Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Frozen Head State Park
Peak fall color is predicted around October 27. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 22 to November 1.
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 Morgan County and across Tennessee.
That is 5 days later than usual (October 23): the six weeks to October 13 ran 4.7°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 Frozen Head State Park
1 to 2 hours
- Norris Dam State Park35 mi · 1 hr 5 minPeak: Oct 29Status: High color
- Ijams Nature Center46 mi · 1 hr 8 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Seven Islands State Birding Park60 mi · 1 hr 27 minPeak: Oct 26Status: High color
- Cherohala Skyway82 mi · 1 hr 58 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge84 mi · 1 hr 58 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color