ATLANTA — Fall colors are finally starting to emerge across parts of north Georgia!
The map below, from ExploreFall.com, shows the current state of fall foliage in our area. This map is from Thursday, Oct. 24.
Although minimal to patchy color is showing up in the metro area, many areas in north-central and northeast Georgia are nearing peak at the highest elevations.
A great weekend to 'leaf peep' in the mountains
With last week's colder temperatures, fall colors really started to emerge in the north Georgia mountains. This weekend could be the best weekend to see fall colors on the highest peaks of the mountains!
According to the Georgia Forestry Commission's Leaf Watch, there are some spectacular patches of colors up in north-central and northeast Georgia. Here's an excerpt from their report issued Wednesday, Oct. 23:
There has been a rapid transformation of fall colors in the mountains, especially at elevations above 3,000 feet and up to Brasstown Bald at 4,784 feet. Even in the lower elevations between approximately 1,500-2,500 feet, there are now noticeable patches of vivid and significant color change. Understory tree species such as sourwood, dogwood, sumac, redbud, and sassafras are offering fall foliage viewers with a variety of colorful displays ranging from vibrant red hues to outstanding shades of yellow and orange.
According to the report, about 70% of the trees in north-central Georgia at elevations above 3,000 feet are at peak.
By the start of November, the colors in the higher elevations will fade. The mountain valleys will then show the best colors.
When to expect peak in metro Atlanta
Although it's hard to predict an exact peak date or week until the color change begins, here's when the fall foliage peak typically happens in north Georgia, according to data from ExploreFall.com.
Streaks of bright sunny days and very crisp, cool nights (without a frost/freeze), can push the process along quicker. The unseasonably warm temperatures this week are slowing the process down. But the cool overnights and sunshine will help as our temperatures cool back down. Remember, this fall color process is gradual, and different trees will peak at different times!
The metro area typically sees its fall foliage peak (when 70% of the trees are at peak) around early to mid-November, depending on what side of the metro Atlanta area you are in.
Where to see fall colors in Georgia
Whether you like to view fall colors at Piedmont Park in Atlanta or drive up to your favorite scenic pass in northeast or northwest Georgia, the colors of fall make our state shine!
Here are some recommended locations to check out vibrant colors this fall:
Scenic route in northwest Georgia:
- Take I-75 to HWY 136, left on HWY 157 on top of Lookout Mountain
- Take a left on Daughtery Gap Rd. to the front of Mountain Cove Farms
- Turn right on Hog Jowl Rd., another right on HWY 193, follow it back to Lafayette and take a right on South Main St.
- Left on HWY 27 Bypass to the next intersection, which takes you back to HWY 136
Scenic route in northeast Georgia in the lower elevation:
- HWY 356 East from Unicoi State Park to HWY 197 and turn north
- Take HWY 197 up to Lake Burton or turn right onto Seed Lake Road
Scenic views in higher elevation:
- Richard Russell Scenic Highway
- Georgia HWY 180 from Vogel State Park to Lake Winfield Scott and Suches
We'd love to see your pictures of the leaves changing colors! This will help us track how quickly the changeover is happening this fall.
You can share them with us by joining our 11 Alive Weather Impact community on Facebook. Just search "11Alive Weather Impact" or click here.