Fall Foliage Map Released

If you’re hoping to catch some cool fall colors this year, a new map can help you out.

The nationwide map of foliage patterns gives a best-guess guide to when aspen, birch, larch and maple trees will turn their deep shades of gold, orange and crimson.

The forecast, produced by the Smoky Mountains website, predicts much of the U.S. will start seeing the most dramatic colors by late September to mid-October.

Fall foliage can be difficult to predict, especially as climate change brings warmer temperatures and disrupts rainfall patterns.

Below is the best viewing time frame for fall colors in Iowa.

Check out the national map at NPR.org.