GREAT LAKES
GREAT LAKES FOLIAGE DISCOVERY CENTER
![Find Fall Great Lakes Foliage Map](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_800,h_330/https://findfall.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/WPP_Maps_Region_GreatLakes-1024x423.png)
Peak Foliage Key
- Late September
- Early October
- Mid October
- Late October
- Early-Mid November
- Mid-Late November
2024 Great Lakes Foliage Tracker
2024 Foliage Forecast
The 2024 fall foliage season in the Great Lakes region is anticipated to be particularly vibrant, thanks to ideal weather conditions throughout the year. A mild winter followed by a wet spring and moderately dry summer has set the stage for an explosion of colors.
Peak viewing times are expected to be slightly later than usual, with the northernmost areas reaching their peak in early October and the southern shores of the Great Lakes peaking in late October to early November.
Leaf peepers should plan for an extended viewing season, with opportunities to catch stunning vistas from mid-September through mid-November, depending on the specific location within the region.
Regional Tree Makeup
The Great Lakes region boasts an incredibly diverse mix of deciduous trees, creating a rich tapestry of autumn colors. Key species contributing to the fall spectacle include:
- Sugar Maples: Brilliant orange and red
- Red Maples: Deep crimson
- Birches: Golden yellow
- Aspens: Shimmering yellow and gold
- Oaks: Deep red and russet brown
This variety ensures a multi-week progression of color changes, with different species reaching their peak at slightly different times, creating an ever-changing landscape of autumnal beauty.
Unique Regional Features
The Great Lakes region offers several unique features that enhance the fall foliage experience:
Microclimates: The lakes create distinct microclimates along their shores, often delaying the onset of fall colors compared to inland areas. This phenomenon extends the overall viewing season and creates interesting color gradients from the shoreline inward.
Scenic Drives: The region is crisscrossed with scenic byways that offer stunning lake views juxtaposed against the colorful foliage. Notable routes include the Lake Superior Circle Tour and the M-22 highway in Michigan.
Island Escapes: Many of the region's islands, such as Mackinac Island and the Apostle Islands, offer unique fall experiences where the colors of the changing leaves are reflected in the surrounding waters, creating a double display of autumn beauty.
Great Lakes: Exploring All things Fall
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Other Regions to explore
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NEW ENGLAND FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why New England
New England is revered as the most reliable foliage destination region in the US, and with good reason. It boasts a rich history, charming small towns, and a plethora of outdoor activities to complement your foliage expedition.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation:
Late September to Early October
Sea Level:
Early to Mid-October
Popular Destinations
White Mountains, New Hampshire; Vermont’s Route 100; Acadia National Park, Maine
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Mid Atlantic FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why Mid Atlantic
The vibrant colors of a Mid-Atlantic fall beautifully complement its historic charm, rugged wilderness, and coastal allure. With its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the Mid-Atlantic region is an ideal destination for those seeking a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Late September to Late-October
Sea Level: Late October to Mid-November
Popular Destinations
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia; Hudson Valley, New York; Eastern Shore, Maryland
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SOUTHEAST FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Southeast
The Southeast combines stunning natural beauty with quintessential Southern hospitality. Journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia, immerse yourself in the mystical allure of the Great Smoky Mountains that straddle Tennessee and North Carolina, or follow the Natchez Trace Parkway through Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. From historic cities to breathtaking mountain landscapes the Southeastern US is where the charm and magic of autumn meet.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Early October to Mid-November
Sea Level: Late October to Late November
Popular Destinations
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia;Â Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina; Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi/Tennessee/Alabama
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GREAT LAKES FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Great Lakes
The Great Lake states enchant leaf peepers with their unique combination of natural beauty, gorgeous lakes, and enchanting wilderness. This region is a paradise for those seeking an autumn adventure that seamlessly blends the breathtaking beauty of the Great Lakes with the enchanting allure of the wilderness. The striking contrast of autumn foliage against the backdrop of vast, sparkling waters creates a visual masterpiece that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Late September to Mid-October
Sea Level: Early October to Late November
Popular Destinations
Door County, Wisconsin; Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan; Hocking Hills, Ohio
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MIDWEST FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Midwest
Explore tranquil lakes, rolling farmland, and charming small towns that come alive with autumn colors. From the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri to the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin and the Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa, the Midwest’s natural beauty is complemented by the charm of its communities. This is a place where the autumn foliage showcases a quieter, yet no less enchanting, side of the season. It’s a region where you can escape the hustle and bustle, savor the crisp fall air, and embrace the simple joys of the changing seasons.Â
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Early October to Mid-November
Sea Level: Mid-October to Mid-November
Popular Destinations
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri; Kettle Moraine State Forest, Wisconsin; Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa
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SOUTHWEST FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Southwest
The Southwest region offers a foliage adventure like no other. It offers an untraditional foliage experience, highlighted by the rugged beauty of the desert, the striking colors of the canyons, and the mystical allure of its arid landscapes. This region provides a captivating contrast to the typical autumn scenes, where you’ll experience cooler temperatures, where you’ll experience cooler temperatures and find yourself enveloped in the warm, earthy tones of fall.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Mid-October to Mid-November
Sea Level: Early November to Mid December
Popular Destinations
Santa Fe, New Mexico; Sedona, Arizona; Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas
![Rocky Mountains](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1536,h_984/https://findfall.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Bitmap-7-1536x984.jpg)
Mountain West FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Mountain West
The Mountain West region presents a breathtaking foliage experience with its rugged peaks and alpine landscapes. Witness the aspen groves turning vibrant shades of gold amid the mountainous terrain and throw in a hike, camp, or canoe for an extra dose of adventure. The Mountain West is a region that captures the essence of autumn’s majesty at its most grand and dramatic.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Late September to Late October
Sea Level: Mid-October to Mid-November
Popular Destinations
Aspen, Colorado; Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming; Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho
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PACIFIC FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Pacific
The Pacific Coast states provide a coastal foliage experience like no other. From the majestic Redwoods to the vibrant vineyards, it’s a region that combines natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re exploring the wine country of California, the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, or Olympic National Park in Washington, the Pacific Coast states offer a captivating fusion of coastal charm and abundant fall colors. Here, you can witness the transition of seasons in a setting that’s both picturesque and culturally rich. This is where the allure of the coastline and the enchantment of autumn harmonize to create a one-of-a-kind foliage adventure.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Early September to Mid-November
Sea Level: Late September to late November
Popular Destinations
Wine Country, California; Columbia River Gorge, Oregon; Olympic National Park, Washington