Fall Color Report

Tall autumn trees in a forest with sunshine peeking through

 

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2025 Fall Color Reports

Thanks for tracking Iowa's fall color with our weekly reports. Check back next year for more leaf-peeping fun.

2025 Fall color reports from DNR foresters
Report DateAreaDescription of Fall ColorEst. Peak Viewing
10/24/2025NE IowaPeak color has been reached.  Recent high winds have started to blow some leaves off. Now
10/27/2025NC & NW IowaIt’s peak color right now.  Maple trees are starting to lose leaves so it won’t last long.Now
10/27/2025Central IowaOak trees are at peak color now, marking the end of the fall change.  There are still excellent yellows and oranges from basswood, elm, hickory, and maple.  Invasive honeysuckle and buckthorn remain green, making them easy targets for control through November.  Oct. 18-25
10/27/2025SE IowaSE Iowa still has a lot of green on the landscape. There are areas with browns and yellows dotting the landscape due to hickories, maple, etc. Urban maples are showing various red, orange, and yellow colors. Most oaks are still green but most are showing signs of changing soon. Still a couple of weeks of good color left.Now through 1st-2nd week of November
10/20/2025SCentral Iowa

Many more yellows showing. Hickories and maples are showing peak color. Oaks are still pretty green and some are beginning to turn. 

Lucas County is currently undergoing a vibrant fall color transformation this week. Cherries have reached their peak, showing rose hues. Sumac and ivies continue to display striking wine-red tones, and hickories are also nearing their peak with bright yellows. Some maples are starting to show warm orange and red glows. Oak trees, however, remain green.

Now through first week or 2 of November
10/27/2025WCentral IowaDepending on how high the wind speeds get this week, it appears that we will have our best fall color. There was a lot of yellow on my drive into work this morning with elms and hickories stealing the show. Oaks have also begun to change and you should expect to see red oak in full color this weekend if it is present. It will be a great week to drive through the central Loess Hills.Now
10/24/2025SW IowaPeak color this coming week.  White oaks are slowly turning red, white ash in full color, city sugar maples are also coming into color.  Hickories are still yellow/brown in south central and southwest Iowa.  Red oak family usually lags behind on color into early November in the Loess Hills.Now
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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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Get 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:

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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