Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Valley Forge National Historical Park
Peak fall color is predicted around October 25. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 20 to October 30.
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 Upper Merion Township and across Pennsylvania.
That is 1 day later than usual (October 24): the six weeks to October 13 ran 1.0°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 Valley Forge National Historical Park
30 to 60 minutes
- Awbury Arboretum19 mi · 34 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Ridley Creek State Park15 mi · 34 minPeak: Oct 25Status: Moderate color
- Wissahickon Valley Park18 mi · 35 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge29 mi · 46 minPeak: Oct 19Status: Moderate color
- Longwood Gardens28 mi · 47 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Brandywine Creek State Park30 mi · 50 minDelawarePeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Alapocas Run State Park31 mi · 53 minDelawarePeak: Oct 31Status: Moderate color
- Nemours Estate32 mi · 56 minDelawarePeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Winterthur Museum & Gardens32 mi · 57 minDelawarePeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
