Temperate deciduous forests in the US are losing their colorful autumn beauty due to forest cover decline between 1985 and 2016. Some regions with the best leaf-peeping opportunities are at risk of further losses and are not well-protected. Predictions show that without action, this trend will continue, but there is still hope to reverse forest loss in some areas. Human actions play a crucial role in preserving these forests, and increasing public exposure to them can help ensure conservation efforts are successful.