NORTHWEST:
GFC foresters report lots of color changes in northwest Georgia’s fall foliage over the past week.
Maple, birch, sweetgum, oak, hickory, dogwood, sourwood, sassafrass, and sumac trees are all putting on good shows. Poplar, birch, and hickory leaves are changing to yellow…maple and sourwoods are red. Dogwood leaves vary from red to purple. Sweetgum leaves are turning purple, while oak leaves are beginning to show pretty shades of orange.
Northwest Georgia had its first frost over the past weekend, which will cause trees to drop leaves, so now is the time to enjoy peak color, with color change estimated at 70% from green.
For the best views this weekend, visit:
Highway 52- Fort Mountain overlooking Grassy Mountain.
Hwy 136 from Gordon Co. through Murray Co. and into Pickens Co.
Dade County (Lookout Mountain and Sand Mountain)
NORTHEAST:
GFC foresters say the past week has made a marked difference in the color of northwest Georgia’s fall foliage. Color change from green to date is between 40 and 90%, depending on elevation and latitude. The upper elevations have passed their peak time and the last three weeks’ color is now carpeting the forest floor. But that means views at these higher elevations are opening up now, so trail hiking around Vogel or Unicoi State Parks is ideal.
Lower elevations are continuing to provide great views. Maples are leading the way with their reds, and hickories are providing contrast with their golden yellows. Oaks are starting to provide some contrast though their colors this year, but are somewhat muted. Expect elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 feet to be at peak now, while many lower elevations still have some change to come. Rains and wind predicted for Halloween could result in additional leaf drop, but the weekend should be great weather for getting out. GFC foresters say we can expect about two more weeks of good leaf color in northeast Georgia.
Several routes will provide scenic vistas this weekend, including:
US 441 north to Rabun County and the Clayton/Mountain City/Dillard area.
Heading back try US 76 West out of Clayton to GA 197 and travel around Lake Burton.
Near Batesville, continue on GA 197 to Clarkesville or turn right on GA 356 to the Helen area.
Could you please share information about fall color change in FD Roosevelt park? We are planning to travel from Tampa, Florida