🍁 When Do Leaves Change? Fall Foliage Timing Across the U.S.

Fall is the most colorful time of the year. As temperatures drop and days grow shorter, trees across the country transform into stunning shades of red, orange, and gold. Whether you're planning a road trip or just want to enjoy your backyard view, knowing when fall foliage peaks in your region helps you make the most of the season.

Here’s a state-by-state look at **when leaves typically change**—and where to catch the best autumn displays across the U.S.

🌳 Northeast (New England, New York, Pennsylvania)

* **Peak Time**: Late September to mid-October
* **What to Expect**: The most dramatic and colorful displays in the country, with fiery reds and bright golds.
* **Top Spots**: Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Adirondacks in Upstate New York

**Travel Tip**: Book early—this is prime leaf-peeping season, especially the first two weeks of October.

🌳 Midwest (Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin)

* **Peak Time**: Early to mid-October
* **What to Expect**: Beautiful layers of maple, oak, and beech trees in brilliant fall tones.
* **Top Spots**: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Door County in Wisconsin, Hocking Hills in Ohio

**Pro Tip**: Crisp days and fewer crowds make the Midwest a perfect destination for fall hikes and weekend drives.

🌲 Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon)

* **Peak Time**: Mid-October to early November
* **What to Expect**: A unique mix of evergreens and deciduous trees, creating dramatic contrasts.
* **Top Spots**: Columbia River Gorge, Olympic National Park, Mount Hood

**For Photographers**: Waterfalls surrounded by changing leaves = Instagram gold.

🌲 Rocky Mountains (Colorado, Utah, Montana)

* **Peak Time**: Mid-September to early October
* **What to Expect**: Iconic golden aspen trees covering entire hillsides.
* **Top Spots**: Aspen, Rocky Mountain National Park, Utah’s Wasatch Range

**Bonus**: Cooler temps and fewer bugs make fall ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.

🌄 Southeast (Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia)

* **Peak Time**: Mid-October to early November
* **What to Expect**: Vibrant mountain foliage, especially in higher elevations.
* **Top Spots**: Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway

**Drive This**: The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic fall drives in the U.S.

🌵 Southwest (California, Arizona, New Mexico)

* **Peak Time**: Mid-October to mid-November
* **What to Expect**: Pockets of fall color in high-elevation areas.
* **Top Spots**: Yosemite National Park, Flagstaff, Santa Fe Mountains

**Fun Fact**: Fall colors here often pop against red rocks and desert skies—totally different vibe.

🌾 Southern Plains & Texas

* **Peak Time**: Early November to early December
* **What to Expect**: Subtler color shifts, often later in the season due to the warm climate.
* **Top Spots**: Texas Hill Country, Austin-area greenbelts

**Watch the Weather**: A cold snap often triggers sudden leaf drop—don't wait too long!

 

🍂 Want to Track It Live?

Check out the interactive **[Fall Foliage Prediction Map](https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/)** by SmokyMountains.com — updated yearly based on weather patterns and elevation.

 

🧰 Fall Means Leaves—Lots of Them

If you're enjoying autumn from your own backyard, you're probably also battling falling leaves in your gutters. That’s why we created the **ArloCatcher Gutter Cleaning Kit**—an easy, ladder-free way to clear second-story gutters using your existing leaf blower.

🍂 Clean smarter. Stay safe.
🛠️ [Explore the Kit →](https://arlocatcher.com)