When will peak fall colors arrive in Kansas?

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Autumn is here and trees are changing colors to match the season, but when and where can Kansans expect to see the best fall colors?

Kansas is known for its abundant open spaces and grasslands, but it also has more than a few trees that shift in color every year. Reds, golds and other impressive colors can be spotted across the Sunflower State to mark the arrival of autumn.

EJ Jamison, northeast rural forester with the Kansas Forest Service, said people in northeast Kansas should start heading out in late October and early November to catch sight of the trees before they shed their leaves. She said there are a couple trees that people should keep an eye out for this fall.

“In terms of our native trees here in northeast Kansas, my favorite tree to see in the fall is white oak,” Jamison said. “Another tree that people love to see is maple.”

The exact timing for when people can experience peak fall colors can vary depending on where they are located in Kansas. Explore Fall is a website dedicated to fall foliage and maintains a map that displays when and where people can expect to see the best fall colors.

The majority of Kansas will reach its peak fall color season from around Oct. 25 to Oct. 28, according to Explore Fall. By Nov. 10, the entire state will be beyond the peak color season.

Jamison said people can head to different locations in the northeast Kansas area to catch sight of some of these fall colors. She recommends checking out the areas around Douglas State Fishing Lake or signing up to participate in the tour of the Baldwin Woods Forest Preserve. Space is limited for this tour which runs from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 25.

“One of my favorite places to see fall colors is Baldwin Woods,” Jamison said. “It has really nice fall coloring, the best I’ve seen in Kansas.”

Kansas Tourism also has some recommendations for places to visit for the especially adventurous. Some scenic drives and places you can check out for a better fall experience this year are below:

• Highway 169 – Chautauqua Hills.
• Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway.
• Flint Hills.
• Cimarron National Grasslands.
• Frontier Military Historic Byway.

You can check out Explore Fall’s interactive map online by clicking here.

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