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.
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Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Carter Caves State Resort Park
Peak fall color is predicted around October 19. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 14 to October 24.
- Predicted peak
- October 19
- Best window
- October 14 – October 24
- 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 Carter County and across Kentucky.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Carter Caves State Resort Park
1 to 2 hours
- Shawnee State Forest55 mi · 1 hr 43 minOhioPeak: Oct 28Status: High color
- Daniel Boone National Forest71 mi · 1 hr 51 minPeak: Oct 27Status: Peak color
- Red River Gorge90 mi · 1 hr 56 minPeak: Oct 26Status: Peak color
- Old Frankfort Pike94 mi · 1 hr 57 minPeak: Nov 3Status: Peak color
- Dawkins Line Rail Trail88 mi · 1 hr 57 minPeak: Oct 19
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park90 mi · 2 hrPeak: Oct 22