When and where to see peak fall foliage 2025
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Don't let those early brown leaves fool you — U.S. peak foliage is still ahead, ranging from late September to mid-November.
The big picture: The fall color change starts in the North and high elevations in the U.S., before making its way South, according to travel brand SmokyMountains.com.
State of play: Warmer-than-average temperatures could delay foliage in much of the country, particularly in the South and West, including Georgia, Alabama and northern Florida.
- Yes, but: Mountainous regions and areas with cooler-than-usual forecasts — like northern New England, the Adirondacks and the Poconos — could see peak colors on the early side, according to forecasts.
- Between the lines: SmokyMountains.com uses historical weather reports, tree species info and user data to put together 2025 foliage prediction maps of the U.S.
Zoom in: The hard-to-find, vibrant yellow Alpine larch groves in the Northern Rockies are one of University of Vermont forest science professor William Keeton's favorite fall sights.
- Here are more colorful leaves to view across the country.
The bottom line: Even with warmer weather shifting timelines, there will still be plenty of reds, yellows, oranges and purples to see across the country.
