What’s your favorite fall pastime in Illinois? Is it apple picking, attending a fall festival, watching football games, or maybe some hiking? For many of us, discovering the best spots to view the colorful leaves of the season is at the top of the list. This year, in an effort to find the peak fall foliage in Illinois, the people over at SmokyMountains.com have updated their predictive Illinois fall foliage map. Using this map is sure to help you plan better for the season, especially if viewing colorful fall leaves is what you’re after.

Looking at the current Fall Foliage Prediction Map, northern Illinois will start seeing a minimal amount of autumnal colors by the week of September 26th. This is the beginning of Illinois fall foliage!
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During the week of October 17th, northern Illinois will start to see a lot more color while leaves in the central and southern parts of the state are just getting started. Fall in Illinois is officially beginning!
Todd Ryburn Photography via Moment Collection / Getty Images
While the colors around this time are starting to show through, you'll still see quite a bit of green. But over the next few weeks, that will certainly change!
galena illinois fall
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Pictured here is Galena. By late-October, this picturesque town should experience peak fall colors, so if you've been meaning to plan a trip here, that may be the best time to go. Time for a fall road trip in Illinois!
Around October 24th, progress will be made as the northern part of the state will be near its peak while the rest of the state is seeing a partial array of fiery fall hues. Head north if you're looking for peak fall foliage in Illinois.
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You should start planning a fall foliage drive along one of the state's many scenic byways. Pictured here is a view of the Illinois River as seen from the bluffs along Peoria's Grandview Drive. Another great fall road trip in Illinois.
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Northern Illinois should hit its peak around October 30th, while other parts of the state will be close to peak. At this time, you should see a burst of crimson, amber, and gold all around the state. Illinois fall foliage will be seen just about everywhere.
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Mid-to-late October will be the perfect time to explore places like Garden of the Gods (pictured here) and Starved Rock State Park. They have some of the best fall foliage in Ilinois.
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All good things must come to an end at some point, and that is no different with the autumn season. Central and southern Illinois will hit the apex of autumnal colors by late October and early November, while northern Illinois will be past it. If you live in this part of the state, get your rakes ready to clean up the fallen leaves around this time! We always look forward to fall in Illinois.
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For over 10 years, the folks at SmokyMountains.com have published their predictive Ilinois fall foliage map that’s built using various data sources and an algorithm. While nature can have a mind of its own at times and even predicting when leaves change colors isn’t always 100% accurate, they remain confident in the predictions shown on their map. You can view the current Fall Leaf Map on SmokyMountains.com and use the slider underneath which will show you where and when leaves are at their peak throughout the season.

This is one of our favorite tools for finding the best places for an Illinois fall road trip or leaf peeping times all over the state.

Once you use the map to figure out where and when the fall leaves will be at their peak, make plans to visit one of the most beautiful fall destinations in Illinois. 

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Illinois Fall Foliage

Megan McDonald | September 09, 2022

What is there to do in the fall in Illinois?

Illinois is just filled with autumn fun, especially if you like to get outside for the cool weather. We like to hit the World’s Largest Corn Maze at Richardson Adventure Farm, or pet a reindeer at Hardy's Reindeer Ranch. And who can forget apple and pumpkin picking? The real question is, what can’t you do in the fall in Illinois?

What month is fall in Illinois?

While the first official day of fall is September 22nd, you will see fall creeping down the state as early as the second week of September. But the leaves on the trees really pop in late September and early October. Pretty much anywhere you go throughout the month of October you’ll be guaranteed to be greeted with bright yellow golds and crimson reds.

When can I see the fall colors in Chicago?

Who wouldn’t want to see the Windy City alight with fall colors? If you’re looking to do some leaf peeping while you’re visiting the city, make sure to head in mid-September at the earliest. You may get a couple of trees changing before then, but the best time to visit for bright vibrant colors will be late September through mid-October.

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