The Fall Foliage Prediction Map Is Here – Now What?

The SmokyMountains.com’s famous fall-foliage prediction map is out and here’s how you can use it to map out your leaf-peeping, photographic adventures this fall.

This map is pretty easy to read with seven colors used to indicate where your area is in terms of “foliage peak”.

You’ll notice that as of right now, we are still in the green zone, which means there is no change in the leaves at this time. But as you adjust the slider at the bottom to move into the future, you’ll see the colors change from green to yellow to orange, all the way into brown, to indicate when an area is past peak season.

This year, if predictions hold true, the SouthCoast will see peak foliage season between October 12 and October 19. For planning purposes, you’ll want to mark your calendars as a reminder to get out there soon and enjoy the elms, maples, and oaks before they become indiscernible piles of dead, brown leaves.

Kick off your Columbus Day weekend with some backroad rides over the rivers and through the woods of southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island because these fall colors won’t stay for very long.

If you need to get your foliage fix earlier than that, take a weekend COVID-safe drive through the scenic Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire or make the trip to the most fall-ish looking town ever: Woodstock, Vermont. These states see near-peak foliage conditions beginning September 28.

Happy leaf-peeping!