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Sign up for the Fall Colors Report
Get your fall color fix! Check out timing and location for peak autumn hues.
2025 Fall Color Reports
| Report Date | Area | Description of Fall Color | Est. Peak Viewing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/13/2025 | NE Iowa | River valleys are showing more fall color. Sugar maple trees are starting to turn orange and red. | End of Oct. |
| 10/13/2025 | NC & NW Iowa | Still spotty coloring for maple trees. Sumac, dogwood, and Virginia creeper are turning red. | 3rd-4th week Oct. |
| 10/13/2025 | Central Iowa | Fall color is still spotty with only 15-20 percent of the foliage showing color. Scattered maple and black cherry trees are turning orange and red. Sumac, dogwood, and Virginia creeper are dark red. Walnut, cottonwood, basswood, elm, and hackberry are turning yellow. Most oak trees are still green. | Oct. 18-25 |
| 10/13/2025 | SE Iowa | Mostly bottomland species are starting to change colors and lose their leaves. Cottonwood, walnut, hickory and elm are showing a little yellow and brown. Some dogwoods and roadside shrubs are beginning to show fall colors.Urban maple trees are showing some reds and yellows. | Oct. 20 |
| 10/13/2025 | SCentral Iowa | It is still early in the season, but some trees are starting to show hints of color. Many hickories are turning brown. Oak trees are still very green. Many shrubs and vines are showing reds and purples. Fall colors are just beginning to emerge across Lucas County with much of the landscape still predominantly green. Sumacs and ivies are displaying vibrant wine-red hues. Hickories are starting to show hints of yellow and brown. The Kentucky coffee tree is turning a bright yellow. A few maples are also showing some orange tones. | Oct. 18-25 |
| 10/13/2025 | WCentral Iowa | Fall color will be subdued this season, but the Loess Hills are always a beautiful drive. Sumac is changing color in some areas. Ash, cottonwood and elm tress are starting to show more yellow. No hint of oak trees changing colors. | |
| 10/9/2025 | SW Iowa | Tinges of red are starting to show in oaks and hickories, especially in Ringgold and Decatur counties. Understory shrubs like fragrant sumac will likely be turning next week. Uplands in extreme southwest are still muted (either dingy greens). All bottomland species (cottonwood, walnut, ash) throughout the district are further along in color change. | 3rd-4th week Oct. |
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Fall Tree Color Information
Fall is often one of the best times in Iowa, with warm days and cool nights, low humidity, very few insects and the brilliant autumn colors of our trees.
Every year, thousands of Iowans and visitors flock to the countryside to view nature's colorful display of red, orange, yellow and purple leaves.
Looking for ways to enjoy Iowa's fall color? Visit Iowa Tourism.
Ash:
Green ash leaves turn yellow, but white ash has a purplish cast. The leaves fall after those of walnut trees, but earlier than those of oaks and maples.
Elms:
Elm leaves turn various shades of yellow with some turning brown before falling, others falling while still yellow.
Hickory:
Leaves turn yellow on hickory trees, then brown before falling.
Maple (Soft):
The leaves of soft (silver) maples turn yellow but do not turn brown before falling.
Maple (Hard):
Brilliant flame red hues are the signature of hard maple leaves. The red pigmentation of some leaves breaks down before falling.
Bur Oak:
Buff to yellow colors predominate in bur oaks. The leaves remain on the tree and turn brown before falling.
Oak (Red):
The red oaks have brilliant red leaves in fall though the color is probably not as intense as that of some hard maples.
Oak (White):
White oaks have a more subdued purple fall leaf color. The leaves then turn brown and often stay on the tree until new leaves begin to grow in the spring.
When do colors peak?
Peak fall color occurs in northeast Iowa, on average, during the weekend closest to October 10.
Typically, peak fall color occurs progressively later the farther south you go in Iowa. Perhaps the most important thing about fall color is having the time to enjoy it.
Printable Fall Colors State of Iowa Map
Back to topGet outside this fall!
Autumn brings a welcoming crispness to the air. Fun abounds statewide for those in search of fall color and good times outdoors.
From fall festivals to apple orchards, Iowa has many fall activities to celebrate local traditions and create memories with your family. Start planning your autumn excursions today with these great resources:
- Iowa State Park Passport- discover your new favorite parks, check in to track your outdoor adventures and earn prizes
- Travel Iowa - must-visit fall attractions, fall festivals, scenic drives and more
- MyCountyParks.com - attend a fun fall program for the whole family at a local county park
- Project Learning Tree's Nature Activities for Families - explore trees in the woods, a local park or your own backyard
A new DNR web page makes it easier to explore outdoor experiences that are accessible to all this fall. Iowa’s Accessible Outdoors highlights locations across the state where visitors can enjoy accessible activities like trails, fishing piers, playgrounds, picnic areas, scenic views and overnight stays. Each experience has been reviewed in person by DNR staff to ensure there are accessible pathways, nearby parking, and—in most cases—restrooms.
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