• The Old Farmer's Almanac released its 2026 fall foliage map, an interactive tool tracking peak leaf color progression across the U.S. starting late September in northern regions and moving south through November.
  • Peak foliage was expected to arrive in New England from late September through October, followed by the Mid-Atlantic in mid-to-late October, with the Great Lakes and Southern Appalachians peaking throughout October into early November.
  • The map used color codes—green, yellow, orange, red, brown, and gray—to indicate each stage of seasonal tree transformation, with red representing the ideal peak foliage period for autumn leaf-peeping trips.

If you’re already dreaming of crisp fall weather, scenic drives, and trees covered in shades of red, orange, and gold, there’s good news: The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its 2026 fall foliage map, giving leaf peepers a look at when peak color is expected across the country.

The interactive map tracks the expected progression of fall color across the U.S., making it a helpful tool for anyone planning an autumn getaway. According to the Almanac, peak foliage is likely to begin in late September in northern states and mountainous areas, and southern states will start seeing a change throughout October and into early November. The site notes most places are expected to see peak color around the time they normally do.

When will fall foliage peak in each region?

As usual, Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that New England will put on its colorful display the earliest as peak foliage is generally expected from late September through October.

The Mid-Atlantic will follow, with peak color typically arriving in mid- to late October. However, in the Adirondacks and some parts of Pennsylvania, the leaves can begin changing in late September.

Mid-October will also be prime time for those in the Great Lakes and Midwest. Meanwhile, the Southern Appalachians—including parts of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia—are expected to see their brightest colors from mid-October into early November. But elevation can change that, and some parts might experience it much earlier.

The same goes for out West, where changes can begin as early as September in some areas, though most states will reach peak color through October.

What the foliage map colors mean

The map uses different colors to show where trees are in their seasonal transformation. Here’s what each means, according to the site:

  • Green: Green represents the lush, vibrant foliage of summer, before the leaves begin their seasonal transformation.
  • Yellow: Yellow marks the beginning of the transition, when the tops and outer edges of trees start shifting from green to their autumn colors.
  • Orange: Orange signals that fall is nearing its peak. Most of the trees have changed color, though some green leaves may remain.
  • Red: Red represents peak fall foliage, when trees are at their most vibrant and colorful. It’s the ideal time for leaf peeping and taking in the season at its most beautiful.
  • Brown: Brown indicates that peak foliage has passed. Leaves have begun to lose their color and moisture as they dry out in preparation for winter.
  • Gray: Gray means the fall color change is essentially over. Few leaves remain on the trees, with mostly brown, dried foliage left behind before it falls.