Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Peak fall color is predicted around November 8. Plan for the strongest viewing window from November 3 to November 13.
- Predicted peak
- November 8
- Best window
- November 3 – November 13
- 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 Sulphur and across Oklahoma.
That is 5 days later than usual (November 3): the six weeks to October 24 ran 5.5°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 Chickasaw National Recreation Area
30 to 60 minutes
2 to 3 hours
- Arcadia Lake102 mi · 2 hr 2 minPeak: Nov 4Status: Moderate color
- Martin Park Nature Center104 mi · 2 hr 4 minPeak: Nov 5Status: Moderate color
- McGee Creek State Park97 mi · 2 hr 8 minPeak: Nov 7Status: Moderate color
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve130 mi · 2 hr 35 minTexasPeak: Nov 12Status: Early color
- Flag Pole Hill147 mi · 2 hr 50 minTexasPeak: Nov 14Status: Early color
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge128 mi · 2 hr 57 minPeak: Nov 15Status: Peak color
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden151 mi · 2 hr 57 minTexasPeak: Nov 14Status: Moderate color