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.
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Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Lookout Mountain Parkway
Peak fall color is predicted around November 2. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 28 to November 7.
- Predicted peak
- November 2
- Best window
- October 28 – November 7
- Confidence range
- ±5 days
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 Fort Payne and across Alabama.
That is 5 days later than usual (October 29): the six weeks to October 24 ran 4.3°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
See all Alabama scenic drives.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Lookout Mountain Parkway
Under 30 minutes
30 to 60 minutes
1 to 2 hours
- Tennessee Riverpark49 mi · 1 hr 7 minTennesseePeak: Nov 8Status: Moderate color
- Tennessee River Gorge53 mi · 1 hr 12 minTennesseePeak: Nov 8Status: Early color
- Stringer's Ridge Park53 mi · 1 hr 13 minTennesseePeak: Nov 8Status: Early color
- Oneonta & Blount County77 mi · 1 hr 42 minPeak: Nov 2Status: Moderate color
- Monte Sano State Park (Huntsville)75 mi · 1 hr 55 minPeak: Nov 6Status: Early color