Southern and eastern Arkansas foliage usually begins changing during mid-October. There is usually a period of a week or so when the foliage in a particular area is at its best. The peak may be for a large area of the forest, or different areas may peak at different times, even though they are close to each other. Normally, the peak of color occurs around two or three weeks after color changes begin, meaning late October for the Ozarks, late October or early November for central and western Arkansas, and early to mid-November for the southern and eastern sections. Never wait until the last minute to visit an area of outstanding color.
Foliage always looks best just before it is time for it to go away.
The colorful leaves do not have much holding them onto the trees, and a good wind, rain, hailstorm, or frost can bring an end to the color in an area in a matter of hours. Another good idea is to plan to stay a few days in order to enjoy driving tours or camping, hiking, canoeing, photography, craft fairs, and other activities. Set aside some leisure time to experience autumn in Arkansas this year. The weather is cool, crowds are smaller, the fish are biting, and it's one of the best times all year to be outdoors.