Fall Foliage 2017: The Best Time To See Leaves Change In Iowa

Watching the leaves change color is one of the best ways to enjoy fall. It's a fall activity right up there with apple picking, pumpkin carving and Thanksgiving feasting. But if you don't plan ahead and know the peak times to see the best fall colors, you could miss out.

Depending on the state, green leaves transform into a stunning explosion of crimson, orange, gold and even purple in certain places. By taking a quick road trip throughout Iowa, or maybe just around the corner, you can enjoy it all, free of charge

So when is the best time to catch the fall foliage in Iowa?

Every region differs when it comes to prime leaf-changing times. Plus, some areas have super short foliage seasons that could leave you with just a week or so to take in all the natural splendor. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Des Moines Patch, and click here to find your local Iowa Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

To ensure you catch the gorgeous leaves before they fall, you need to make a game plan. Luckily, TripSavvy rounded up the best times to catch the best foliage in Iowa, as well as which colors you can expect to see.

Reds and yellows will dominate the tree color change this year in much of the state. The autumn kaleidoscope will begin its transformation soon, with changes in the northern and eastern portions of the state approximately a week ahead of the southern and western areas, according to TripSavvy. “Peak fall color occurs in northeast Iowa on the weekend closest to Oct. 10, on average. Peak fall color occurs later in the more southern parts of the state,” it said.

Note: This interactive fall foliage prediction map is another fun way to see what leafy changes are happening in Iowa and when. But be warned: it's pretty addictive.

You can get fall color updates by calling Iowa’s foliage hotline at 515-233-4110.