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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/18/2025 | NE Iowa | It's peak fall color viewing. River valleys are showing more fall color. Sugar maple trees are turning orange and red. | Now |
| 10/13/2025 | NC & NW Iowa | Still spotty coloring for maple trees. Sumac, dogwood, and Virginia creeper are turning red. | 3rd-4th week Oct. |
| 10/20/2025 | Central Iowa | Colors came on very strong last week. Maple trees are turning all shades of red, yellow, and orange. Bitternut hickory is bright yellow. A few oak trees are changing to red; peak of color will be in the next 7-10 days. Still seeing good yellows in cottonwood, walnut, basswood and elm trees. Sumac is very pretty in the roadsides. | Oct. 18-25 |
| 10/17/2025 | SE Iowa | peak fall color this week. Mostly bottomland species are starting to change colors and lose their leaves. Cottonwood, walnut, hickory and elm trees are showing a little yellow and brown. Some dogwoods and roadside shrubs are beginning to show fall colors. Urban and forest maple trees are showing some reds and yellows. | Oct. 22 |
| 10/20/2025 | SCentral Iowa | Fall color is increasing quickly with about 40 percent peak colors. Hickory trees are displaying peak colors. Oaks are still pretty green, but are just starting to turn colors. Lucas County is undergoing a vibrant fall color transformation. Cherries have reached their peak, showing rose hues. Sumac and ivies continue to display striking wine-red tones. Hickory trees are nearing their peak with bright yellows. Some maple trees are starting to show warm orange and red glows. Oak trees remain green. | Oct. 18-25 |
| 10/20/2025 | WCentral Iowa | Fall color will be at its peak for west central Loess Hills this week. Lots of yellows and some reds, but less red than normal. Bitternut hickory trees are changing; they are always a treat. Cool nights and warmer days will help the color last. Oak trees are just getting started; you should be able to pick out the red oak trees by the end of the week. | Now |
| 10/20/2025 | SW Iowa | Hickory, white ash, and many prairie shrubs like sumac are displaying full fall color. Color is starting and will continue through this week on oak trees in south central Iowa. Southwest Iowa upland forests are still pretty green, except for midstory trees like ironwood, elm, hackberry, red mulberry and pawpaw (which are yellow). | 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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