Planning a fall forage trip to match the peak colours can be challenging. If it’s too early, you’ll see more green than orange or red. too late? You risk being greeted by a forest filled with brown leaves.
To avoid disappointment, Smokymountains.com has released a Autumn Leaf Prediction Map for 2025. It uses historical data and predictive information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to predict the timing of peak autumn leaves in the continent each year.
And since the National Weather Service forecasts above-average temperatures from coast to coast starting this fall, it is especially important to plan ahead if you want to catch changing colours.
Although the weather forecasting tool is not 100% accurate, this interactive autumn color map shows the best chances of where the leaves are near and near the peak in 2025 when moving the slider to the bottom of the map over a few weeks throughout the season. So whether you’re planning on seeing sugar maple turn red in Tennessee or go for gold in Colorado, use this online tool to schedule a fall road trip.
When will Fall Fallage Peak peak this year?
By September 29th, the map shows that parts of the states of Colorado, Utah, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Washington and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will be peak autumn leaves.
By October 6th, much of the rest of Michigan, New York and Connecticut will peak along with Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. However, by October 13th, the leaves of many parts of these major leaves that are peeked past their prime. This reminds us that timing is everything.
Where to see autumn colors
On the East Coast, you’ll be on a weekend trip to New York’s Hudson River Valley or the Catskill Mountains. Here, Peak Waterfalls is expected around October 13th. Or spend your time exploring charming small New England towns like Williamstown, Massachusetts (known for its arts and scholars), or Conway, New Hampshire.
For those heading towards western North Carolina, the week of October 13th and 20th looks like your best bet, due to the scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which bursts in warm shades. With Asheville as your base, you’ll be treated to an impressive cooking scene where James Beard nods left and right (including Chef Ashley Shanty, who won an award for her cookbook this year. Our South: Black food through my lens, And serves a sandwich of fried fish with good hot fish). Rest your head at one of Afar’s favorite Asheville hotels, like the Design Forward Blind Tiger Asheville, which reopened in May following the restoration of Hurricane Helen.
Or think of autumn leaves in California’s wine country. The week of October 27th will perfectly time the fall harvest season, where Grapevine should be at or near the peak of Sonoma County and wineries and hotels often hold special events and menus to celebrate the bounty of the season. Some of the best hotels in the area, including Montage Healdsburg and Madrona, offer stunning vineyard views.
To see when your nearest autumn leaves (or your favorite autumn destination) change this year and book a trip accordingly, visit the map on Smokymountas.com.
This article originally appeared online in 2018. Recently updated on September 4th, 2025 to include current information.
