5 Leaf-Peeping Road Trips In Illinois: When Foliage Peaks

ILLINOIS — Fall foliage is a few weeks away from peak brilliance in Illinois, making the time ripe for a fall leaf-peeping road trip.

According to an interactive fall foliage map, the leaves in Illinois should be popping between Oct. 14 and Oct. 21.

The map, from the travel site Smokymountains.com uses a refined data model based on historical and forecast temperatures and precipitation, the types of trees prominent in specific geographic areas, and real-time user reports.

The map is easy to use. The slider at the bottom resets weekly to include the latest data. To see when leaves are expected to peak, move the slider to the right. Leaves haven’t started changing yet in green areas, and the brown color means foliage has passed its peak.

As with any meteorological forecast dependent upon weather variables, leaf predictions aren’t always 100 percent accurate, but the map does give Illinois leaf-peepers a good shot at seeing autumn leaves when they turn their most blazing reds, vibrant orange and sunny yellows.

Here are five Illinois fall leaf-peeping road trips:

• Fabyan Forest Preserve — Located in Geneva along the Fox River, this is a great spot to check out the leaves and much more this fall. According to the Kane County Forest Preserve, a vast number of oak trees turn yellow, orange and red. In addition, there are a number of popular natural and historic features. Kayaking and paddling, fishing along the river shores, jogging and biking along the trails and across the river bridge all make a trip here worth it. Also, don't forget to check out the Fabyan Villa Museum, Japanese Tea Garden and Fabyan Windmill.
• Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve — When people talk hiking, this DuPage County gem in Darien is often near the top of the list, and nothing beats taking in the great outdoors when the leaves change. According to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, "one of the best ways to view an abundance of fall colors is from higher ground." Fall foliage lovers should make their way to the Sawmill Creek Bluff Overlook to get a "breathtaking look at the fall color bursting over the Rocky Glen waterfall."

• Great Rivers Country — Great Rivers Country covers 33 counties in the western and central part of Illinois from Galena to Cairo, along the Mississippi River, so naturally there's a ton to do in this area. Among the highlights according to the Illinois Office of Tourism is checking out Great River Road's bluffs on a scenic drive through Fulton. The drive follows the Mississippi River as it curves along the western edge of Illinois and "meanders for more than 550 miles through charming small towns and woodland along the way."
• Starved Rock State Park — Considered one of the best attractions in the state, Starved Rock State Park includes plenty of hiking trails, fishing, boating, and more. Enjoying the fall colors at Starved Rock can be done at any time, but there's even a special day when visitors can trek some trails with the seasoned volunteer naturalists and park staff interpret the sites, sounds, and of course the trees at Starved Rock State Park. Registration for the 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. hike on Oct. 19 can be done here through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
• Giant City State Park — Located in Makanda, within Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park boasts 4,000 acres of "breathtaking natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation." According to the park's website, camping, picnicking, hunting and fishing, rock climbing and rappelling, horseback riding, and lodging and dining are all offered at the park. For the fall foliage lovers, make sure to check out the Giant City Nature Trail, which is home of the "Giant City Streets," formed 12,000 years ago by huge bluffs of sandstone. There are 75-plus varieties of towering trees.