Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Peak fall color is predicted around October 23. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 18 to October 28.
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 Smyrna and across Delaware.
That is 1 day later than usual (October 21): the six weeks to October 13 ran 1.2°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Fall color at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge begins as early as October 9 in some spots and continues through November 2 in others — a 24-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 Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
1 to 2 hours
- Wilmington & Western Railroad43 mi · 1 hr 8 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Chestertown39 mi · 1 hr 11 minMarylandPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Alapocas Run State Park48 mi · 1 hr 13 minPeak: Oct 31Status: Moderate color
- Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge42 mi · 1 hr 14 minPeak: Oct 28Status: Moderate color
- White Clay Creek State Park44 mi · 1 hr 14 minPeak: Oct 28Status: Early color
- Brandywine Creek State Park51 mi · 1 hr 18 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Nemours Estate49 mi · 1 hr 18 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Winterthur Museum & Gardens50 mi · 1 hr 19 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color