Hurricane Matthew impacted multiple southern states, and all coastal counties of Georgia experienced extreme winds and heavy rain on October 7th and 8th, 2016.

Cooler nights, sunny days, and adequate rainfall are signaling the beginning of the fall foliage season. Trees are on track to display vivid changes in color over the next four weeks.

Foliage color change is steadily progressing and is most visible in areas above 2000 feet. Sourwood and blackgum continue to provide a majority of the red patches seen from overlooks and ridges. Hickory and poplar have made the most significant changes over the past week as they are beginning to display a mix of vivid yellows, golds, and browns.

Fall color change in Northwest GA remains approximately one week behind last year. Many areas from 1500 to 3000 feet are currently at peak, displaying a wide variety of vivid yellows and dull reds. A large percentage of red maple have transformed into differing shades of bright and vivid yellows with occasional reds dramatically changing the views seen from overlooks and valleys. Chestnut oak, red oak, and white oak have made significant changes as they are currently exhibiting shades of gold, brown, and yellow.   

Foliage color change is ending in NW GA as a large percentage of trees have lost their leaves. The few leaves remaining are showing dull colors of brown, yellow, and red. Chestnut oak, white oak, and red oak are among the few species retaining leaves contributing to arrays of brown and yellow.  Select few maples are still showing some vivid colors of yellow and orange.

Overall color intensity will likely decrease in the coming week as leaves continue to drop. 

County: Brantley & Ware
Location: Dixon Memorial State Forest
Deadline: 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024
Bid Process Contact & Sale Area Contact: Matthew Mrizek, GFC, at 478-283-3881

County: Walker
Location: Crockford-Pigeon Mt WMA
Deadline: 11:30 A.M. on Tuesday, August 27th, 2024
Bid Process Contact: Ben Hammond, GFC, at 706-612-3729
Sale Area Contact: Ryan Hurley, GA DNR, at 404-844-6444