Leaf Watch Report for October 21, 2026
There has been substantial progression in the overall coverage and intensity of fall foliage since last week! The forest canopy is rapidly transforming the north Georgia landscape into a plethora of autumn colors ranging from bright yellow to orange to vibrant and vivid red hues. Elevations above 3,000 feet are currently displaying the most color from tree species such as yellow birch, sourwood, red maple, sassafras, hickories, and some scattered oaks.
In the lower terrain, dogwood, sourwood, sumac, blackgum, and yellow- poplar are some of the highlights of this week. Yellow-poplar is near peak in some areas, while other locations are fading and moving towards past peak.
The recent clear, chilly nights and mild sunny afternoons have accelerated the progression of fall color development within the last week. These ideal fall conditions are expected to continue for about the next week which will allow for intense fall colors to emerge and change daily!
Peak fall foliage viewing conditions are anticipated in the next two weeks.
The last week of October into Halloween weekend should be spectacular for fall color enthusiasts to embrace and view mother nature’s kaleidoscope of artwork across the north-central Georgia landscape! Early November should be fantastic for some lower elevation areas and the foothills of the mountains.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 45%
- Below 3,000’ – 21%
WEATHER:
The higher elevations of the mountain counties had the first frost of the season this past weekend. This is historically average for these areas. Chilly nighttime temperatures that are above freezing are the perfect recipe for the chemical reactions to take place in leaves that offer the vibrant reds, orange, and yellow. No significant wind, rain, or weather events that would adversely affect the fall color season are expected in the next week.
OUTINGS:
The Russell Scenic Highway in Union County is currently providing fall color enthusiasts with some amazing and outstanding views and vibrant fall colors! State Route 180 from Suches to Brasstown Bald is rapidly changing and showing some brilliant autumn splendor this week! Also, State Route 180 Spur, which is the road that leads to the Brasstown Bald parking lot, is offering some of the best fall colors in the state right now.
Higher elevations above 3000 feet are starting to show good canopy color change and excellent understory/roadside color. Below 3000 feet is fair color change in the canopy and good color in the understory/roadsides.
Recent cool weather has put color change right on track. Peak should fall last week of October to first week of
November.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 41%
- Below 3,000’ – 13%
WEATHER:
High winds had an effect on lower elevation leaf loss for poplar and sycamore. Higher elevations and other species have not been impacted nor should be impacted by predicted weather.
OUTINGS:
The northeast part of the state is showing the most color change per elevation. Color changes start in the eastern portion and progress west. Northeast aspects show the best color change this week due to less sunlight and lower temperatures.
- The month-long Oktoberfest will be running daily until November 1st.
- Pumpkin painting, Tales on the Trail, and Fall Fest will all be occurring this weekend in Rabun County.
- Night of The Living Safari at the North GA Zoo is taking place Friday, October 23 from 5:00PM – 6:30PM.
- Mountain Farm Celebration is taking place in White County on Saturday, October 24 from 10:00AM – 4:00PM.
- The Toccoa Harvest Festival is taking place in Stephens County from Saturday, October 24 through Sunday, October 25.
Changes have become more prominent since last week, with hickories taking on a yellow hue with a pinch of orange, and some oaks starting to show patchy yellows. Most other species of note have not yet reached their peak but are ahead of hickory and oak.
Color change is delayed a bit compared to last year, but it is currently on track to reach a peak change around the first two weeks of November.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 17%
- Below 3,000’ – 15%
WEATHER:
Since the weekend brought some cooler weather, the color change will likely start to accelerate.
OUTINGS:
Cruise around a mountain on HWY 136 W, then turn left onto HWY 157 and take a scenic 15-minute drive before reaching the Zahnd Wildlife Management Area. There are hiking trails winding through hardwoods spotted with color and a rocky overlook nearby.
Click here to view all of this week’s photos and access our 2026 Leaf Watch map.
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