Leaf-peeping season is already arriving. The Old Farmer's Almanac released its 2026 Fall Foliage Map, an interactive tool that lets you go week-by-week to see when leaves near you are expected to progress from green to red, orange, brown, yellow and every other color of fall. You can also see when they're expected to hit near peak, peak and finally past peak so you can maximize your leaf-peeping all season long.
According to the map, this year's most colorful leaf shows should begin in late September across northern states and higher elevations, then hit much of the rest of the country throughout October before reaching parts of the South in early November.
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Here's what to expect by region, but keep in mind that the timing can vary considerably, even within individual states:
In this article: Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars for Adults and Kids, Legendary Whitetails Men's Flannel Long-Sleeve Button Down and G4Free 20L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack
Don't treat these dates as gospel, because temperature, rainfall, drought, elevation, storms and wind can shift the timing of peak color by days or even weeks. And the Almanac warns that once the leaves hit their brightest point, the colors usually only last about a week.
Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars for Adults and Kids 15% OFF
These compact binoculars offer 12x magnification and 25-millimeter objective lenses, plus a 273-foot field of view at 1,000 yards for taking in all the fall leaves you can see. They use BAK4 prisms and FMC coatings, and they have adjustable rubber eyecups to make them comfortable for glasses wearers. They're also waterproof for rainy fall days.
Legendary Whitetails Men's Flannel Long-Sleeve Button Down
For chilly leaf-peeping mornings, this Legendary Whitetails flannel uses 100% cotton with a soft brushed finish and a relaxed fit. The collar and cuffs are lined with corduroy (which is very on trend this fall), and it's extra practical thanks to its adjustable cuffs and convenient chest pocket.
G4Free 20L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack 5% OFF
This daypack weighs just over half a pound and folds into its own inner pocket to make a small, easy-to-carry bundle. It's made from water-repellent Taslan nylon, so you can take it out on rainy fall days. It has five pockets, adjustable mesh shoulder straps, a strap-mounted phone pocket and a front bungee cord for organizing all your gear.
Cooler fall weather doesn't mean you don't still need water on hikes. This YETI water bottle holds 36 ounces in durable 18/8 stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation that can keep your drinks cold or hot. The chug cap is leakproof and opens by turning so you can sip or chug.
NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes
These hiking shoes are lightweight but sturdy, with a cord-based quick lacing system to get the perfect fit, and breathable EVA insoles and padded collars to cushion every step, keeping your feet comfortable even on long leaf-peeping walks. Their lugged rubber outsoles also add traction for wet fall walks.
These binoculars offer 8x magnification with 42-millimeter objective lenses — which also have built-in UV protection and a wide-angle design. The rubberized body is waterproof and weighs less than 2 pounds, with twist-up eye cups that accommodate those with or without glasses.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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