NOTE: The regions are showing some color disparities due to differing soil moisture levels, elevations, sun exposure, and the east-to-west progression of fall color!
Northwest Georgia
Fall color progression continues in the region, though the pace has been slowed by unusually dry conditions. While green remains the dominant color across the landscape, the palette is shifting as early turning trees begin to fade and others show early signs of stress from a lack of rainfall.
The vibrant reds from understory species like blackgum, sourwood, and dogwood, which were prominent last week, have started to dull, and many of these trees are now beginning to lose their leaves. In their place, a percentage of red maples are stepping into the spotlight, currently accounting for most of the vivid red patches seen within the forest canopy.
Most overstory trees have yet to display significant color. Oak species have not developed much color and are beginning to shed leaves. Similarly, poplars are dropping leaves with a muted display of light yellow or yellow-brown, lacking much vibrancy.
Overall, the landscape is still predominantly green, with the most noticeable changes being the browning of leaf edges and a general shift to lighter, duller tones. We expect a larger percentage of the late-turning overstory species, such as oak, hickory, and elm, to display more color next week.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 15%
- Below 3,000’ – 10%
WEATHER:
The primary weather factor impacting leaf color this season is drought. A lack of significant rainfall throughout September and October is causing moisture stress, particularly for the larger, older hardwood trees in the overstory. This stress is a key reason why species like oaks and hickories have yet to show significant color, as they may not produce their full range of pigments before dropping their leaves.
Based on the current progression, peak colors are anticipated to arrive by the first week of November. The quality of the peak display will now largely depend on the late-turning overstory trees like oaks and hickories, and whether they receive timely moisture and cooler temperatures in the coming weeks.
OUTINGS:
From I-75, take Hwy 136 to the top of Lookout Mountain. Turn right onto Hwy 189 (or continue on 136 and turn right to go to Cloudland Canyon). Follow Hwy 189 to Sunset Rock, Point Park, or Rock City. Drop down into Chattanooga via Ochs Hwy / 58. Then take Hwy 193 back to Hwy 136.
North Central Georgia
Since last week, there has been substantial progression in the amount and intensity of fall color development, especially above 3,000 ft!
Vibrant and vivid red fall color displays can be seen from species such as sourwood, red maple, sumac, and dogwood. Tree species such as yellow-poplar, eastern redbud, sycamore, sassafras, black walnut, and birch are offering fall color enthusiasts a nice range of yellow color, with birch being the species with the most dazzling yellow hues.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 45%
- Below 3,000’ – 15%
WEATHER:
Noticeably cooler nights and bright sunny days are boosting foliage change. Elevations generally below 3,000 feet are experiencing minimal amounts of fall foliage at this time. We anticipate the highest elevations such as Brasstown Bald, and most locales above 4,000 feet will be at peak fall color during the next 7-10 days! This weekend should be a great opportunity for leaf-viewing, especially the highest of elevations in Georgia and also places such as Lake Winfield Scott, and Tate City.
OUTINGS:
State Route 17/75 just south of Hiawassee is now offering some great displays from sourwoods, dogwoods, some birch, and yellow-poplar. Also, State Route 180, also known as Wolfpen Gap Rd., is really beginning to show some outstanding and awesome fall color splendor especially around Lake Winfield Scott. Currently, some of the best viewing conditions can be found along State Route 180 Spur, this is the road that leads to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the state at 4,784′!
Several fall festivals are taking place this weekend in the north-central Georgia area! The Gainesville Chicken Festival will be held in Gainesville on Saturday, October 18th. The Gold Rush Days Festival is taking place in Dahlonega this weekend, October 18th – October 19th. It’s the second and final weekend of the Georgia Apple Festival, which is taking place in Ellijay October 18th – 19th. Sorghum in the Mountains Festival is also entering its second and final weekend, taking place at Meeks Park in Blairsville October 18th – 19th.
Northeast Georgia
The region is still a couple of weeks shy of peak period, but things are changing fast in the 3,000 feet and above elevation. Lower elevations haven’t changed much but are still providing good roadside views of sourwood, dogwood, blackgum, sweetgum, and hints of color in a few other species.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
Above 3,000’ – 20%
Below 3,000’ – 8%
WEATHER:
Cooler temperatures should lead to more vibrant displays of color and are ideal for making a perfect season for fall colors. Peak season should fall around the end of October to the first of November. Weather can impact expected peak and can either shorten or lengthen the season.
Some of the lower elevations are seeing leaf drop due to dry conditions.
This has primarily only been in sweetgum, poplar, and sycamore. There hasn’t been much impact on the mountains as of yet. Dry conditions can sometimes create duller colorations, like browns, or cause trees to drop leaves to conserve moisture.
OUTINGS:
Any of the overlooks above 3000 feet will provide some fair color change this weekend. Richard B. Russell Scenic Parkway and Black Rock Mountain State Park have overlooks above 3000 feet. Some wildflowers like late purple aster, purple-stem aster, and frost aster are providing great roadside and meadow views.
Oktoberfest continues its run in Helen through November 2nd, and the state parks have special events scheduled each weekend in the counties you may be visiting.