Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
Peak fall color is predicted around October 30. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 25 to November 4.
- Predicted peak
- October 30
- Best window
- October 25 – November 4
- 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 Fayetteville and across Arkansas.
That is 5 days later than usual (October 26): the six weeks to October 21 ran 6.7°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
30 to 60 minutes
1 to 2 hours
2 to 3 hours
- Mount Magazine State Park70 mi · 2 hr 10 minPeak: Nov 7Status: Early color
- Devil’s Den State Park (Yellow Rock Trail)85 mi · 2 hr 12 minPeak: Nov 3Status: Early color
- White Rock Mountain84 mi · 2 hr 15 minPeak: Oct 31Status: Moderate color
- Scenic 7 Byway109 mi · 2 hr 40 minPeak: Nov 1
- Branson Area104 mi · 2 hr 42 minMissouriPeak: Oct 27Status: Moderate color
- Petit Jean State Park89 mi · 2 hr 43 minPeak: Nov 7Status: Moderate color
