Northwest Georgia
Fall color is becoming more pronounced across Northwest Georgia this week. A percentage of all tree species have officially begun to show color, with some displaying notable changes.
Oaks, which are typically the last to turn as they require more sustained cool weather to break down chlorophyll, are already showing vibrant colors. Chestnut oaks are showing a surprising amount of color, displaying bright yellow than the usual brown colors seen during dry conditions. Northern Red oaks are creating a stunning contrast as bright, vivid shades of red fade into the healthy green still retained in the middles and edges of the leaves.
Poplar has shifted to a bright yellow, and hickory is surprisingly vivid. Sourwood is displaying predominately red and maroon hues, while blackgum is also vibrant with reds, yellows, and oranges. These species are near their peak, and their vibrancy may begin to dull over the following week. Maples are in an earlier stage of their transition. Many are still green, while others are just beginning to shift into their characteristic red, yellow, or orange.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 50%
- Below 3,000’ – 35%
WEATHER:
Weather throughout the last week has been ideal for pigment expression. Cooler temperatures and light to moderate rain without significant wind have allowed the colors to develop. The cool nights are triggering the breakdown of green chlorophyll, revealing the underlying yellows.
The sunny days and adequate moisture are fueling the production of vibrant red pigments. This is shaping up to be a very good fall color season. The healthy canopy established during the summer, combined with the recent beneficial rain, has created ideal conditions for vibrant color.
The overall quality of the peak will be strongly supported by the late-turning overstory trees, as oaks and hickories are already showing excellent color potential. Based on the current progression, peak colors are anticipated to arrive by the first week of November.
OUTINGS:
Route 1: 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.
Route 2: Take Hwy 52 from Chatsworth to Ellijay (This route passes Fort Mountain State Park). From Ellijay, head West on Hwy 76 back to Hwy 411 (or head North on Hwy 76 into Blue Ridge).
There are several events taking place this weekend across northwest Georgia! Fort Mountain State Park is hosting a Halloween event on Saturday, October 25, from 4 – 9 PM. Cloudland Canyon State Park is hosting “Fall Fun at Cloudland Canyon” this Sunday, October 26, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, as well as “Sitton’s Cave Wild Cave Adventures“, which are ranger-led tours, Friday through Sunday (10/24-10/26). These tours require pre-registration by calling the park office.
North Central Georgia
The fall foliage season in north-central Georgia is rapidly transforming the landscape and mountains into a breathtaking display of autumn splendor!
Fall colors have intensified and become more vivid and vibrant especially above 2,500 feet. Even at lower elevation locales around 1,500-2,500 feet brilliant displays can be seen from sourwood, sassafras, sumac, and dogwood. At the mid and upper elevations, tree species such as maple, birch, hickory, oak, and beech are really beginning to transition and add some exceptionally vibrant and dazzling colors to the mountainsides across the area. Tree species such as dogwood, sourwood, sumac, blackgum and sassafras are nearing peak conditions.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 60%
- Below 3,000’ – 25%
WEATHER:
The recent chilly nights and bright sunny days have led to a rapid transformation in the overall forest canopy across the mountains. These conditions allow for rapid and intense fall colors to develop and create the ideal conditions for viewing fall color. Peak viewing conditions are anticipated within the next 5-10 days across the mid and upper elevation ranges! The highest peaks such as Brasstown Bald, Blood Mountain, and other mountains above 4,000 feet are nearing peak fall foliage and will soon begin to fade. As we end October, peak fall foliage viewing conditions will transition from the mountain peaks to the mountain valleys, foothills, and lower elevations such as Gainesville, Cumming, and Dawsonville.
OUTINGS:
River corridor locations such as the community of Tate City in Towns County are currently providing leaf viewers with a spectacular display of brilliant reds, stunning orange, and spectacular yellow. Fall colors in Tate City are currently very vivid and vibrant and should last for another week or so. This area is extremely remote and does not have cell service, so be sure to plan accordingly! Areas such as Vogel State Park, Lake Winfield Scott, and Amicalola Falls State Park should continue to offer exceptional and vibrant fall colors through around Halloween.
The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is an excellent opportunity for viewing some outstanding fall colors in the north-central Georgia region. State Route 180 in the Suches area near entrance to Brasstown Bald is another excellent route for viewing amazing and brilliant autumn displays this week. U.S. Highway 76 in Towns County near Hiawassee to the Rabun County line is also beginning to show some areas of great color.
Several fall festivals are taking place this weekend in the north-central Georgia area! The Mountain Moonshine Festival will be held in Dawsonville this weekend, October 24th – 26th. Vogel State Park is hosting their annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 25th. The Appalachian Brew and Music Festival is taking place in Hiawassee on Saturday, October 25th.
Northeast Georgia
Elevations above 3,000 ft. have entered the peak period and should last for approximately two weeks!
Colors are more pronounced in Rabun County and areas around Black Rock Mountain State Park. Elevations below 3,000 feet are showing color from dogwood, sourwood, blackgum, sweetgum, and now hickory.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
Above 3,000’ – 65%
Below 3,000’ – 25%
WEATHER:
A good season is expected as of now, with cool nights, moderate temperatures, and no anticipated weather disruptions. Weather predictions through Saturday will only enhance viewing of tree colors.
Rainy conditions predicted for Sunday and Monday will make viewing more difficult, especially if low lying clouds are present in higher elevations. Check conditions before leaving, as the foothills can often be clear and sunny while mountains may be cloudy and/or raining.
OUTINGS:
The Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway has the best coloration for species that are in peak for this week. Highway 180 has good roadside views and views of changing mountainsides. A visit to Black Rock Mountain State Park and a drive up to the Sky Valley overlook would be an excellent way to finish the day.
Click here to view all of this week’s photos and access our 2025 Leaf Watch map.