The predicted color stage on the selected date, modelled from years of fall color records. A forecast, not a live observation.When each area's color is predicted to peak this season. The date doesn't change this view.

Shawnee National Forest

A 265,000-acre Southern Illinois forest of woodlands, hills, and lakes.

Typical peak
Oct 25
Late October
Best Viewing Window
Oct 20 – Oct 30
Mid October to Late October
Observed now
High color
The newest satellite reading was 2 days old at the latest update.
20 sample points · about 10 clear looks per point.
What the trees look like now, not a forecast.

Forest Composition

Oak Hickory dominant
Maple / Beech / Birch1%
Oak / Hickory62%
83% deciduous canopy (forest survey)

Conditions & 5-Day Forecast

Fetching forecast...

Nearby Towns

Saint Louis156 mi3 hr 29 min

More places near Pope County

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Field notes · 2026 estimate

When to see peak color at Shawnee National Forest

Peak fall color is predicted around October 25. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 20 to October 30.

Predicted peak
October 25
Best window
October 20 – October 30
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 Pope County and across Illinois.

That is 5 days later than usual (October 21): the six weeks to October 16 ran 7.4°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.

Nearby locales

Other places to see color near Shawnee National Forest

2 to 3 hours

Over 3 hours