Cape Henlopen State Park
Pine forests and colorful deciduous trees meet sand dunes and ocean views.
Forest Composition
Conditions & 5-Day Forecast
Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Cape Henlopen State Park
Peak fall color is predicted around October 30. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 25 to November 4.
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 Lewes and across Delaware.
That is 1 day later than usual (October 29): the six weeks to October 13 ran 0.9°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.
Fall color at Cape Henlopen State Park begins as early as October 18 in some spots and continues through November 9 in others — a 22-day window where you can catch peak color somewhere in the area regardless of when you visit.
Nearby locales