Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Alapocas Run State Park
Peak fall color is predicted around October 31. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 26 to November 5.
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 New Castle County and across Delaware.
That is 1 day later than usual (October 30): the six weeks to October 13 ran 1.0°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 Alapocas Run State Park
Under 30 minutes
- Nemours Estate2.2 mi · 7 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Brandywine Creek State Park3.5 mi · 8 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Wilmington & Western Railroad7.2 mi · 14 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Winterthur Museum & Gardens4.9 mi · 14 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Mt. Cuba Center8.9 mi · 19 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Longwood Gardens12 mi · 23 minPennsylvaniaPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge19 mi · 30 minPennsylvaniaPeak: Oct 19Status: Moderate color