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.
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Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Skyline Drive
Peak fall color is predicted around October 18. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 13 to October 23.
- Predicted peak
- October 18
- Best window
- October 13 – October 23
- 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 Page County and across Virginia.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Skyline Drive
2 to 3 hours
- Natural Bridge State Park99 mi · 2 hr 13 minPeak: Oct 26Status: High color
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden102 mi · 2 hr 20 minPeak: Nov 5Status: High color
- Libby Hill Park108 mi · 2 hr 27 minPeak: Nov 6Status: Moderate color
- Maymont107 mi · 2 hr 28 minPeak: Nov 6Status: Moderate color
- Virginia Capital Trail109 mi · 2 hr 29 minPeak: Nov 5Status: High color
- Bear Creek Lake State Park92 mi · 2 hr 34 minPeak: Oct 30Status: High color
- George Washington Memorial Parkway98 mi · 2 hr 34 minPeak: Oct 27Status: Moderate color