There’s something simply magical about watching the leaves change color as fall begins to settle in the northern hemisphere. The stunning fall foliage landscape seems as if it’s been painted by forest fairies equipped with an unlimited palette of autumnal colors and shades.

However, to enjoy this natural show, it is crucial to plan your trip knowing when and where to go to see leaf colors at their peak; otherwise, you can be too early or too late.

This seasonal show usually begins in September and lasts until November, although the periods vary depending on the area and weather conditions.

Fall Foliage Prediction Maps

A very useful map that predicts fall foliage in the United States is published annually by SmokyMountains.com, which has been doing so for the last ten years.

This visual guide shows the evolution of the colors in each area by moving the slider to the right, from one month to another. The predictions on the map are based on historical and forecast data.

For instance, the 2023 map predicts near-peak color starting to appear in some places by September 25.

By October 9, parts of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, and Washington will be at peak fall foliage.

Here are some places where peak fall foliage is expected:

• Grand Teton National Park: Early September to mid-October

• Smoky Mountains: Mid-October to early November

• Vermont: October 9–13, but you may see beautiful colors in the southern part of the state through late October

• Tennessee: October 23–27, but mid-November in lower elevations

Note that you should use this map as a resource to predict the best time to see the leaf colors, but remember that it is not 100% accurate, as factors like seasonal weather conditions can affect the timing of this natural phenomenon.

To help keep the map as up-to-date as possible, the team responsible for the SmokyMountains.com fall foliage map offers users the possibility to report fall colors in their area.

Another useful resource for planning the best time to view the fall leaves is this animated map published by the Old Farmer’s Almanac based on reports from its readers.

Best Places to See Fall Colors

Here are some of the best places to see fall colors in the United States, according to the Almanac:

Acadia National Park, Maine

Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, New York

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Jackson, Wyoming

Black Hills, South Dakota

Logan Canyon Scenic Byway, Utah

Fall Foliage Webcams

Do you want to know exactly what the colors of the leaves are like on a given day? A great way to track the progress of fall leaves is through webcams. Several national parks offer web cameras that allow you to get a virtual overview of the current conditions in different areas of the nature reserves. For instance, different webcams are available on the following national park websites:

• Yosemite, California

• Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

• Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina

• Mount Rainier, Washington

• Shenandoah, Virginia

• Glacier, Montana

Besides national parks, several institutions, organizations, and nature enthusiasts stream live views of popular fall foliage spots, including Pocono Mountains, Stratton Mountain, Stowe Mountain, Blue Mountain Lake, Brown County, and Aspen Mountain.

Using these digital tools not only builds anticipation for your trip but ensures you’re heading to the best and brightest spots at the right time.