Fall 2026
Pumpkin spice gets the attention, but fall is best experienced outside on a camping trip. That’s why we analyzed temperature, precipitation, satellite imagery, and more to forecast when fall colors may peak across the US.
This map forecasts when fall colors may peak across the US in 2026. Colors generally arrive first at northern latitudes and higher elevations like in the Rockies, then move south and to lower elevations as the season progresses. Use the map to help time your fall camping trip.
These Hipcamps offer front-row seats to fall color, based on photos and reviews shared by campers.
Scenic surroundings and amazing fall leaves.
We celebrated our mom’s birthday overlooking New Hampshire’s mountains and autumn foliage… I cannot believe how magnificent the views were.
So nice to have access to the river. Beautiful place to take in the fall colors!
The view across the blueberry fields in their autumn colors was spectacular.
You have the pond all to yourself, all the leaves were changing colors… exactly what you expect for a road trip like ours.
This was our favorite Hipcamp we’ve stayed at so far… the perfect way to get to enjoy fall foliage.
Despite being there in rainy weather, it was beautiful with all the fall foliage!
Beautiful surroundings and amazing weather. The fall foliage made it even more special.
It was clean and comfortable, providing a cozy place to sleep after a day of hiking and seeing the fall colors.
It was so serene and gorgeous with all the fall colors… such a nice spot.
The Lake at the Flying J Farm was an INCREDIBLE Autumn experience… the fall colors stealing your gaze at every turn.
A wonderful location! Beautiful in the fall with trees changing colors.
Tucked right by a gorgeous lake surrounded by stunning fall colors… a peaceful, cozy stay.
Out of all the places I have camped, this is one of my favorites. The fall foliage made this experience excellent.
The surrounding area is gorgeous, and the fall colors were a real treat.
Each park and city is assigned to the forecast band at its mapped location. State timing reflects the forecast across each state, with Colorado split by elevation. Because conditions can change quickly, always check current local reports before you go.
Colors match the forecast map’s peak windows.
| Destination | Peak window | Look for | Camp nearby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado · High elevations | Late September | Quaking aspens, cottonwoods | |
| Minnesota | Early October | Maples, aspens, birches, tamarack | |
| New Hampshire | Early October | Sugar maples, red maples, birches, beeches | |
| New York | Early October | Sugar maples, red maples, birches, beeches, oaks | |
| Vermont | Early October | Sugar maples, red maples, birches, beeches | |
| Maine | Mid-October | Lowbush blueberry barrens, sugar maples, red maples, birches, beeches | |
| Michigan | Mid-October | Maples, birches, aspens, beeches | |
| Colorado · Lower elevations | Late October | Quaking aspens, cottonwoods | |
| North Carolina | Late October | Maples, oaks, sourwoods, hickories | |
| Texas | Mid-November or Later | Bigtooth maples, Texas red oaks, cypresses, sumacs |
| Destination | Peak window | Look for | Camp nearby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Late September | Aspens, cottonwoods, willows | |
| Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness | Late September | Sugar maples, paper birches, aspens, tamarack | |
| White Mountain National Forest | Early October | Sugar maples, red maples, birches, beeches | |
| Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park | Early October | Sugar maples, yellow birches, beeches, aspens | |
| North Cascades National Park | Early October | Vine maples, bigleaf maples, cottonwoods, larches | |
| Peninsula State Park | Mid-October | Sugar maples, American beeches, paper birches, red oaks | |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Late October | Maples, oaks, hickories, sourwoods | |
| Shenandoah National Park | Late October | Maples, oaks, hickories, black gums | |
| Hot Springs National Park | Early November | Maples, hickories, oaks, sweetgums | |
| Lost Maples State Natural Area | Mid-November or Later | Bigtooth maples, Texas red oaks, sycamores |
| Destination | Peak window | Look for | Camp nearby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telluride, Colorado | Late September | Quaking aspens, Gambel oaks, cottonwoods | |
| Ely, Minnesota | Late September | Sugar maples, paper birches, aspens, tamarack | |
| Stowe, Vermont | Early October | Sugar maples, red maples, birches, beeches | |
| Marquette, Michigan | Early October | Sugar maples, yellow birches, aspens, beeches | |
| Bar Harbor, Maine | Mid-October | Red maples, sugar maples, birches, beeches | |
| Woodstock, New York | Mid-October | Sugar maples, red maples, birches, beeches, oaks | |
| Asheville, North Carolina | Late October | Maples, oaks, sourwoods, hickories | |
| Mammoth Lakes, California | Late October | Aspens, cottonwoods, willows |
Want to make fall feel a little longer? Hit the road. According to the US Forest Service, many of America’s National Scenic Byways were designed for leaf-peepers, so we paired the scenic drives with our foliage forecast to create five camping routes that follow changing colors across the US.
Early October
October
Late October
September
Late September–early October
Before heading out, check for road closures, park alerts, fire restrictions, and current foliage reports. Fall color can shift with weather and elevation, so use the state-level reports below for the latest local updates.
Phenology is the study of recurring events in nature and how seasonal changes influence them—like monarch migrations, cherry blossoms, and fall color. All are phenological phenomena—incredible events that occur seasonally.
When it comes to foliage, sunlight and temperature are two of the primary cues that influence when leaves change. Growing-season weather, tree species, nutrient availability, elevation, and wind can also affect the timing and intensity of fall color.
Hipcamp’s data team analyzed these factors alongside satellite imagery and other data to forecast peak fall color across the US. Because foliage is notoriously difficult to predict, consider the map a guide for finding campsites near expected peak color—not a guarantee. In general, colors arrive earlier in the north and at higher elevations, then progress south and to lower elevations.