Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Cherokee Park
Peak fall color is predicted around October 29. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 24 to November 3.
- Predicted peak
- October 29
- Best window
- October 24 – November 3
- 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 Lexington and across Kentucky.
That is 5 days later than usual (October 25): the six weeks to October 20 ran 3.8°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Cherokee Park
Under 30 minutes
1 to 2 hours
- Taylorsville Lake State Park58 mi · 1 hr 13 minPeak: Oct 22Status: Peak color
- My Old Kentucky Home State Park60 mi · 1 hr 15 minPeak: Oct 31Status: High color
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park60 mi · 1 hr 15 minPeak: Oct 22
- Red River Gorge62 mi · 1 hr 19 minPeak: Oct 26Status: Peak color
- Daniel Boone National Forest66 mi · 1 hr 28 minPeak: Oct 27Status: Peak color
- E.P. 'Tom' Sawyer State Park68 mi · 1 hr 29 minPeak: Nov 1Status: Peak color
- Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest76 mi · 1 hr 36 minPeak: Nov 3Status: Moderate color