Experience the beauty of Arkansas' fall foliage
Fall is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Arkansas because of its excellent fall foliage. Every autumn, nature paints the mountains and valleys of The Natural State with gorgeous hues of gold, red and orange. Many of Arkansas' visitors travel here for special fall vacations to catch a glimpse (and take some incredible photos) of the season. Scenic drives showcase autumn's finest while allowing you to explore the state's varied topography on a fun-filled road trip.
Fall colors begin to appear in the Ozarks and other northern sections of the state by the second week in October and continue slowly southward. Mid to late October generally provides peak fall color in the northern portions of Arkansas. October and November are two of the most popular months for visitors due to the beautiful fall colors and favorable weather.
The Natural State's autumn attractions aren't limited to scenery; fall weather is ideal for enjoying the variety of outdoor activities that the state has to offer. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Arkansas for camping, hiking, biking, and rock climbing. While many of our northern neighbors are covered in snow by the fall, Arkansas ranges from the 40’s to the 70’s in the fall months, making it a perfect getaway before winter takes over.
Fall Color Reports 2023
9/21/2023: It’s fall y’all! The first official day of the season is this Saturday, September 23, and now is the perfect time to start planning autumn adventures in The Natural State.
Stay at an Arkansas State Park where you can hike, bike, or take to the water for kayaking or fishing. If road trips are more your style, find out why the FINN Auto Report ranks Arkansas as one of the most affordable road trip states while you leaf peep along routes like the Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway or the Pig Trail Scenic Byway.
Peak fall color in Arkansas typically begins around mid to late October and continues into early November, starting in the Ozarks and northern areas before moving southward and blanketing the state in red, orange and yellow.
This week’s color report still shows the rich greens that define an Arkansas summer, but bright yellow can be seen peeking through in the Northwest and Central parts of the state. The leaves are hinting at gorgeous colors to come and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
As we wait patiently for the foliage to turn, add these fun events to your itinerary for the weekend: