2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map

For several years, Shutterbug has shared the link for the fall foliage prediction map that covers the lower 48 states and is maintained by the folks at SmokeyMountains.com. Here’s the 2025 version. The map is interactive, intuitive and updated regularly.

Family Activities
In addition to the interactive map you’ll find listings for lodging, dining and family attractions like Dollywood and beautiful, historic Asheville, NC (think Biltmore Estate, fine dining and a rich art district).

Beyond the Appalachian region, the SmokeyMountains.com website hosts a comprehensive list of the very best fall destinations for leaf peeping in all 50 states. For example, the recommendation for Wisconsin lists the Potawatomi State Park, Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive and the Plum Loco Animal Farm.

Science Behind Fall Color Changes
Teach the kiddos the science behind the fall foliage transformations.

Beyond its appeal to photographers and other travelers seeking beautiful fall colors, the Smokey Mountains website is chock full of useful, family-oriented information. You’ll find a concise, easy to follow explanation of why leaves change colors and what happens after they fall.

There’s stuff for the little kids, too including this Fall Foliage Coloring Book you can download and print.

And for mom, pop and the whole family, a few recipes, like this one for Ole Smoky Moonshine Pie. Heads up: the recipe calls for real moonshine, but you can substitute cider.

Forecast Accuracy
No one can predict the future—so much depends on fickle weather patterns—but  this interactive fall foliage forecast map helps you narrow down timeframes, and it’s based on sound methodology.

The map is based on a combination of factors, including historical temperature and precipitation, forecasted temperature and precipitation, the tree variety known to be prominent in the geographic region, the historical trends in that area and user data.

In 2022 they introduced an invitation for end-users to provide real-time leaf reports. They use that data when producing current updates and future models.

Shutterbug’s Fall Foliage Photography Tips
For useful how-to information on the subject, take a look at this recent Shutterbug story: Labor Day! Get Ready for Colorful Fall Foliage.

And here’s a terrific video from last fall: Want Fall Photos with Amazing Colors? Do This in Lightroom.

—Jon Sienkiewicz