From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
The fall color season is winding down in the northeast corner of Iowa. Oak trees are providing most of the fall colors now with their shades of red, yellow and bronze.
Fall color is past peak in north central and northwest Iowa. Many species show their yellows including green ash, ironwood, hackberry, hickory, cottonwood, elms and walnut. Poison ivy and Virginia creeper are showing red along with sumac and dogwoods.
Central Iowa Fall colors are just past peak. There are lots of yellows including cottonwood, elm, walnut, hackberry, ash, hickory, and others. Red and crimson colors are good on sumac, dogwood, Virginia creeper, and some of the maple. Oaks have turned red.
Fall colors are in peak season right now across southeast Iowa. Oaks are showing their colors and it is adding to the whole beauty of the landscape. A week to week and a half remains of the peak time to view colors.
In south central Iowa, fall colors are in full swing across Lucas and Monroe Counties. Yellows shown by hickories and cottonwood are nearing the end of their season. Oaks are providing most of the color now with bronze, purple, and reds. Shrubs especially dogwood are showing great purples, yellows, and reds.
West-central Iowa is past peak color and winds have caused many leaves to drop. Trail hikes are optimal to see and photograph fallen leaves on the ground.
Southwest Iowa is past peak color on oaks, but the red and rusty hues will be around for another week or two.