Fall Color Map 2026: Where Leaves Are Peaking Now

Last updated: November 3, 2026
Update schedule: Tuesdays during fall color season

Peak fall color is running out of room to move, but the season is not finished yet.

Quick Breakdown

• Where are fall colors peaking now? Peak color stretches from parts of the central Plains through the Midwest, Ohio Valley and Appalachian Mountains.

• Where is fall color past peak? Most of the Northeast, upper Great Lakes, northern Plains, Rockies and Pacific Northwest are past peak.

• Where is color still developing? Low to moderate color is spreading across the lower Mississippi Valley, Deep South and lower elevations of the Southeast.

• Where are the best leaf-peeping options? Parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley and central to southern Appalachians offer some of the strongest remaining color.

• Where is it still mostly green? Southern Texas, coastal Louisiana and Florida remain largely green.

Fall color has reached its final act across much of the country.

The latest national fall foliage map shows widespread past-peak conditions across the northern United States. Meanwhile, the strongest remaining color has shifted into the Midwest, Ohio Valley and Appalachians.

If you are planning a November leaf-peeping trip, the map is becoming a little less forgiving. Drive too far north and the trees may already be bare. Head too far south and green may still dominate.

Northeast Fall Color Report

The main fall-color season is ending across the Northeast.

Most of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and northern Pennsylvania is now past peak. That includes many of the region’s most popular early-season destinations.

Small pockets of peak or high color remain across southern New England, southern New York and portions of Pennsylvania, but the viewing window is closing quickly.

At this point, local reports will be more useful than broad regional guidance. One sheltered valley may still have color while a nearby ridge has already lost most of its leaves.

Midwest and Great Lakes Fall Color Report

The strongest color has shifted into the lower Midwest and Ohio Valley.

Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are largely past peak. Much of northern Michigan has also moved beyond its best display.

Farther south, peak and high color extends through parts of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and southern Michigan. Some areas immediately south of the peak zone are showing moderate color and may still improve.

This is one of the better regions for a fall-color drive this week, especially across the lower Great Lakes and Ohio Valley.

Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Fall Color Report

The Appalachian Mountains remain one of the best places to find peak fall color.

Peak and high color runs through parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, western Maryland, western Virginia, eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.

Some of the highest elevations are already past peak, but strong color is moving into lower mountain communities and surrounding foothills.

Farther east, moderate to high color is showing across portions of Virginia, Maryland and the Carolinas.

Across the Deep South, low color is becoming more widespread. Green still dominates near the Gulf Coast and across much of Florida, but the seasonal change is finally becoming more noticeable farther north.

Rockies and Southwest Fall Color Report

The fall-color season is largely over across the Rockies.

Most of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado is past peak, including much of the higher terrain. A few isolated pockets of peak color remain, but they are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Parts of Arizona and New Mexico still show a mix of peak, high and moderate color, especially across higher elevations.

Lower desert locations remain much greener, so elevation continues to make an enormous difference.

West Coast and Alaska Fall Color Report

Most of Washington and Oregon is now past peak, particularly east of the Cascades and across higher elevations.

Small pockets of peak color remain near portions of the Pacific coast and in lower terrain, but the broader regional season is winding down.

California is more varied. Parts of the Sierra Nevada and northern mountains are past peak, while lower elevations are showing a mix of peak, high, moderate and low color.

The Central Valley, Southern California and lower desert areas remain much greener than the mountains.

Alaska’s main fall foliage season is over.

What Do the Fall Color Map Categories Mean?

• Little to no color: Trees are still predominantly green.

• Low color: Early color is visible, but green still dominates.

• Moderate color: Fall color is noticeable and becoming more widespread.

• High color: Strong color is present and the area is approaching its best display.

• Peak color: The landscape is showing its most widespread and vibrant color.

• Past peak: Color is fading and significant leaf drop has begun.

Where Can You Still See Fall Color in November?

By November, some of the best viewing opportunities shift into the Ohio Valley, Appalachians and lower elevations of the Southeast.

However, fall color does not follow a perfect schedule. Elevation, tree species, recent temperatures, rainfall, drought stress and wind can all influence how quickly leaves change and fall.

The national map shows broad conditions. Individual parks, scenic roads and mountain communities may be ahead of or behind the surrounding region.

Strong winds and heavy rain can also end the show quickly, especially once leaves have reached peak color.

Planning a late-season fall-color drive? Check the latest hourly forecast in the WeatherBug app before you leave so wind, rain or an early freeze does not derail the trip.

For more planning help, explore peak fall color at 12 popular U.S. destinations.

We will continue updating this report as the last pockets of fall color move south.

Map data: The Foliage Report, report dated November 2, 2026.