Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Cataract Falls
Peak fall color is predicted around October 26. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 21 to October 31.
- Predicted peak
- October 26
- Best window
- October 21 – October 31
- 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 Owen County and across Indiana.
That is 5 days later than usual (October 21): the six weeks to October 16 ran 4.7°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Cataract Falls
1 to 2 hours
- Eagle Creek Park53 mi · 1 hr 20 minPeak: Oct 27Status: High color
- Holliday Park (Indianapolis)57 mi · 1 hr 27 minPeak: Oct 29Status: High color
- Shakamak State Park50 mi · 1 hr 27 minPeak: Oct 23
- Brown County State Park56 mi · 1 hr 34 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Turkey Run State Park54 mi · 1 hr 40 minPeak: Oct 27Status: Peak color
- Flat Fork Creek Park74 mi · 1 hr 49 minPeak: Oct 15Status: Peak color
- Spring Mill State Park69 mi · 1 hr 54 minPeak: Oct 28Status: Peak color