Northwest Georgia
Foliage color change in Northwest Georgia is currently at peak with the primary focus now on oak and hickory.
Large Northern red oaks have recently shifted to vibrant shades of orange and red; while chestnut oak and white oak are showing yellow, bronze, and orange.
Leaf retention remains strong among hickories, contributing to the bright yellows across the landscape. Beech and birch offer a spectrum of bronze, yellow, and gold. Poplar-dominated areas have had the highest leaf fall.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 100%
- Below 3,000’ – 90%
Lack of rainfall throughout the late summer didn’t lead to premature leaf fall; however, it may have negatively affected color intensity. Longer than normal leaf retention may be an effect of higher temperatures throughout October.
SUGGESTED SCENIC ROUTE:
Take Hwy 136 from i75 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.
North Central Georgia
The 2024 fall foliage leaf-viewing season across north-central Georgia is winding down and will be concluding within the next week or so.
For the most part, many elevation locales above 2,500 feet are now past peak. Lower elevations areas between around 1,500- 2,200 feet are currently offering the most outstanding and vivid fall color displays! Spectacular and vibrant autumn splendor can still be found around the cities of Gainesville, Dawsonville, and Cumming, as well as Lake Lanier in Hall and Forsyth counties. In the lowest of elevations around Lake Lanier, tree species such as sourwood, sassafras, maples, redbuds, and hickories are still showcasing their autumn glory. However, many oak species are still in transition to peak color in elevations less than 2,000 feet.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ 100%
- Below 3000’ 90%
Lack of beneficial rainfall over the last 6 weeks has led to many tree species reaching peak fall color for a brief period of time, and then casting leaves earlier than what has been traditionally anticipated. Predicted rainfall and increased winds that are in the short-term forecast will continue to bring down leaves within the next 5-7 days.
SUGGESTED SCENIC ROUTE:
State Route 136 North of Gainesville to Talking Rock in Pickens County is currently offering some great autumn colorations. Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawson County, is in peak fall color right now, but will soon begin moving towards past peak conditions with anticipated rainfall and increased winds in the short-term. Around the Gainesville area, in Hall County, Linwood Nature Preserve, Elachee Nature Science Center, and many other county and city parks are still showcasing some great fall colors ranging from bright yellow to orange to brilliant red! Additionally, Sawnee Mountain Preserve in Forsyth County, offers many miles of hiking trails and a great overlook of the surrounding valley and north Georgia mountains on the Indian Seats Trail!
Northeast Georgia
3000 feet and above: The leaves in higher elevations are falling fast with many trees already bare and ready for winter. Views are still great but not so much from colorful leaves.
Below 3000 feet: This region is on the tail end of peak and will last for approximately one more week. I recommend the views on back roads and around our many lakes and reservoirs.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
Above 3,000’ – 100%
Below 3,000’ – 90%
Rain has accelerated leaf loss and brought higher elevations to a close for leaf season. Rain is affecting some fragile species like poplar and birch in lower elevations but has not had a significant negative impact, other than dulling the scenery at times.
The parks around any of the lakes and reservoir make for great viewing and recreation now. Russel Lake State Park in Habersham County, Unicoi State Park, Toccoa Falls, Currahee, and Lake Rabun are great places to visit and view leaves this week.