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2025 Fall Color Report

Week 5

The autumn Allegheny hills reflect in the Tionesta Creek.
The sun illuminates golden trees lining Greeley Farm Road near Marienville.
A glimpse of fall leaves and red berries overlooking Pigeon River on the Chippewa National Forest.
Rainbow Over Autumn Colors. A rainbow appears after morning rain in the Western sky off US Highway 2 on the Watersmeet Ranger District.
Fall colors during dusk at the Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds, on the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District on September 18, 2025.
Harris Creek Hunter Walking Trail sign on the Ottawa National Forest, Bessemer Ranger District during early fall. This is the only Disabled Hunter ATV accessible Hunter Walking Trail system on the Ottawa NF.
Tunnel of trees popping with fall color on the 600 Road on the Superior National Forest.
View looking west from the viewing tower of the Northern Great Lakes Vistor Center.
Fall colors peaking on the Migizi bike trail on the Chippewa National Forest.
Timberlake's canoe landing is a peaceful fall setting on the fall equinox.
Happy hiking dog on Superior National Forest trail in the fall.
View from the wooden bridge over Chipmunk Creek in the Eagle River-Florence District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
View across Kentuck Lake in the Eagle River-Florence District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
Autumn leaves paving the path through the quiet Kentuck Lake Campground in the Eagle River-Florence District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest--nature's reminder to slow down and enjoy the journey.
A wetland on the Superior National Forest turns yellow and golden during the fall.
Trees in fall colors by the Tofte Lake boat launch on the Superior National Forest.
Crispy gold leaves around the Snake Ridge Lookout Tower.

It’s officially fall!

Rich colors continue to spread across the national forests throughout the Eastern Region as the first day of autumn officially arrived. The USDA Forest Service hopes for a spectacular show of color this season. Forests across the region will report on the change to autumn colors and staff will post photos of the transition until Nov. 3. If you’re planning a road trip, check out the Eastern Region website for weekly photos and report updates. 

This week, eight forests reported more color, with a few describing 50-75% color change. Fiery reds and rich purples along with gold and vibrant oranges continue to paint the landscape. Use our visitor maps and guides to help plan your next visit. 

Latest fall color observations:

Illinois

Shawnee National Forest: Leaves may be hitting the ground but fall color has yet to really hit the Shawnee National Forest. Small pockets will start to peak out in the coming days, but most of the forest remains green. As temperatures cool off, be sure to hit the trails and see what signs of fall you can spot!

Michigan

Ottawa National Forest:  The Western UP has been very wet and rainy, causing the vibrant red and orange leaves to drop early off maple, elm, and cherry trees. This has resulted in a more muted color pallet in areas that had started to change quickly. The slower changing areas are still at about 40-50% color change and could increase to more 60 – 80% by this coming weekend. Leaf peeping should be good for the next week and a half.

Minnesota 

Chippewa National Forest: Leaf color change is about 25-50%. Look for deep red on red maples and khaki-yellow on balsam poplar leaves. Ashes are turning yellow and American basswoods are turning a soft butter-yellow, especially in areas with more direct sunlight. Paper birch is also turning gold.

Superior National Forest: Fall color is currently between 35-50%, but is changing fast, especially in maple trees. Some pockets along Hwy 61, on the north shore are between 50-75% fall color. Some maples along road corridors and trails are already dropping their leaves. Tamarac trees are just starting to turn, as are aspen and birch. The weather has been lovely, the bugs are almost nonexistent, and fall is calling. Come visit!

New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest: Fall foliage in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is just beginning to show its colors, with vibrant reds and oranges emerging in higher elevations and along rivers and ponds. While much of the landscape remains green, early leaf drop has occurred in some areas due to dry conditions, especially among younger or stressed trees. Expect more dramatic color changes in the coming weeks as the season progresses.

Ohio

Wayne National Forest: We finally had some rain, but it probably won't help bring out the fall colors much this year. We're still mostly seeing leaves change to crispy crackly gold, although patches of reds and deep purples appear in patches. The most vibrant oranges we found this week were monarch butterflies! About half a dozen monarch caterpillars chose the bricks of the Wayne NF headquarters building to attach and form their jade-colored chrysalis. They will metamorphose into brilliant orange butterflies and continue their southern migration.

Pennsylvania

Allegheny National Forest: Fall colors are approaching their peak early this year in the Allegheny National Forest. This week lots of rain has already fallen and more is predicted to come. This weekend looks promising for leaf peepers to witness the fall colors without precipitation.

Wisconsin

Chequamegon-Nicolet: Leaves are falling, and the colors are showing nicely. Some areas are showing more than others.

