The Best Places to See the Leaves Change Color in Delaware

a car driving on a road with forests with leaves changing colors on either side of the road

New England is well known for its colorful displays each autumn, and the scenic landscape near Lewes is where you’ll find some of the best fall foliage in Delaware.

Time it Right

While the weather patterns fluctuate slightly from year to year, you can expect to find the most vibrant fall colors during the second half of October and early weeks of November. You can track predictions for the best fall foliage in Delaware using this map, which shows the 2021 peak on or about Oct.25.

Coastal Highway Drive

Some of the best fall foliage in Delaware is located just minutes from Lewes, along State Route 1, the Delaware Scenic Coastal Highway. With sand and surf to your east and lush fall foliage to the west, it’s a land-meets-sea experience you won’t want to miss. If you’re looking for fall activities for seniors, you’re sure to find numerous options for entertainment, dining, and more as you make your way along this popular route.

Scenic Byway

Another popular driving tour that will showcase some of the best fall foliage in Delaware is the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway. Rather than the coast, this route travels the hills of northern Delaware with plenty of opportunities to shop, explore cultural attractions, and more while taking in the incredible symphony of crimson, gold, and rust-colored leaves.

Stunning Gardens

While many of the state’s captivating public gardens are well known for their green spaces and botanical displays, several are also heavily wooded, making them ideal settings to take in views of some of the best fall foliage in Delaware. Destinations like the Nemours Estate, Longwood Gardens, and the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library are all well known for their captivating fall colors.

State Parks

With 17 state parks scattered across the state, there’s no shortage of opportunities to take in dazzling displays of fall colors, whether by land or by water. A scenic drive, hayride, paddling, sailing, or even camping are all options for taking in the wonders of Delaware in the fall when you visit one of the state parks. Killens Pond State Park and Lums Pond State Park are two popular choices for those seeking an impressive array of autumn hues.

Wildlife Refuges

Near the central Delaware coast, you’ll find the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, or farther north is the larger Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Both allow you to get up close and personal with the fall foliage. Miles of hiking trails will let you explore the natural habitats that hundreds of species of birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals call home. In addition to the vibrant show by the native trees, you can expect to see plenty of waterfowl activity in October and November. Also be sure to watch for the bur marigolds blooming in freshwater pools.

Look Forward to Fall Foliage in Your Own Backyard

Making your home in Lewes means you’ll have convenient access to the best fall foliage in Delaware every autumn, and during the rest of the year, you can take advantage of this beachfront community’s many other attractions.

Make plans for a detour on your fall foliage tour and visit us at The Moorings at Lewes to learn more about our spacious independent living options.