Northwest Georgia
Fall color change is steadily progressing as we enter the second week of October with subtle but noticeable shifts as new colors emerge. While green still dominates the landscape, we’re seeing some subtle shifts in color with scattered pockets of vibrant hints of the transformation to come.
Blackgum and dogwood are currently leading the seasonal display, with the highest percentage of individual trees showing vivid shades of red. Sourwood is close behind, adding rich tones of red and orange to the understory, though it’s less common across the landscape. Sweetgum also shows signs of change, with a small portion displaying deep red or maroon. Maples are still in the early stages of the shift with a few trees showing yellow or red, while the majority remain green.
Within the overstory, most larger trees are still holding on to their green foliage, though the tones are beginning to soften and lighten. Red oaks remain mostly green with subtle hints of red, brown, or yellow starting to emerge. White oaks are predominately green, occasionally showing touches of golden brown, yellow, or orange. Poplars have begun shedding leaves but have yet to display much color with leaves fading to a mix of yellow and brown.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 10%
- Below 3,000’ – 10%
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.
WEATHER:
Overall color vividness and continuity will be largely determined by future weather events within the season. If multiple moderate to severe storms occur, it will lead to premature leaf fall and less overall color. Peak colors should arrive by the first week of November but may be influenced by future weather conditions.
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
There have been minimal amounts of fall color development throughout the north-central Georgia region since last week, though some areas of brilliant reds, orange, and bright yellow are beginning to show in patches, especially across the highest of elevations and along river and stream corridors. The overall forest canopy remains predominately green, but this should begin to rapidly change in the next 7- 10, days due to an anticipated significant cool down across the north Georgia area.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 8%
- Below 3,000’ – 4%
Union County – State Route 180
River corridor species such as yellow-poplar, sycamore, black walnut, and birch are displaying some nice color ranging from bright yellow to yellow-brown. In addition, understory species such as dogwood, sumac, and sourwood are showing great color ranging from burgundy to brilliant red.
Peak leaf-viewing conditions are still on track for the late October timeframe. The highest peaks of Georgia will be showing spectacular and dazzling fall colors by mid- month in areas such as Brasstown Bald, Suches, and Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway.
WEATHER:
Leaves should begin to rapidly change in the next 7- 10, days due to an anticipated significant cool down across the north Georgia area.
OUTINGS:
GA State Route 180 from Suches to near Vogel State Park is beginning to show some great areas of fall color especially above 2,500 feet and around Lake Winfield Scott.
Also, the Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway is offering some nice displays from sourwood, maple, yellow poplar, etc.
Several fall festivals are taking place this weekend in the north-central Georgia area! The Georgia Apple Festival is taking place in Ellijay this weekend, October 11th – 12th. The Fall Arts in the Park is scheduled for downtown Blue Ridge this weekend, October 11th – 12th. The Sorghum in the Mountains Festival is taking place at Meeks Park in Blairsville this weekend, October 11th – 12th. Finally, the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival will be held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee from October 10th – 12th.
Northeast Georgia
Areas above 3,000 feet are showing some yellows, peach, light red, and burgundy. Oaks have shown little change but sourwood, blackgum, dogwood, poplar, and birches have begun to display some fair colors.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
Above 3,000’ – 8%
Below 3,000’ – 5%
WEATHER:
Cooler temperatures and clear skies are expected for this upcoming weekend, which should lead to more vibrant displays of color soon. Peak season is expected around the end of October to the first of November, though weather can impact peak one direction or another to shorten or lengthen the season.
The weekend forecast includes clear skies with mild daytime temperatures and cool nights. This is the ideal circumstance to create excellent fall colors.
Hopefully we can continue this pattern for a couple more weeks and have a fantastic fall color display.
OUTINGS:
Black Rock Mountain State Park has some good views of birch, maple, sourwood, and wildflowers. Just a few miles away is the Sky Valley overlook with one of the greatest views in NE Georgia. Overlooks are showing little color and produce great views of our forest.
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.