A. E. Crane, U.S. Department of Transportation · Public domain
Red River Gorge
Rock arches and rugged landscapes that turn red, orange, and gold in autumn.
Forest Composition
Conditions & 5-Day Forecast
Nearby Towns
Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Red River Gorge
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 Slade and across Kentucky.
That is 5 days later than usual (October 22): the six weeks to October 17 ran 4.0°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales