The predicted color stage on the selected date, modelled from years of fall color records. A forecast, not a live observation.When each area's color is predicted to peak this season. The date doesn't change this view.
Historic American Buildings Survey Alex Bush, Photographer, January 21, 1935 FIREPLACE IN N.W. FRONT ROOM (JOE WHEELER'S ROOM) - General Joseph Wheeler House, State Highway 20, Wheeler, Lawrence County, AL

Public domain

Joe Wheeler State Park

Features beautiful, colorful views along the Tennessee River near the dam and cabins.

Typical peak
Oct 27
Late October
Best Viewing Window
Oct 22 – Nov 1
Late October to Early November
Observed now
Moderate color
The newest satellite reading was 2 days old at the latest update.
20 sample points · about 14 clear looks per point.
What the trees look like now, not a forecast.

Forest Composition

Oak Hickory dominant
Oak / Hickory42%
74% deciduous canopy (forest survey)

Conditions & 5-Day Forecast

Fetching forecast...

More places near Lawrence County

Field notes · 2026 estimate

When to see peak color at Joe Wheeler State Park

Peak fall color is predicted around October 27. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 22 to November 1.

Predicted peak
October 27
Best window
October 22 – November 1
Confidence range
±5 days
Color season
October 3 – November 9

The prediction comes from 14 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Lawrence County and across Alabama.

That is 5 days later than usual (October 23): the six weeks to October 18 ran 5.7°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.

See all Alabama parks and forests.

Fall color at Joe Wheeler State Park begins as early as October 3 in some spots and continues through November 9 in others — a 37-day window where you can catch peak color somewhere in the area regardless of when you visit.

Nearby locales

Other places to see color near Joe Wheeler State Park