Overview
- Explore Fall launched an interactive 2026 map in late August 2026 that shows day-by-day foliage forecasts across the contiguous U.S. and includes a city dashboard with location-specific peak windows.
- Major forecasts align on a north-to-south progression with parts of the Rockies peaking in September, northern states and the Upper Midwest in early October, New England roughly Oct. 7–16, and the Sierra Nevada at higher elevations in mid–late October.
- The National Park Service reports that Denali can show fall color as early as early to mid‑August at high elevations, with color moving down into valleys by the second week of September.
- Researchers and reporters warn that warmer temperatures, drought and variable weather are making the timing and intensity of peak color more unpredictable, which complicates travel planning and risks shortening displays.
- Because fall foliage drives local tourism and seasonal sales, the new map and date-slider tools are being promoted as practical aids for travelers, park managers and businesses that need to plan staffing, events and inventory around peak demand.