Photo: Thomson200, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Fall color is building fast in the North Georgia mountains. As of the Georgia Forestry Commission’s October 14, 2026 Leaf Watch report, about 21% of leaves had changed above 3,000 feet in north-central and northeast Georgia, with yellow-poplar near peak and black birch close behind. Peak color is forecast for the last week of October into the first week of November in the mountains, and the first two weeks of November in northwest Georgia. We update this page each week through the season from the Forestry Commission’s official report.
- Latest reportGeorgia Forestry Commission Leaf Watch, October 14, 2026
- Mountain peakLast week of October to first week of November
- Northwest Georgia peakFirst two weeks of November
- Best nowHigher elevations, overlooks, U.S. 19 Dahlonega to Blairsville
- This Week’s Report
- Where to See Color Now
- Fall Events This Weekend
- Plan a Leaf Trip
- Common Questions
This Week’s Fall Color Report
Percent of leaves changed, from the Georgia Forestry Commission’s October 14, 2026 Leaf Watch:
| Region | Above 3,000 ft | Below 3,000 ft | Expected peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Georgia mountains | 21% | 11% | Last week of Oct. to first week of Nov. |
| North-central Georgia (Dahlonega, