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Peak fall colors will be here before you know it.
According to the Illinois Office of Tourism, Northern Illinois’ most vibrant foliage tends to emerge during the second week of October. Although that’s coming up quickly next week, so I think it’s safe to assume peak fall colors won’t appear until later in the month this season.
Their most recent report suggests that many local tree species are still green or just starting to change.
Where to go for fall colors
We recently shared some great local spots for fall hikes as well as fall-themed events happening over at the Morton Arboretum this month.
Here are some other resources to help you plan out your leaf-peeping activities:
Western suburbs: A guide to many of the top parks and forest preserves for chasing autumn’s palette.
The wider suburbs: A comprehensive itinerary covering fall activities in the suburban Chicago area — from fall colors to pumpkin patches, orchards, haunted houses and spooky tours.
Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Parks (Oglesby): With 13 miles of trails near the Illinois River, this duo of parks offers everything from towering canyons to crashing waterfalls. Honestly doesn’t feel like Illinois.
White Pines Forest State Park (Mt. Morris): Perhaps my favorite park just outside of what most would consider “local.” Significantly smaller crowds than the higher profile destinations with comparable beauty.
Mississippi Palisades State Park (Savanna): A quick two-hour drive will take you to the banks of the Mississippi River, where you’ll see bluffs and rock formations jutting out from a riverfront forest. The park has a 15-mile trail system, and I hear Savanna is a fun little town to visit.
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