Where to See Fall Foliage This Week Across the U.S.

Updated October 7, 2026

The best fall color this week isn’t limited to New England. The Adirondacks are nearing peak, Minnesota and Wisconsin have bright patches, and California’s Eastern Sierra is producing standout color. In the West, golden larches are drawing hikers into the North Cascades, while higher elevations in the Smokies are beginning their fall show.

Foliage changes at different times by elevation, tree species, and local weather. Use these spots as a starting point, then check a local report before you go. Our 2026 fall foliage map and regional outlook offer a broader look at the season.

Best bets for color this week

Northern New England and the Adirondacks

Parts of northern New England are at or close to peak color. New Hampshire’s October 6 report put the western White Mountains near peak, including Pinkham Notch and Franconia Notch. The Great North Woods is past peak in some places, though strong color remains farther south in the region. In Vermont, the Northeast Kingdom is at peak, with the Green Mountains approaching it. Try the drive along U.S. Route 302 from Barre toward the New Hampshire border, or check the latest Vermont foliage report and New Hampshire report before setting out.

New York’s Adirondacks are another strong choice. The state’s latest report found near-peak and peak color around Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, Wilmington, Saranac Lake, and Old Forge. Farther south, much of the Catskills and Capital-Saratoga region is around the midpoint of its color change. See the I LOVE NY foliage report for regional updates.

The Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

Color is moving through the Upper Midwest, but conditions vary from county to county. In Minnesota, the north has turned first, and the color line is moving toward the central and southern parts of the state. The Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Finder distinguishes actual observations from typical timing later in the season.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a good bet, especially in central and eastern areas where color is still building. In northern Wisconsin, local reports show strong color around places such as Spooner, Land O’ Lakes, and Phelps, though some areas are already fading. Check the latest Upper Peninsula reports and Wisconsin color map before choosing a route. Minnesota DNR

The Eastern Sierra in California

California offers a different kind of leaf-peeping trip: pockets of golden aspen set against steep mountain scenery. Recent reports from California Fall Color point visitors toward Monitor Pass and Highway 88 near Hope Valley, with color also developing around Mammoth Lakes. The season moves downhill as the weeks pass, so check the latest California reports for current locations and photographs before driving into the mountains.

North Cascades larches

In Washington’s North Cascades, the fall display includes golden larch needles as well as changing leaves. Larches are conifers, but unlike most conifers, they drop their needles each year after they turn gold. The Washington Trails Association says larch color typically peaks during the first two to three weeks of October. Its fall hiking guide offers trail ideas, but check trail conditions and weather before heading into the mountains.

Where color is starting to build

Pennsylvania and the central Appalachians

In northern Pennsylvania, peak color is close in some areas, while much of the central and southern parts of the state still has a few weeks to go. The state’s October 1–7 report recommends Salt Springs State Park in the northern tier for current color. Southcentral and southeastern Pennsylvania are earlier in the transition. Check the Pennsylvania foliage report for updates by region.

The Smokies and southern mountains

In the Great Smoky Mountains, elevation creates a long season rather than one peak weekend. Color typically develops above 4,000 feet in early to mid-October. Lower and middle elevations usually offer their strongest displays from mid-October into early November. Check the National Park Service’s fall color guide before planning a drive or hike. October is the park’s busiest month, and traffic can add hours to some trips.

Iowa and the central Midwest

In Iowa, foresters reported on October 5 that northeast and central Iowa were beginning to turn, with some areas showing roughly 25 to 50 percent color. Southern and southeastern areas were mostly green, with more change expected later in October. The Iowa DNR’s weekly color report is useful for tracking the season as it moves south.

A quick check before you leave

A forecast can point you toward a promising area, but wind and rain may shorten the show, and nearby valleys can lag behind mountain slopes. Check local foliage reports on the day of your trip, especially if you’re driving a long distance. For more trip ideas, browse the Farmers’ Almanac’s fall foliage destinations and guide to why leaves change color.