North Central Georgia
The highest elevations throughout the north Georgia mountains are currently displaying some brilliant fall foliage!
This upcoming Halloween weekend through the first weekend of November should be the most optimal viewing times for elevations above 3,000 feet. Lower elevations locales are also beginning to offer vibrant red, yellow, and orange hues from tree species such as sourwood, dogwood, maple, birch, sweetgum, and some hickory. Yellow-poplar, black walnut, and sycamore have reached their peak in many areas and have begun to fade.
Many oak species are still green at elevations less than 3,000 feet, but in the higher terrain red and white oaks are displaying a range of colors from yellow orange to russet brown to vibrant red.
The bright, sunny and mild days and clear, chilly nights have rapidly allowed the landscape across the mountains to transform into a vast array of incredible autumn splendor! This upcoming Halloween weekend into the first weekend of November should be “peak” for many areas in the north-central Georgia region. Outstanding fall color and the best viewing conditions will then move into the foothills and lower elevation areas such as Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Cumming, and Gainesville from around early to mid-November!
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 81%
Rock Creek Lake - Below 3,000’ – 51%
WEATHER:
No substantial winds, rainfall, or weather systems have impacted the fall foliage progression within the last week or so. Most locations above 3,000 feet in the mountain counties have had numerous frosts within the last 7 days or so. However, areas such as Gainesville and Cumming have not yet recorded their first frost.
OUTINGS:
State Route 60 from Dahlonega to Morganton is currently offering some of the most vivid and breathtaking fall colors in the area. Additionally, Lake Zwerner in Dahlonega is a beautiful lake in the area that is showing some good color and offers visitors with an awesome lake loop hiking trail! Also, Rock Creek Lake and Rock Creek Rd. in Fannin County is showing off some brilliant red, yellow, and orange. Cell Service is limited in this area so be sure to have your destination entered into your favorite Maps App before traveling into the National Forest areas.
The Fall Festival at Vogel State Park in Blairsville is taking place this Saturday October 31. Saturday looks like the weather pick for this Halloween weekend. Jaemor Farms in Hall County offers visitors a range of different fall activities from corn mazes to pumpkin patches! Also, apple picking in Gilmer County is always a fun fall favorite.
Northeast Georgia
Oaks are finally starting to show some color, primarily yellow and orange. Understory and roadside views are really good in both higher and lower elevations.
The season has had a slow start with color change being about a week later than the last few years. Peak should occur the latter half of the first week of November.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 87%
- Below 3,000’ – 55%
WEATHER:
No negative impacts are expected due to upcoming weather.
OUTINGS:
Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway will provide great overlook views with roadside views still going strong. The ride within Black Rock Mountain State Park is wonderful for both overlooks and roadside views, and don’t forget Black Rock Mountain Lake!
- The month-long Oktoberfest will be running daily until November 1st.
- Fall Farm Day will all be occurring this Saturday, October 31 in Rabun County.
Northwest Georgia
Colors are finally starting to pop, with hickories favoring a crown full of yellow and many oaks starting to show a range of oranges and reds. Red maples are living up to their name and showing off dark red or orange crowns.
While still behind last year’s schedule, the season is progressing as expected, and peak color change should still occur within the first two weeks of November.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 41%
- Below 3,000’ – 37%
WEATHER:
The recent cooler weather has allowed the changes to finally speed up, and with the temperature still expected to be relatively cool in the next few weeks, we expect the trend to continue.
OUTINGS:
Drive down Highway 151 from Ringgold to LaFayette to get a good look at various hardwood species nearing their peak, with the sight only interrupted by large fields that provide beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
- The North Georgia Fair be held in Dalton, GA through Saturday, October 31.
- Pumpkin Palooza & Halloween Walk will be held Saturday, October 31 in Summerville, GA.
- Copper Creek Farm’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch will be held through Saturday, October 31 in Calhoun, GA.
- The Haunted Halloween Bash is occurring this Saturday, October 31 in Rossville, GA.
- Scare on the Square is being held this Friday, October 30 in Downtown LaFayette, GA.
Click here to view all of this week’s photos and access our 2026 Leaf Watch map.