Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Lake Ouachita State Park
Peak fall color is predicted around November 8. Plan for the strongest viewing window from November 3 to November 13.
- Predicted peak
- November 8
- Best window
- November 3 – November 13
- 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 Garland County and across Arkansas.
That is 5 days later than usual (November 4): the six weeks to October 24 ran 5.0°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color. This will settle about ten days before peak, as the weather comes in.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Lake Ouachita State Park
Under 30 minutes
1 to 2 hours
2 to 3 hours
- Queen Wilhelmina State Park (Rich Mountain)99 mi · 2 hr 13 minPeak: Nov 2Status: Moderate color
- White Rock Mountain115 mi · 2 hr 29 minPeak: Oct 31Status: Moderate color
- Talimena National Scenic Byway119 mi · 2 hr 41 minOklahomaPeak: Nov 7Status: Moderate color
- Pig Trail Scenic Byway135 mi · 2 hr 47 minPeak: Oct 25
- Beavers Bend State Park132 mi · 2 hr 52 minOklahomaPeak: Nov 5Status: Moderate color
