New England enjoys elite fall foliage season amid varied US color

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 12:32 · Archive

New England is experiencing exceptional autumn leaf colour in 2026, while drought has diminished displays elsewhere in the United States.

New England is experiencing exceptional fall foliage in 2026, according to Kyle Cotner, who runs The Foliage Report and has tracked autumn colours across the United States for nearly twenty years. Cotner said this season represents the best display he has seen in New England during that time, surpassing even 2020, which was itself very good.

The strong colours in New England resulted from ideal conditions: adequate rainfall through spring and summer, combined with warm days and cool nights as autumn approached. These factors helped trees prepare effectively for winter. However, such favourable conditions were not widespread across the country.

Extreme drought in Colorado has stressed trees and produced a quick, poor foliage season. Aspens in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho are also appearing less golden than usual. Utah is a notable exception, with sufficient rainfall supporting vibrant displays. Cotner noted that an average amount of precipitation is essential for producing the most vivid autumn colours.

How it is being reported

• New England's having an 'elite' year, but there's fall foliage elsewhere, tooLeaf-peeping season is underway, but some areas of the U.S. are seeing lots more color than others.News4Jax · 16 Oct, 12:09
• New England's having an 'elite' year, but there's fall foliage elsewhere, tooLeaf-peeping season is underway, but some areas of the U.S. are seeing lots more color than others.Clickorlando · 16 Oct, 12:09

In this story: Kyle Cotner · New England · Colorado · Wyoming · Montana · Idaho · Utah · The Foliage Report

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