the way.

South Carolina

Expected Dates: Late October to early November is the best time to view the stunning foliage South Carolina has to offer. 

Foliage Report: Check local reports and even webcams at South Carolina State Parks

Favorite Places:

• Between the 7,565-acre Lake Jocassee and its amazing gorges, Devils Fork State Park serves as a top spot in South Carolina for fall foliage. While on the lake, you can swim along the shores or hit the water in your canoe, motorboat, or other watercraft.

South Dakota

Expected Dates: Plan a trip to South Dakota in early to mid-October to see the leaves at their peak.

Foliage Report: Check local reports at Travel South Dakota

Favorite Places:

• If you’d like to take a spectacular trip through the Black Hills, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is definitely calling your name. The 19-mile route takes you through stunning fall scenes from Spearfish to Cheyenne Crossing. Although the drive itself won’t take long, you’ll want to stop and appreciate all the stops along the way.

Tennessee

Expected Dates: Typically the northeastern mountain regions see their peak during the last two weeks of October. Across the state, colors peak from mid-October to late November.

Foliage Report: The most current reports can be found at Tennessee State Parks and also at the Gatlinburg site.

Favorite Places:

• All the blooming flowers and colorful fall foliage ensure that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will always exceed your expectations for memorable autumn adventures. With over 520,000 acres to explore, there are endless ways to enjoy these parklands. You can hike, mountain bike, or ride your horse along the miles of trails. Or just let your car do all the work by taking a trip around the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Texas

Expected Dates: The entire month of October is prime for spotting fall foliage, but the peak time is typically mid- to late October.

Foliage Report: Texas is a large state, so hone in on the region first. For example, East Texas has a good update on what’s happening with the colors.

Favorite Places:

• Prime spots for foliage viewing are McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and the area around Winnsboro in East Texas.

Utah

Expected Dates: Utah's fall color season gets underway in early September at higher, northern mountain locations and continues into November in lower, southern areas. Scenic drives are one of the best ways to see the beauty of fall in Utah.

Foliage Report: Check reports at Visit Utah

Favorite Places:

• Stretching from Kamas to the Wyoming Border, Mirror Lake Highway Scenic Drive treats you to incredible views for 42 miles. On this one- to two-hour trip, you’ll get a chance to stop at the ever pristine Mirror Lake, travel over Bald Mountain Pass, and enjoy the overlook at Provo River Falls.

Vermont

Expected Dates: Northern Vermont reaches its peak between the last week of September and early October. Early to mid-October is peak time for southern Vermont.

Foliage Report: Vermont is well-known for stunning foliage, and state parks are a great resource. Be sure to check Vermont's foliage reports before planning your trip.

Favorite Places:

• With its vivid yellow, coppery orange, and fiery red trees all around, Smugglers’ Notch Pass is a true fall wonderland. The sheer number of trees along this mountain pass promise to leave you completely submerged in the best autumn hues.

• At Shelburne Farms, you can experience all the best fall colors while learning all about how their sustainable working farm operates. You’re welcome to walk the farm yourself or wait for the tractor to take you around. Either way, you’ll get to see the livestock, crops, and all the hard work that goes into growing everything to its full potential.

Virginia

Expected Dates: Inland Virginia reaches peak foliage from mid- to late October. Coastal Virginia typically reaches its peak from late October to early November.

Foliage Report: Check local reports at Virginia.org

Favorite Places:

• Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park features exquisitely beautiful fall scenery across its entire landscape. Bold autumn hues await your arrival in the wooded hollows, fields of wildflowers, and all around the scenic vistas. For the best fall views, visit Old Rag Mountain to see the tree canopies create a quilt of color. Don’t miss the Big Meadows either to find fall blooms and watch the tall grasses change their hues.

Washington

Expected Dates: Fall color in Washington typically begins in mid-September and peaks in mid-October.

Foliage Report: Check reports and timing on the Smoky Mountain map

Favorite Places:

• With its mellow vibe and spectacular views from every direction, exploring the Whidbey Island Scenic Isleway is an absolute must throughout the fall season. Expect to see bigleaf maples, Garry oaks, and other deciduous trees displaying the full array of autumn hues plus stunning evergreens alongside, like the Pacific madrone.
  

West Virginia

Expected Dates: The state reaches peak color from late September to late October.

Foliage Report: Check reports at the West Virginia Department of Forestry

Favorite Places:

• If you’re in the mood to kick back and relax while watching the fall scenery pass you by, you’ll love to spend your time at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. At this park, you can ride the steam-driven train on a 4.5-hour round trip through the forest to the summit of Bald Knob. As the highest point on Back Allegheny Mountain, this viewpoint gives you a clear view of the beech, maple, birch, oak, and hickory trees changing with the season.
  

Wisconsin

Expected Dates: Early to mid-October is peak fall foliage time in Wisconsin.

Foliage Report: Online resources are available with extensive information including color reports, peak time estimates, and photos.

Favorite Places:

• Just a short drive from either Madison or Milwaukee, there is a slice of rolling hills and forested landscape carved by glaciers that contains over 115-miles of scenic backroads in the Kettle Moraine. The scenic drive takes you through both the northern and southern units and can be up to four hours if you go slow and stop to explore. There are plenty of places to stop, have a lunch, and go for a hike. The Southern unit is especially known for its exemplary mountain biking.

Wyoming

Expected Dates: Peak Wyoming colors can be seen from

Foliage Report: Travel Wyoming has some local intel and travel reports.

Favorite Places:

• The scenic Beartooth Highway takes you on a 68-mile journey from Red Lodge, Montana, to the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. For the majority of the drive, however, you’ll travel through Wyoming where you can appreciate the view of the Beartooth Mountains. All along the way, the aspens and cottonwoods paint the landscape gold, while the conifers add a touch of green.