Northwest Georgia Leaf Watch Report

Fall color is becoming more pronounced across Northwest Georgia this week. A percentage of all tree species have officially begun to show color, with some displaying notable changes.

Oaks, which are typically the last to turn as they require more sustained cool weather to break down chlorophyll, are already showing vibrant colors. Chestnut oaks are showing a surprising amount of color, displaying bright yellow than the usual brown colors seen during dry conditions. Northern Red oaks are creating a stunning contrast as bright, vivid shades of red fade into the healthy green still retained in the middles and edges of the leaves.

Poplar has shifted to a bright yellow, and hickory is surprisingly vivid. Sourwood is displaying predominately red and maroon hues, while blackgum is also vibrant with reds, yellows, and oranges. These species are near their peak, and their vibrancy may begin to dull over the following week. Maples are in an earlier stage of their transition. Many are still green, while others are just beginning to shift into their characteristic red, yellow, or orange.

PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:

• Above 3000’ – 50%
• Below 3,000’ – 35%

WEATHER: 

Weather throughout the last week has been ideal for pigment expression. Cooler temperatures and light to moderate rain without significant wind have allowed the colors to develop. The cool nights are triggering the breakdown of green chlorophyll, revealing the underlying yellows.

The sunny days and adequate moisture are fueling the production of vibrant red pigments. This is shaping up to be a very good fall color season. The healthy canopy established during the summer, combined with the recent beneficial rain, has created ideal conditions for vibrant color.

The overall quality of the peak will be strongly supported by the late-turning overstory trees, as oaks and hickories are already showing excellent color potential. Based on the current progression, peak colors are anticipated to arrive by the first week of November.

OUTINGS:

Route 1: Take Hwy 136 from I-75 to Hwy 341. Turn left on Hwy 341 / Hog Jawl Road.  Continue on Hog Jawl through Mountain Cove Farms and up Daughtery Gap to Hwy 157. Turn right on Hwy 157. Turn right on Scenic Hwy 189 (or continue on Hwy 136 to Cloudland Canyon State Park). Follow Hwy 189 to Sunset Rock, Point Park, or Rock City. Drop down into Chattanooga via Ochs Hwy / 58. Turn right on Hwy 193 to get back to Hwy 136.

Route 2: Take Hwy 52 from Chatsworth to Ellijay (This route passes Fort Mountain State Park).  From Ellijay, head West on Hwy 76 back to Hwy 411 (or head North on Hwy 76 into Blue Ridge).