When Will Fall Color Peak in Ohio?

Updated Oct. 8, 2026

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’s released its 2026 Fall Color Forecast map, expecting color to peak in the far north of Ohio in mid-October, in central and northern Ohio in mid-to-late October and in southern Ohio at the end of October and beginning of November.

“Conditions this year seem to be aligning for great fall colors,” ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott said in an Sept. 24, 2026 report. “Unlike previous years, we are entering autumn without near-drought or drought conditions, and the weather forecast is giving a 50% chance of average autumn weather. These are all good signs for producing vibrant fall colors.”

If you want to keep an eye on the areas where fall color is at peak, follow the weekly updates of ODNR’s 2026 Ohio Fall Color Progress Map (below is a screenshot of what the map looked like on Oct. 8, 2026). 

Keep up with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ reports at the agency’s webpage dedicated to making the most of fall color.

Here are some ideas for how to take in the season as the leaves change from one end of the state to the other:

9 Great Ohio Metroparks to Visit This Fall: These sites in parks systems near cities offer beautiful fall color and serve as enduring reminders of those who worked to preserve them.

See Fall Foliage From the Skies on an Ohio Air Tour: Peak fall colors are approaching, so take to the skies to see changing leaves across the state.

Where to Catch an Ohio Sunset This Fall: From a famous spot along Lake Erie to a much-loved overlook in the city of Lancaster, here are five locations across the state to take in the day’s end. 

Take a Fall Color Tour of Ohio: Autumn is the most beautiful time of year here, so we asked photographers across the state to share a favorite image of the season and the story behind it.

Ohio State Parks for Fall Hikes: Get up close and personal with fall leaves, one step at a time. These four state parks have colorful jaunts for hikers of every skill level. 

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