Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Peak fall color is predicted around October 19. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 14 to October 24.
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 Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania.
This year's weather here has run close to normal, so the date is the usual October 19.
Fall color at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge begins as early as October 6 in some spots and continues through November 2 in others — a 27-day window where you can catch peak color somewhere in the area regardless of when you visit.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
30 to 60 minutes
- Awbury Arboretum17 mi · 31 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Ridley Creek State Park17 mi · 31 minPeak: Oct 25Status: Moderate color
- Brandywine Creek State Park20 mi · 32 minDelawarePeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Nemours Estate21 mi · 33 minDelawarePeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Wissahickon Valley Park17 mi · 34 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Wilmington & Western Railroad28 mi · 38 minDelawarePeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Winterthur Museum & Gardens22 mi · 39 minDelawarePeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Longwood Gardens25 mi · 42 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color