Fall foliage 2026: Where to see peak autumn colors in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

by Chrissy MortonFri, October 23, 2026 at 9:25 AMCHIME IN: Gorgeous fall sky from my deck at Charles Mill Lake near Mansfield, Ohio. October 2026. (Image: Arlyn Rush)COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The best weekend for leaf-peeping is arriving in Central Ohio, with near-peak colors and ideal weather conditions for those hoping to take in fall scenery. Central Ohio has moved well beyond last week’s widespread-changing stage and the brightest colors are expected east, north and southeast of Columbus. Those areas should show the most vibrant leaves, but some uneven green and early-turning oaks will remain. Image of ODNR Fall Foliage Viewer, data last updated Oct. 22, 2026. (WSYX)The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ most recent data update Oct. 22, identified peak leaf conditions farther north and our seasonal forecast calls for a near-peak show in Central Ohio. BEST GUIDANCE THIS WEEKENDNorth: Highbanks and Alum Creek - Strong overlook, ravine and lakeshore options. Highbanks’ observation deck sits above the Olentangy River; Alum Creek recommends Rocks to Roots Trail for fall color. East: Dawes Arboretum: Best combination of color variety and programming.

by Sam WolosonFri, October 23, 2026 at 5:32 AMColor along Birch Run Road in Michaux State Forest, which spans across Cumberland, Adams and York counties. (A. Shull/DCNR)HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — If you've been considering a camping trip or going on a hike in central Pennsylvania, this may be the best week to do it. During the week of Oct. 22-28, the area will be in peak foliage or approaching peak foliage, according to reports from Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Cumberland, Franklin, Juniata, Mifflin and Perry counties are reporting peak color, according to DCNR. Forestry staff said now is the best time to make a trip to Buchanan State Forest, Tuscarora State Forest or Bald Eagle State Forest. On the southeastern side of the state, including Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties, leaves are approaching peak color. The western half of the state has passed its peak and is starting to decline, DCNR said, The season is already over in Wayne and Susquehanna counties, which are on the northeastern tip of the state.

The top spot went to Québec City, with only one European destination making the cut.

I honestly can’t believe that we’ll soon be wrapping up October. We celebrate Halloween, turn the clocks back, and then it’s full speed ahead into the holiday season. But there are still plenty of places to check out the peak foliage color of New England, especially in Massachusetts and closer to the coast. And Mother Nature looks ready to deliver one of those picture-perfect New England fall weekends. Dominant high pressure will keep the sunshine out across all six states, with temperatures ranging from the 50s on Saturday to the low and mid-60s on Sunday, and a bonus will be the calmer winds. My advice? Grab the camera, pack a few layers (and obviously snacks), and get ready to explore — there is still plenty of autumn color to enjoy. The foliage show is moving southLet’s just touch base up north quickly. The season has been quite spectacular despite some early leaf drops thanks to a breezy stretch this fall. Adequate moisture from earlier in the year paired with cool autumn nights has helped make those brilliant fall colors pop.

When it comes to radiant fall foliage color, we are the envy of the country. A gorgeous leaf-peeping season needs enough summer rain to keep plants healthy, warm late September/October days, and cool, crisp nights to slow leaf senescence. All three factors have converged this year to produce one of the better foliage shows in recent years. After dazzling our eyes, the leaves provide their final gifts: an insulating blanket for roots, habitat for overwintering insects, and raw materials for future soil fecundity. Acadia National Park, the Kancamagus, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Berkshires, and the Cape and Islands are each well-known for their seasonal displays, but traveling to all of them is challenging. Why not bring some of that autumn brilliance into your own garden? Fall foliage is framed by a window aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad's Mountaineer excursion as the train travels through New Hampshire's White Mountains on Oct. 8, 2026. Erin Clark/Globe StaffThis week, I will share my favorite small trees and shrubs with exceptional fall color. They also have fruit, bark interest, and wildlife value.

Contest winner Mike Goulet captured the foliage along Route 105 headed toward Jay. VERMONT — People couldn’t seem to stop talking about how spectacular this year’s peak foliage was. Red, yellow and gold popped across local hillsides and shimmered in our waterways. University of Vermont Professor William Keeton said “there’s always a little mystery” to how foliage season will turn out. “The color and timing of the leaves result from a delicate dance of many different factors—some environmental, some in the tree—before a great reveal,” he said. “That’s what makes it so exciting and special for so many people.”Messenger readers captured the colors beautifully earlier this month in our photo contest. Photographer Mike Goulet is our winner, capturing Route 105 in Jay. Congratulations! Goulet won a $100 gift certificate generously donated by the Village Frame Shoppe in St. Albans.