Ready for Fall? Here's the Best Time to See Stunning Foliage in Your State This Year

Fall brings seasonal favorites like pumpkin-spiced lattes, warm cider, and cozy sweaters, along with one of nature's most magical moments—changing leaves. Watching them transform from lush green to saffron yellow, bright orange, and deep red is a highlight of autumn, inspiring many to plan road trips through verdant areas of the country.

For most of the U.S., peak fall foliage arrives in October. The leaves in Northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Northwestern Maine typically look most impressive in early October. Meanwhile, much of New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, along with the Northern Midwest, including Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, will reach peak color around the middle of the month, according to the experts at Explore Fall.

Daylight and temperature affect the timing of fall foliage. The further north and the higher in elevation a tree is, the earlier it will reveal its colors. Which is why some regions start to change in September, including the tops of the northernmost states and along the Rockies. Northern Alaska will see the changing colors as early as August, while southernmost states will have to wait until mid-November.

According to Explore Fall, golden Aspens usually peak in late September and early October in the west, while leaves in non-desert, lower elevations of the northwest are delayed until late October and early November.

Keep in mind that peak season may arrive on time this year, or it could arrive earlier or later due to weather conditions. If you're planning a trip to see the best fall foliage this year, search for your destination on this map to get a complete picture of when the leaves will be at their most beautiful.