 

Week 4

A foggy morning on the shores of Leech Lake shows the pop of fall colors along the shore.
Trees canopies display an array of color near Trout Lake on the Gunflint Ranger District.
Perfect fall weather at Clark Lake in Sylvania Recreation Area on the Ottawa National Forest, where sun, blue skies, clear water and bright orange leaf colors are popping.
Leaves begin to fade to yellow and orange along the Clarion River, near the Irwin Run Canoe Launch.
Leaves begin to golden along the Laurel Mill Trail.
Fall colors peaking along the shores of Leech Lake, September 14, on the Chippewa National Forest.
Wetland plants and surrounding vegetation turning gold on the Superior National Forest.
Maple leaves turn purple on the Superior National Forest.
Maples showing off on the Superior National Forest.
A small maple with red leaves contrasts against the green and brown of the surrounding forest.
Even rain can't dampen the fall vibes at Burned Dam on the Ottawa National Forest. The colors in the trees along the roadway are vibrant.
Autumn colors emerging on the Highland Scenic Highway in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

Fall colors are popping!

A variety of fall colors are painting the national forests throughout the Eastern Region. The USDA Forest Service hopes for a spectacular show of color this season. Until Nov. 3, forests across the region will report on the change to autumn colors and staff will post photos of the transition. If you’re planning a road trip, check out the Eastern Region website for weekly photos and report updates. 

This week, six forests and one field office reported more color changes. The Ottawa, Chippewa and Superior National Forests are reporting 25-65% color. A variety of yellows, deep reds, and burnt oranges continue to paint the landscape. Use our visitor maps and guides to help plan your next visit. 

Latest fall color observations:

Michigan

Hiawatha National Forest: Leaves are changing color little by little, depending upon the conditions on each location. At this point, visitors are likely to see one colorful tree or group of plants surrounded by green.

Ottawa National Forest: It’s looking like the quintessential autumn post card on the Ottawa National Forest. We have about 40% leaf change across the Western Upper Peninsula and would expect to hit a peak by late next week.

Minnesota 

Chippewa National Forest: Color is popping on the Chippewa National Forest! Ash trees are quickly turning yellow. Red maples are turning deep red and balsam poplar leaves are a khaki yellow. American basswoods are turning a soft butter-yellow color, especially in areas with more direct sunlight. Paper birch is also turning gold. Leaf color changes across the Chippewa are 25-50%.

Superior National Forest: Bright color is popping up all over the Superior National Forest, from the Canadian border to Highway 61 on the North Shore. Color is about 50%, with some maples at 65%. The weather has been beautiful, as leaves turn color and begin to fall from some trees. Do not wait too long to enjoy the splendor!

New Hampshire

Durham Field Office: New York state has colors appearing in the Adirondacks and Catskills regions. 

Pennsylvania

Allegheny National Forest: Leaves are changing left and right on the Allegheny National Forest. A patchwork of colors is beginning to unveil, though most leaves remain green. Temperatures are predicted to remain around 70° F for the next week, with plenty of sunshine and little to no rain.

West Virginia

Monongahela National Forest: Much of the Monongahela National Forest is experiencing severe drought conditions. Colors are muted, but shades of yellow and orange are starting to show in the high elevations.

Week 3

Fall colors just starting to emerge at Blackwater Canyon in West Virginia.
Fall colors on the Laurel Fork Wilderness Overlook on the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.
Purple ironweed contrasts nicely with goldenrod on the Chauncey Depot Trail.
Jewelweed provides a splash of orange and gold even though trees have barely started to change color.
A tiger swallowtail feeds on thistle at the Chauncey Depot Trail.
A sweet gum sapling is turning scarlet near the Wayne National Forest's headquarters.
Even this unnamed lake off forest road 5086 is developing a more colorful character each day.
From the ferns to the tree canopy, green is fading along Forest Road 5250 on the Watersmeet Ranger District.
Autumn leaves begin to make an appearance along State Route 666 in the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania.
A raccoon climbs a tree among touches of fall color on the Chippewa National Forest, September 8, 2025.
A touch of red appears on leaves on the Chippewa National Forest.
Wet morning dew highlights a spider's work among the turning maple leaves on the Superior National Forest.
The transition for maple leaves from green to red on the Superior National Forest.
A cyclist enjoys the Superior National Forest in the fall.
A red pitcher plant, cotton grass, and yellow fruit of the pod grass display a nice blend of fall color on the Superior National Forest.

Fall is here!

Bursts of color continue to pop up among the vivid greens of the national forests throughout the Eastern Region. The USDA Forest Service hopes for a spectacular show of color this season. Until Nov. 3, forests across the region will report on the change to autumn colors and staff will post photos of the transition. If you’re planning a road trip, check out the Eastern Region website for weekly photos and report updates. 

This week, six forests reported more color changes. The Ottawa, Chippewa and Superior National Forests are reporting 20-25% color. Deep reds, burnt oranges and a variety of yellows are painting the landscape. While hints of color continue to emerge on the Wayne, Allegheny and Monongahela National Forests. Use our visitor maps and guides to help plan your next visit. 

Latest fall color observations:

Michigan

Ottawa National Forest: It’s starting to feel like fall in the Upper Peninsula. Grab a jacket while adventuring to see the changing colors. The oranges and reds shine bright against the pale greens of the forest. The forest is about 20% color change. 

Minnesota 

Chippewa National Forest: Leaves show 10-25% color change, while grass is 0-10% and flowers are 10-25%. The landscape takes on a golden hue around sunrise and sunset. Here and there, large clusters of trees are starting to change color. Small clusters of yellow leaves begin to show on basswood, deep reds are showing on maples, different shades of yellow on aspens, and gold on paper birch. Beautiful reds appear on sumac, while bunt oranges pop out on ferns. 

