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.
Watkins Glen State Park
Known for its stone gorge trails and foliage, in the Finger Lakes region.
Typical peak
Oct 18
Mid October
Best Viewing Window
Oct 13 – Oct 23
Mid October to Late October
Latest color reading
Moderate color
The newest satellite reading was 4 days old at the latest update.
20 sample points · about 9 clear looks per point.
The most recent reading we have, not a forecast; color may have moved since.
Forest Composition
Maple Beech Birch dominant
Maple / Beech / Birch46%
Oak / Hickory17%
78% deciduous canopy (forest survey)
Conditions & 5-Day Forecast
Fetching forecast...
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Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Watkins Glen State Park
Peak fall color is predicted around October 18. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 13 to October 23.
Predicted peakOctober 18
Best windowOctober 13 – October 23
Confidence range±5 days
The prediction comes from 24 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 Watkins Glen and across New York.
This year's weather here has run close to normal, so the date is the usual October 18.
Nearby locales