Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Belleplain State Forest
Peak fall color is predicted around October 28. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 23 to November 2.
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 Dennis Township and across New Jersey.
That is 1 day later than usual (October 26): the six weeks to October 13 ran 1.2°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 Belleplain State Forest
1 to 2 hours
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge65 mi · 1 hr 38 minPennsylvaniaPeak: Oct 19Status: Moderate color
- Wilmington & Western Railroad64 mi · 1 hr 39 minDelawarePeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Alapocas Run State Park67 mi · 1 hr 42 minDelawarePeak: Oct 31Status: Moderate color
- Double Trouble State Park69 mi · 1 hr 42 minPeak: Oct 18Status: Moderate color
- Brandywine Creek State Park69 mi · 1 hr 47 minDelawarePeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Nemours Estate68 mi · 1 hr 47 minDelawarePeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Winterthur Museum & Gardens69 mi · 1 hr 49 minDelawarePeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Mt. Cuba Center69 mi · 1 hr 50 minDelawarePeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Awbury Arboretum70 mi · 1 hr 50 minPennsylvaniaPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color