Dubuque County’s Fall Colors Starting to Pop at Whitewater Canyon

Iowa is such an amazing place to explore, especially on this side of the state. We have loads of caves, huge forests, and beautiful river valleys. There are also many hidden gems, one I visited again last evening. It was the perfect fall afternoon for a sunset hike out to the overlook at Whitewater Canyon.

The fall season is officially upon us. If beautiful blazing orange, red, and yellow are what your seeking, our Iowa forests are beginning to provide that perfect fall photo opportunity.

According to recent release from the Iowa DNR, changes are more prominent this week, with about 15 to 20% of foliage showing color in East and Central Iowa. As for the peak, they're thinking the end of October. Personally, I want a few green trees in the photo as well, so my thoughts for a wider range of colors would be the end of next week, October 25th and 26th.

Iowa DNR's Current Fall Colors Across the State 2025

Northeast Iowa (includes Dubuque County)

• River valleys showing strong fall color.
• Sugar maples turning vibrant orange and red.
• Peak viewing: End of October.

North Central & Northwest Iowa

• Maples just starting to show color; still spotty overall.
• Sumac, dogwood, and Virginia creeper turning bright red.
• Peak viewing: 3rd–4th week of October.

Central Iowa

• Roughly 15–20% of foliage showing color.
• Maples and black cherry turning orange and red.
• Sumac and dogwood deep red; walnut, elm, and hackberry showing yellow.
• Most oaks still green.
• Peak viewing: October 18–25.

Get our free mobile app

Southeast Iowa

• Bottomland species (cottonwood, walnut, hickory, elm) showing yellow and brown.
• Dogwoods and roadside shrubs beginning to change.
• Urban maples turning red and yellow.
• Peak viewing: Around October 20.

South Central Iowa

• Early in the season; color just starting to appear.
• Hickories brown, oaks green, shrubs and vines red and purple.
• Sumacs and ivies showing wine-red hues; Kentucky coffee tree bright yellow.
• Peak viewing: October 18–25.

West Central Iowa

• Subdued colors this year, but Loess Hills remain beautiful.
• Sumac, ash, cottonwood, and elm showing yellow.
• Oaks not yet changing.
• Peak viewing: Late October.

Southwest Iowa

• Tinges of red appearing in oaks and hickories, especially in Ringgold and Decatur Counties.
• Fragrant sumac and other understory shrubs starting to turn.
• Bottomland species (cottonwood, walnut, ash) further along.
• Peak viewing: Late October.

Whitewater Canyon was already showing signs of what makes the overlook trail a must visit for the fall season.

Not to mention all the wildlife preparing for the incoming winter. Squirrels were actively foraging. The buzzards and eagles soared over head. Deer bounded away through the long grass.

We managed to spot what we thought was a bobcat drinking from the creek below the overlook. I even spotted what I can only assume is one of the final toads of the year. He probably needs to eat a few more bugs before hibernating.

All things said, this time of the year is best for hiking. Temperatures are perfect for a little extra activity, fall colors are popping across the state, and animals are active in preparation for the winter. It was a great evening to hike, and the next few weeks in Iowa could be very colorful, so get out and experience the best of what fall has to offer us Eastern Iowans.

If you want to experience amazing fall colors across Dubuque County, check out all the amazing locations below before October ends!