Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Wilmington & Western Railroad
Peak fall color is predicted around October 29. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 24 to November 3.
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 Wilmington and across Delaware.
That is 1 day later than usual (October 29): the six weeks to October 13 ran 0.7°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 Wilmington & Western Railroad
Under 30 minutes
- Mt. Cuba Center5.3 mi · 14 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Alapocas Run State Park7.6 mi · 15 minPeak: Oct 31Status: Moderate color
- Winterthur Museum & Gardens6.8 mi · 15 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Brandywine Creek State Park7.5 mi · 16 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Nemours Estate7.3 mi · 17 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- White Clay Creek State Park10 mi · 20 minPeak: Oct 28Status: Early color
- Longwood Gardens13 mi · 25 minPennsylvaniaPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color