Northwest Georgia
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, have created the ideal conditions for vibrant color.
High leaf retention from a variety of oak species, maple, hickory, beech, and sweetgum continue to provide swaths of color. Northern red oak is showing bright colors of red or orange while still retaining vivid green in the middle and along the edges. White oak is displaying more subdued shades of brown or yellow. Hickory is providing a vivid yellow that lights up the canopy, while maple is contributing bright patches of red, orange, or yellow. Chestnut oak, beech, and birch are showing differing shades of bronze, yellow, or gold. Areas predominately composed of poplar have experienced the highest rates of leaf fall and show the least amount of color. Understory species such as sumac, sassafrass, and sourwood continue to express vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 80%
- Below 3,000’ – 65%
WEATHER:
Sufficient rainfall throughout the summer built a healthy forest canopy, which is a key prerequisite for good color. More recently, the rain received last week provided timely moisture for the chemical processes of color change. Crucially, this rain arrived without any high-wind events, so the developing colorful leaves have been mostly retained.
FUN FACT: The area has avoided significant drought stress, which is why oaks are successfully transitioning to yellow rather than just browning and dropping. The arrival of cool nights, without a hard frost, is serving as the ideal trigger for chlorophyll breakdown and the production of new red pigments.
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 Doughtery 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 is a concert taking place in Rome, GA. Crowder will be performing at the Forum River Center this Sunday, November 2nd at 7:00 PM.
North Central Georgia
The fall foliage season throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains of north-central Georgia has rapidly moved into near-peak viewing conditions, especially for elevation ranges between 2,000-3,500 feet.
Above around 3,500 feet and across the highest elevations of the state, the vivid and spectacular fall colors have begun to fade and move into the past peak category. However, there is still plenty of time to get out and enjoy autumn color splendor across the lower and mid elevations. Yellow-poplar, yellow birch, redbud, hickory, and maple have begun to fade and move towards past peak conditions across the high terrain throughout the region.
Across the lower elevations and mid elevations these species are near peak to quickly approaching peak conditions. Many oak species such as red oaks and white oaks are still offering fall color enthusiasts with plenty of vivid reds, orange, and yellow across most elevations! Most oak species should continue to offer spectacular and vibrant colors for the next 2 weeks. Understory tree species such as dogwood, sourwood, sumac, and sassafras are near peak across lower terrain locales, while moving towards past peak in higher elevations.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 90%
- Below 3,000’ – 65%
WEATHER:
Recent heavy rainfall has brought down some leaves, especially from yellow-poplar and birch. Still, bright, sunny days that are expected late this week and next week promise good fall color across north Georgia. Chilly overnight temperatures and cool daytime high temperatures can be expected.
It is an exceptional leaf-viewing season throughout the mountains of north-central Georgia! This upcoming weekend will provide an exceptional opportunity to get out and enjoy nature’s autumn splendor throughout many mountain locations. Peak viewing can be anticipated within the next 5-7 days across many locations between the 2,000-3,500 feet elevation range. The second weekend of November fall colors should begin to rapidly approach peak conditions in mountain valleys, foothills, and elevations less than 2,000 feet.
OUTINGS:
Driving from Dahlonega to Suches on State Route 60 is currently a very scenic and excellent route for viewing many fall colors. Chestatee Overlook will be offering some outstanding views of the surrounding area after this week’s fog/mist clears. There is a significant elevation change from Dahlonega to Woody Gap on the Lumpkin/Union County line which allows for a diverse display of fall colors. Also, U.S. Highway 19 from the Turner’s Corner area to Blairsville is providing really great colors from maple, birch, hickory, sourwood, and many other species. Vogel State Park, just south of Blairsville, is transforming the mountains into a kaleidoscope of vibrant reds, orange, and brilliant yellow. Make sure to check out the waterfall at this state park which is very impressive!
Many communities in North Central GA are hosting special fall events. Check out these websites to learn more:
• Festivals in Blairsville, GA
Northeast Georgia
Leaf color is looking good for all species above the 3,000-foot mark! All species are within the peak period with oaks being in the early stage of peak.
Yellow birch is the show stopper for this week. While they turn fast and quickly lose their leaves, they exhibit a fantastic glow of yellow. The bonus is if you find a large concentration you can smell the wintergreen smell they emit.
Fortunately, we have not had any significant freezes, which has allowed the trees to slowly and thoroughly change color giving way to great displays of red to yellow and every shade in between. Some areas along river corridors have lost their leaves already, giving great views of our rivers and streams. Areas below 3,000 feet are showing great roadside and understory displays. As the canopies change along with the understory, the forest brighten with an array of colors and ambient glows. This is the time to enjoy lower elevation hikes or strolls in the woods.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
Above 3,000’ – 90%
Below 3,000’ – 65%
WEATHER:
Rain and fog can hinder the viewing from overlooks and higher elevations in general, so make sure to check the forecast before planning an excursion. It can be sunny and clear in the piedmont and cloudy with mist or rain in higher elevations. Also, remember that temperatures can be 10 or more degrees cooler in higher elevations, so make sure to dress appropriately and take a jacket.
OUTINGS:
For high elevation driving, take the Richard B. Russel Scenic Highway just northwest of Helen. If you want to go east from there, drive the Lovell- Wilkie Scenic Highway (365) and work your way over to Black Rock Mountain State Park. While you’re in Rabun County go enjoy the great views from the Sky Valley overlook.
Many communities in Northeast GA are hosting special fall events. Check out these websites to learn more:
• The City of Clarkesville is hosting an event this Friday for Halloween. There will be trick or treating around the town square.
Click here to view all of this week’s photos and access our 2025 Leaf Watch map.