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.

Lake Norman State Park

Features extensive lakeside hiking and mountain biking trails where brilliant autumn foliage reflects off the waters of Lake Norman.

Typical peak
Nov 3
Early November
Best Viewing Window
Oct 29 – Nov 8
Late October to Early November
Observed now
Early color
The newest satellite reading was 4 days old at the latest update.
20 sample points · about 8 clear looks per point.
What the trees look like now, not a forecast.

Forest Composition

Oak Hickory dominant
Oak / Hickory76%
86% deciduous canopy (forest survey)

Conditions & 5-Day Forecast

Fetching forecast...

Nearby Towns

Charlotte44 mi1 hr 3 minKings Mountain53 mi1 hr 23 minAlbemarle68 mi1 hr 50 min
© OpenStreetMap contributors · Esri, Garmin, USGS, NPS, HERE · Terrain data: USGS, NOAA; contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada; source: INEGI, Continental relief, 2016Powered by Esri

Field notes · 2026 estimate

When to see peak color at Lake Norman State Park

Peak fall color is predicted around November 3. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 29 to November 8.

Predicted peakNovember 3
Best windowOctober 29 – November 8
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 Troutman and across North Carolina.

That is 5 days later than usual (October 29): the six weeks to October 13 ran 3.7°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color. This will settle about ten days before peak, as the weather comes in.

Nearby locales

Other places to see color near Lake Norman State Park

1 to 2 hours