Fall Foliage in Delaware

Fall in Delaware is a time when the beauty of nature seems to shine new ways. By the lush wooded hills of Northern Delaware, you’ll see the sharp relief of crimson and gold leaves shimmering against the crystal blue skies. Farther south along the breezy stretches of coast, the days edge slowly away from summer’s warm embrace, and slip into a gentler, softer beauty.

It’s a time of glorious, crisp weather. And it is an ideal chance to savor those mild, lazy days of fall. It’s also a perfect time for day-trippers and weekend travelers to hop in their cars and explore some of the state’s best autumn drives. The latest forecast says Delaware is in store for a great fall foliage season, thanks to favorable spring and summer weather conditions in the Northeast. Peak fall colors are expected to be on display from mid-October to early November.

Here are some of Delaware’s top spots for fall foliage. And remember, they’re also great places to visit any time of year!

-- In Delaware, fall sightseers traditionally flock to the country roads that wind their way through “Chateau Country” in the northern part of the state, home to such year-round attractions as Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Hagley Museum and Library and Nemours Mansion and Gardens, where Delaware’s fall foliage enjoys a regal setting.

-- There’s even a chance to get up-close-and-personal with fall’s natural beauty at the Mt. Cuba Center, a horticultural center in scenic northwestern Delaware that features a variety of autumn programs, including a photography stroll and native plant walks.

-- Enjoy the sparkling beauty of leaves reflected on water at such secluded natural settings as Trap Pond State Park or Killens Pond State Park (featuring a nature center and regular hayrides).

-- Unwind behind the wheel along one of Delaware’s easy-to-navigate scenic byways, which explore the whole state from the rustic farmlands, wooded areas and historic towns of the Western Sussex Byway; to the bayside views and charming shops and restaurants of the Lewes Byway; to the Colonial-era back roads of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. On the DE 9 Coastal Heritage Scenic Byway, travelers enjoy lovely stretches of farmland, wildlife and wetlands as they progress through historic towns.

-- The Delaware Outdoor Trail is the perfect way to immerse yourself in visions of fall. Many of the state’s top viewing sites are also outposts on the Delaware Geocaching Trail. The step-by-step trip of discovery embraces museums, parks and historic sites from one end of Delaware to the other. While enjoying the sights and sounds of fall foliage, visitors can sip their way through the Delaware Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail. Stops at the Nassau Valley Vineyard or Harvest Ridge Winery are not to be missed at this time of year.