Northwest Georgia
The forest canopy remains mostly green, though rocky outcrops and well-drained slopes are browning and shedding leaves due to moisture stress.
A select few maples are starting to flash red and yellow while some sweetgums are shifting from green to deep maroon. Oaks are still holding their green but are gradually fading to brown as they begin to drop. In the understory, early hints of red, orange, maroon, and yellow are emerging from sourwood, sassafras, and dogwood – though color remains sparse for now.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 5%
Zahnd WMA – Walker County - Below 3,000’ – 5%
Sufficient rainfall throughout the summer led to enhanced forest health and canopy development for a majority of the growing season. However, a lack of rainfall throughout the month of September may have weakened some hardwood species leading to potential premature leaf fall and less vivid coloration. Hardwood species located within rocky outcrops and other well drained areas are currently showing signs of moisture stress; but overall health is good.
These conditions should coincide with a relatively good season with good colors. Peak colors should arrive by the first week of November but may be influenced by future weather conditions.
WEATHER:
Overall color vividness and continuity will be largely determined by future weather events within the season. Rainfall and wind intensity in the following months will be the determining factor 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.
OUTINGS:
Take Hwy 136 to the top of Lookout Mountain from I-75. 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
The fall leaf-viewing season is just now commencing in the north-central region of Georgia, with minimal amounts of color change throughout the forest canopy across all elevation ranges.
There are some patches of good fall color beginning to occur, especially in the highest peaks. Also, early changing tree species such as sourwood, dogwood, sumac, and yellow-poplar are displaying some nice shades of color ranging from vivid reds and orange to dull yellow and brown hues. Native vine species such as Virginia creeper and poison-ivy are also beginning to add some color.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 5%
- Below 3,000’ – 2%
At this time, a great fall color season across the north Georgia mountains is predicted. Spring and summer rainfall amounts were close to normal to slightly below normal, and temperatures were warm to hot, but not extreme. Most of September was very dry across north Georgia, but many mountain locales received much more appreciable rainfall amounts than the metro Atlanta area. Peak leaf-viewing across the highest elevations of north Georgia can be expected during the second half of October. In lower elevations, peak colors will arrive in early November to mid- November around the Gainesville, Dawsonville, and Cumming areas. An earlier cold snap will push peak viewing periods earlier and a later cold snap will delay the onset of splendid fall color displays.
WEATHER:
Thankfully, we received some good rainfall amounts across the north-central Georgia area in the last 3-5 days, which helped alleviate some abnormally dry conditions. There are no high wind or frost or freezing conditions forecasted in the near-term. A significant cold snap with chilly, but not freezing cold, clear nights, and bright, sunny days with mild temperatures will set the stage for a rapid transformation of fall colors in north Georgia. A warm snap will delay onset.
OUTINGS:
The early fall season creates the perfect opportunity for enjoying some nice displays of native wildflowers across the area. Only minor amounts of fall color are beginning to show across the area. However, State Route 180 in Union County is always a great route offering awesome scenery any time of the year. Additionally, the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway offers some nice overlooks that only be dramatically improving with color viewing over the upcoming weeks. Several fall festivals are taking place this weekend in the north Georgia area!
The Cherry Log Fall Festival is taking place on Saturday 10/4 and Sunday 10/5 in Cherry Log, GA. The Georgia Marble Festival is scheduled for Saturday 10/4 and Sunday 10/5 in Jasper, GA. Additionally, the Indian Summer Festival will be held on Saturday 10/4 and Sunday 10/5 in Suches, GA.
Northeast Georgia
Only early changers are showing color – species like black gum, dogwood, and sourwoods. There is some “blushing ” amongst some of the maples, while others remain fully green. Stream side species like sycamore, poplar, and river birch are showing change to yellow and brown, but are not the showstoppers like the higher elevation species. Most of the color will be seen in individual trees and not the overall landscape. Don’t overlook the wildflowers as they are in full bloom with goldenrod, blue mistflower, frost aster, and yellow crownbeard among those showing off this week.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
Above 3,000’ – 5%
Below 3,000’ – 1%
At this time, things are set to be a good season. Current weather patterns and forecast shows typical weather patterns that should keep the color change on a typical pattern. Peak season should fall around the end of October to the first of November; weather can impact peak one direction or another and shorten or lengthen the season.
OUTINGS:
There are some good views of sourwood, maple, and blackgum along the roadside of the Richard B. Russell Scenic Parkway this week. Overlooks are not showing color but produce great views of our forest along the parkway, along with places like Sky Valley and Black Rock Mountain State Park.
The Foxfire Mountain Festival is taking place Saturday, October 4th from 10:00AM – 4:00PM in Clayton, GA. The Fall Festival and History Harvest Saturday, October 4th from 10:00AM – 5:00PM in Clarkesville, GA. Oktoberfest is underway the entire month of October from 6:00PM – 10:00PM in Helen, GA.