Leaf Watch Report for November 4, 2026
As we flipped the calendar to the month of November, the best fall foliage viewing for the 2026 season is transitioning into the foothills, valleys, and lower terrain of north-central Georgia. Elevations above 3,500 feet are moving into the past peak category, while lower elevation locales and sheltered valley areas are moving into high color to near peak viewing conditions! Spectacular and vibrant color displays can still be found from tree species such as dogwood, sourwood, hickories, birch, maple, red and white oaks, and sassafras at elevations ranging from around 1,200 feet to 3, 000 feet. Yellow-poplar, sycamore, black walnut are past peak in many elevation ranges.
This upcoming weekend should be another awesome opportunity to get outside and enjoy some of the last vestiges of autumn splendor in areas such as: Dahlonega, Cumming, Gainesville, Dawsonville, and Jasper.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 100%
- Below 3,000’ – 85%
WEATHER:
Recent high winds brought down a significant number of leaves from the forest canopy across the high terrain. The drought has also continued to intensify recently with the lack of significant rainfall. However, we are anticipating some beneficial rainfall on Wednesday which will help the fall color hopefully persist a bit longer in the lower elevations and foothills. No frost is expected in the near future, but brighter and pleasant temperatures are forecasted for this weekend after the mid-week rain.
OUTINGS:
State Route 180 (also known as Wolfpen Gap Rd.) from Suches to Vogel State Park south of Blairsville is still showing incredibly vibrant and vivid fall colors. This will be the last weekend to capture some of these brilliant displays in this area. Also, State Route 136 from North of Gainesville to Dawsonville to Talking Rock is absolutely gorgeous right now and offering some bright yellow and orange hues to vibrant reds.
I recommend exploring some of the hiking trails at Elachee Nature Science Center in Gainesville to embrace and enjoy some of the spectacular and dazzling fall colors in more urban environment. This forest ecosystem throughout the area is composed of red and white oaks, hickories, American Beech with an understory of dogwood, sourwood, and maple which are really stunning currently. Another great outing is to check out Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville this upcoming weekend.
The 1st Annual Gourd-geous Craft Fair is scheduled for Saturday, November 7th in Cumming, GA. The Jefferson Holiday Market is taking place from Friday, November 6th through Sunday, November 8th in Jefferson, GA.
Higher elevations above 3000 feet are in the middle of peak color change this week. Elevations below 3000 feet are entering peak period this week. Understory species are a little past peak but still colorful enough to enjoy.
Peak was slightly behind this year due to warmer weather and drought conditions.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 99%
- Below 3,000’ – 85%
WEATHER:
Color this week is spectacular but above average temperatures will accelerate leaf drop along with heavy rain in the forecast.
OUTINGS:
Richard B. Russell Parkway, Highway 76, and Black Rock Mountain State Park all provide great viewing opportunities this weekend.
Hickories are maintaining full crowns of yellow, with some haves already starting to shed. Deep reds and spotty oranges are starting to dominate nearly half the canopy of various oaks, with white oak, in particular, being affected. The bright reds displayed by sumacs are still persevering, but dogwoods, red maples, and sourwoods have started the shift to a darker maroon. Sassafras can be found with a gradient of colors, with vivid oranges being the most common.
Changes have rapidly increased over the last two weeks, with over half the canopy showing beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows. At the current rate, peak colors can be expected within the next week.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
- Above 3000’ – 73%
- Below 3,000’ – 69%
WEATHER:
Previous drought stress has caused many oaks to skip over yellows and jump straight to reds, but the combined cooler weather and mild rains have allowed the other species to more than make up for it.
OUTINGS:
Take LaFayette Road from Rocky Face until you hit Highway 136, then take a left. Turn at the first right onto Pocket Road and drive for 4 miles. Turn right at the sign for John Mt. onto Forest Service Rd 208. Drive for 2 miles until reaching the overlook.
Click here to view all of this week’s photos and access our 2026 Leaf Watch map.
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