Hit the Road: When to Catch the Best Fall Colors in Arkansas

I love the fall season, pumpkin spice, and everything nice. Taking a drive through the mountains in the Arkansas countryside can be mesmerizing, especially during the peak season when leaves are changing colors.

Chasing Autumn's Peak: Your Guide to Arkansas' Fall Foliage

Knowing when to go is essential for enjoying the maximum benefit of Mother Nature's artistic show of colors. The hills come alive with vibrant hues of orange, crimson red, rustic brown, and bright yellows. It's like an artist took a paintbrush and colored the mountainside with breathtaking beauty.

The Scenic Byway 7, in the Ozark National Forest in Northwest Arkansas, is one of the most popular routes during the fall season. In 1997, it was named as one of  “The Most Scenic Drives in America” by “Reader’s Digest.”

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According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, late October to mid-November is the best peak for fall foliage in the Natural State. The Ouachita Mountain region typically peaks in the last week of October to the first week of November.

READ MORE: Muscadine Grapes are Ripe and Ready to Pick at Arkansas Farm

The exact time can vary in different regions of Arkansas, depending on weather conditions. Note: a hot summer or warm fall can delay the timing and affect the intensity of the colors. Visit the Arkansas State Parks website for fall foliage updates.

Peak Season for Fall Foliage in Arkansas by Region

• Northern Arkansas - Typically, the last two weeks of October.
• Central Arkansas - Peak colors are the last week of October into the first week of November.
• Western Arkansas - Peak colors occur from the last week of October to the first week of November.
• Eastern Arkansas - Typically peaks in early to mid-November.
• Southern Arkansas - Typically peaks in early to mid-November.

Track when and where fall leaves will peak in the U.S. with the Old Farmer's Almanac 2025 fall foliage map here.

So, when the weather cools down in October and November, grab your favorite flannel shirt, hiking shoes, and head to the great outdoors in Arkansas. Believe me, you won't regret it.