Wisconsin fall colors status: much of state heading toward early October peak

Changing fall color, which already has a grasp on northern Wisconsin, has begun pushing down into central Wisconsin and even a few spots in southern parts of the state.

Northern Wisconsin observers for Travel Wisconsin's Fall Color Report noting the highest percentages of leaf color change as of Sept. 13 include Conover, Forest County and the Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway, 30 percent; Florence County, 20 percent; and Eagle River, Langlade County and Phelps Area, 15 percent. All of those areas expect to reach peak color during the first week of October, according to Fall Color Report estimates.

In central Wisconsin, Plover and Stevens Point in Portage County lead the way, with 20 percent color change. The Plover observer suggests driving along Highway B for the best views currently. Both locations, along with Clark County and Adams County, expect fall color to peak the second week of October.

Oshkosh reports 15% color change, but does not expect fall color there to peak until the 4th week of October.

Southern Wisconsin observers report 15 percent change in Pepin County, 10 percent in Black River Falls and Bristol. Peak week forecasts for southern counties vary widely from the second week of October to the final week of the month.

Despite the return of sweater-friendly temperatures and school routines, the autumnal equinox marking the strict beginning of fall doesn't actually take place until Sept. 23, though the meteorological world considers Sept. 1 the soft launch of the season.

SmokyMountains.com's national Fall Foliage Prediction Map for 2023 suggests much of northern and central Wisconsin will reach peak color circa Oct. 16. This prediction map draws on historical leaf peak trends, as well as historical and forecasted temperatures and precipitation data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to calculate when colors will peak in every county across the country.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin fall colors status: early to mid October peaks expected