North Central Georgia
What a difference a week makes here in north-central Georgia! There has been a rapid transformation of fall colors in the mountains, especially at elevations above 3,000 feet and up to Brasstown Bald at 4,784 feet. Even in the lower elevations between approximately 1,500-2,500 feet, there are now noticeable patches of vivid and significant color change. Understory tree species such as sourwood, dogwood, sumac, redbud, and sassafras are offering fall foliage viewers with a variety of colorful displays ranging from vibrant red hues to outstanding shades of yellow and orange.
One notable native understory species that really provides an incredible and amazing display of yellow color is the striped maple, which is typically found in middle- upper elevation ranges on more moist slopes. Overstory species such as oaks, maples, hickories, sweetgum, birch, and yellow-poplar are all showing off their outstanding and breathtaking autumn splendor in the mountains of north-central Georgia. Sourwood, dogwood, sumac, and blackgum are all nearing peak conditions. Peak and optimal viewing conditions are expected across the highest of elevations of Georgia above 3,500 feet throughout this upcoming weekend. Colors will soon begin to fade and move into the past peak category as we turn the calendar to November across the highest peaks of north Georgia. Peak fall color viewing conditions will then be shifting into the mountain valleys, foothills, and elevations less than 3,000 feet during the first two weeks or so of November.
ESTIMATED COLOR CHANGE:
- ABOVE 3000’ – 70%
- BELOW 3000’ – 20%
WEATHER IMPACTS: Last week’s below normal temperatures and frosty conditions significantly accelerated fall color development, vividness, and vibrancy of this year’s fall color season. We have not received any measurable rainfall for the entire month of October. No significant rainfall is in the forecast, however, at this point in the season it should not adversely affect the overall quality of fall foliage. No substantial winds are forecasted for the near-term which bodes well for a longer leaf-viewing season, especially for elevations less than 3,500 feet. Extreme caution must be used, however, if any outdoor campfires or cooking takes place.
SCENIC DRIVES: The Russell- Brasstown Scenic Byway which traverses areas of White and Union Counties is currently offering dazzling and amazing displays of fall color from a diversity of tree species. Maples, birch, sourwood, blackgum, and sumac are transforming the mountainsides. Another outstanding route to take this weekend, is State Route 180 from State Route 75/17 south of Hiawassee all the way over to Suches in Union County. This is a high elevation roadway with elevations ranging from around 2,000 feet to well over 3,000 feet. Make sure to take State Route 180 Spur to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the state, which is immersed in peak fall color conditions throughout the rest of the week and into the upcoming final weekend of October. Also, color is really beginning to increase in coverage and become more intense from Dahlonega to Morganton on State Route 60.
SPECIAL EVENTS: There are several festivals ongoing this upcoming weekend throughout the north-central Georgia region! The Mountain Moonshine Festival will be held in Dawsonville on Friday, October 25- Sunday October 27. The Appalachian Brew, Stew, and Que Festival is scheduled for Saturday October 26 in Hiawassee.
Northwest Georgia
Foliage color change is progressing steadily and is expected to peak towards the end of the first week of November. Oaks of all varieties, usually among the last to change, are beginning to show an array of vivid colors.
A percentage of Northern Red Oaks have shifted from green to deep red and orange, while chestnut oak and hickory are showing hues of yellow, gold, and brown. White oak is also beginning to display an array of vibrant colors from red to yellow. Maples are exhibiting intense shades of orange, but may also show bright yellow or deep red depending on the area. Sourwood and blackgum continue to retain the deep red color they’ve had throughout the past week. Hickory, beech, poplar, and birch are rapidly becoming more vivid with color spectrum’s ranging from bright yellow to dull bronze, gold, or brown. Dogwoods are at peak or just past it as vivid reds begin to dull.
ESTIMATED COLOR CHANGE:
-
- ABOVE 2000’ – 50%
- BELOW 2000’ – 35%
WEATHER IMPACTS: Lack of rainfall throughout the late summer may have weakened a variety of hardwood species leading o potential premature leaf fall and lack of vivid coloration. Peak colors should arrive by the second week of November. Rainfall and wind intensity in the coming weeks will be the determining factors in how good of a season we can expect. If multiple moderate to severe storms occur, it will lead to premature leaf fall and less overall color.
SUGGESTED SCENIC DRIVE: Take Hwy 136 from I-75 to Hwy 341. Turn left on Hwy 341 / Hog Jawl Road. Continue on Hog Jawl through Mountain Cove Farms and up Daughtery Gap to Hwy 157. Turn right on Hwy 157. Turn right on Scenic Hwy 189 (or continue on Hwy 136 to Cloudland Canyon State Park). Follow Hwy 189 to Sunset Rock, Point Park, or Rock City. Drop down into Chattanooga via Ochs Hwy / 58. Turn right on Hwy 193 to get back to Hwy 136.
Northeast Georgia:
3000 feet and above: The green retreat has begun! Significant changes have occurred from last week to this week, due to below normal temperatures. This is especially true for the White County section of NE GA. Most all species have entered into the peak period in the area around Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway. If you venture east into Rabun County you will see a significant decline in tree color change, even in elevations above 3000 feet. However, the views are spectacular and in just a few days the canopies will start seeing a lot more vibrant colors.
Below 3000 feet: Good coloration can be seen in in both understory and over story species starting at approximately 1500 feet. All understory species (maple, sourwood, dogwood, sassafras, and blackgum) have entered into the peak period in the White County region and the vast majority of Rabun County. Overstory species have begun to take on the light green/yellow color that occurs just prior to the vibrant colors popping out.
ESTIMATED COLOR CHANGE:
- ABOVE 3000’ – 70%
- BELOW 3000’ – 20%
The weather forecast indicates stable conditions until Sunday. This will allow for some very enjoyable views and temperatures for outdoor activities. Peak season has begun in White County for this weekend in higher elevations and should be in peak period for Rabun County by the following weekend. This variation will allow for extended opportunities to indulge in the awesome viewing opportunities that NE GA has to offer.
WEATHER IMPACTS: The recent cool snap has catapulted White County into full fall colors above 3000 feet.
SCENIC DRIVES: The Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway is the place to be this coming weekend, colors are in full swing and temperatures are going to be fantastic. Understory trees along this route and slowly losing leaves which provides the ultimate fall aesthetic.