As temperatures cool and pumpkin spice everything hits local stores, thoughts turn to fall in the Chicago area.
And what better way to celebrate the vibrant season than to take a trip to see the changing leaves. Since 2013, SmokyMountains.com has used data and feedback from foliage fans around the United States to produce a map that shows a county-by-county view of the best times to visit for peak leaf-peeping.
Just like meteorologists predict the weather, SmokyMountains.com has become the go-to site for localized leafage information. The site combines historical temperature and precipitation information with type of tree by geographic region. The dates given below might not be hard and fast rules but more like guidelines on when to expect the leaves to appear in their full glory. Users are also encouraged to upload photos and details from their area to help improve the predictions.
Northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin could see peak leaf color in mid-October. Want to experience the red, yellow and orange tree canopy sooner? Travel farther north in late September or early October.
2024 fall foliage prediction map, by county
Click and drag on the button below to view the expected color change in leaves during the weeks ahead.
Read more of the Tribune’s fall guides:
- Fall festivals feature food, drink, music and fun throughout the suburbs
- Classical music and jazz for fall 2024: The hidden, the one-offs, the thoroughly unmissable
- Live music for fall 2024: Iron Maiden, Usher and a return for Billie Eilish
- Theater for fall 2024: Our top 10 upcoming titles from ‘Potter’ to ‘Pericles’
- Top 10 dance for fall 2024: US premieres at Joffrey and the Harris, plus Hubbard Street does Fosse
- 10 movies for fall 2024: Our film picks and questions about everything from ‘Wicked I’ to ‘Joker II’
- TV for fall 2024: Our top 20 shows coming down the pike, including a hospital comedy from creator of ‘Superstore’
