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 Historic National Road
Peak fall color is predicted around October 22. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 17 to October 27.
Predicted peakOctober 22
Best windowOctober 17 – October 27
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 Baltimore County and across Maryland.
That is 1 day later than usual (October 21): the six weeks to October 12 ran 0.6°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Historic National Road
Under 30 minutes
30 to 60 minutes
- Druid Hill Park13 mi · 33 minPeak: Oct 31Status: Moderate color
- Oregon Ridge Park21 mi · 38 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Western Maryland (Garrett & Allegany Counties)26 mi · 44 minPeak: Oct 23Status: Moderate color
- Gunpowder Falls State Park30 mi · 50 minPeak: Oct 21Status: Early color
- Annapolis40 mi · 59 minPeak: Nov 4Status: Early color
- Black Hill Regional Park36 mi · 1 hrPeak: Oct 28Status: Moderate color