Fall Color Report

Tall autumn trees in a forest with sunshine peeking through
Lake Darling surrounded by fall foliage.
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Get your fall color fix! Check out timing and location for peak autumn hues.

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2026 Fall Color Reports

This is the last fall color report for the season. Thanks for tracking fall color with us.

2025 Fall color reports from DNR foresters
Report DateAreaDescription of Fall ColorEst. Peak Viewing
11/2/2026NE IowaIt's still an enjoyable view in northeast Iowa with nice color in some areas. Trees are losing leaves with the rain and wind. Now
11/2/2026NW IowaLeaves are falling fast. There is still color in understory trees like ironwood and many oaks still have color, but it won’t last long.Mid-October
11/2/2026NCentral IowaOak trees still have some color, but they are starting to fade. Many leaves have already dropped due to the wind and rain. Mid-October
11/2/2026Central IowaOaks are still at peak color. Many maples, hickories, and others still bear colorful leaves. Rain and wind are taking their toll and many leaves are falling this week. This weekend will still be worth a hike in your local state or county park, but peak landscape color is in the rearview.Mid-October
11/2/2026SE IowaSoutheast Iowa is at peak color and fading quickly. There is still green, yellow, red, brown, and yellow on the landscape. This will be the last week for good colors. Late October
11/2/2026SCentral IowaWhite and red oaks are peaking in with stunning burgundy, orange, and deep red colors. Urban maples and bald cypress are exceptionally showy. Colors across the landscape are very good; wind and rain are accelerating some leaf drop. Most walnut and cottonwood trees have lost their leaves.Last Week of October
10/23/2026WCentral IowaFall color peaked last week. Last Friday’s wind was stout and removed a lot of leaves. Many species are winding down, but you can still see decent color in the central Loess Hills this week. The cooler weather has made for some breathtaking hikes through Loess Hills State Forest.Mid-October
11/2/2026SW IowaChanges in colorful oaks (red oak, white oak, black oak) may occur this week. Many oaks in southwest Iowa, especially in the Loess Hills are very green. Colorful shrubs like sumac and dogwood peaked last week, along with some of the hickories. Maples and white ash in towns are in their last few days of color, along with black cherry trees (which were very colorful this year).Late October

 

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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.

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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 (3.92 MB) .pdf

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Find Wellness in Nature this Fall

Autumn brings a welcoming crispness to the air. Spending time outdoors benefits both physical and mental health. From reducing stress to encouraging movement, nature offers a chance to slow down, reconnect and recharge.

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
  • 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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