Superior National Forest: Fall color is at 25% and ready to enjoy for the next month on the Superior before its gone! Brush and woody vegetation are close to peak color in open areas, while deciduous trees like maple, ash, and quaking aspen are just beginning to turn. Although, tamaracks have not turned golden yellow yet. 

Ohio

Wayne National Forest: Most leaves are still green, with some turning crispy gold due to the dry weather. Late season wildflowers display a variety of beautiful colors. Hot and dry temperatures have returned this week after last week’s cool weather. 

Pennsylvania

Allegheny National Forest: Fall is in the air in the Allegheny National Forest! The afternoon sun warms the cool, crisp mornings and illuminates new golden leaves. Temperatures are expected to remain around 70°F for the next week, with possible light rain showers.

West Virginia

Monongahela National Forest: Fall colors begin to emerge across the Monongahela National Forest with the first hints of reds, oranges, and gold brightening the landscape.

Week 2

Red maple leaf on the ground next to a red pine cone.
Buckeye trees starting to turn color.
Small leaves beginning to turn from green to red.
Bright orange and yellow maple leaves behind no passing zone sign.
Close up of maple tree foliage turning red.
Mountain maple leaf turning yellow.

Early signs of fall colors continue to emerge

Fall colors continue to emerge on some national forests throughout the Eastern Region, while others haven’t seen any hints of fall. The USDA Forest Service hopes for a spectacular show of color this season. Until Nov. 3, forests across the region will report on the change to autumn colors and staff will post photos of the transition. If you’re planning a road trip, check out the Eastern Region website for weekly photos and report updates. 

This week, five forests report that cooler temperatures have brought out deep reds, beautiful oranges and a variety of yellows from the vibrant greens of summer. Others, like the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania, haven’t seen any changes yet. Use our visitor maps and guides to help plan your next visit. 

Latest fall color observations:

Michigan

Huron-Manistee National Forest: Heavy rain is keeping the forest hydrated, while shorter days and colder nights signal the arrival of fall. The first hints of yellow, orange and red are on maples near secluded spots. Fall colors should start to pick up in the next 10 days. The pleasant weather makes excellent conditions for hiking, backpacking and weekend camping.

Ottawa National Forest: Fall weather has come our way this week. We are starting to see more mottled yellow, red, and orange color each morning in our forest canopies across the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We are at about 10%. 

Minnesota 

Chippewa National Forest: Leaves, grasses and flowers have changed between 0% and 10%. Ash trees are turning from soft shades of green to bright yellow. Random red maples are starting to show deep red in some leaves, balsam poplar leaves are turning a khaki yellow, and clusters of yellow leaves are appearing on a few basswoods.

Superior National Forest: Cooler, wetter weather in September has contributed to spots of color popping up across the forest. Understory vegetation, like moose maple, dogbane, and even berry bushes are turning quicker than the forest canopy. The overall forest color is about 90% green with the 10% color coming from maple trees along road corridors, wetlands, and other openings. Aspen and birch leaves will turn later in the month, as will trees deeper in the forest. 

Ohio

Wayne National Forest: Fall colors continue to appear slowly in northern areas of the forest. Average temperatures have jumped up to the high 70's, causing a moderate amount of fallen leaves.

Week 1

A forest with a maple tree with red leaves.
A red oak tree with brownish-red leaves.
A red maple tree with red leaves.
A buckeye tree with a few yellow leaves.

Fall colors begin to emerge on some national forests throughout the Eastern Region as the USDA Forest Service is gearing up for a spectacular show of color this season. For the next 10 weeks forests across the region will report foliage color changes and staff will post gorgeous photos as landscapes transition from summer to autumn. If you’re planning a road trip, be sure to check out the Eastern Region website for weekly photos and report updates. 

This week, five forests report that some reds, oranges and yellows are beginning to peek out from the vibrant greens of summer as others report no changes yet. Read more on the Science of Fall Colors.

Latest fall color observations:

Minnesota 

Chippewa National Forest: The Chippewa National Forest shows early signs of beautiful fall colors. Trees show hints of yellow, orange and red. Ash trees are usually the first to change, with a single tree turning color here or there. 

Wisconsin

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest: Colors are just starting to show all over the forest.

Michigan

Ottawa National Forest: The western Upper Peninsula of Michigan starts to see autumn changes in the first couple weeks of August. Greens are duller as yellow poke through and some red maple, sumac and cherry are showing vibrant reds and oranges. Ferns are also starting to brown. Cool, frosty temperatures in the 30s this week and bright sun triggered the changes to the landscape. The Forest is at about 5% to 10% fall color.

Minnesota

Superior National Forest: Trees are still 99% green, but some colors are emerging.

Ohio

Wayne National Forest: Southeast Ohio has started to cool off to the low to mid-70s after a scorching summer. Small hints of fall colors have begun to appear in isolated pockets at the tops of the hills; however, most trees remain vibrant green.

Last updated September 26, 2025

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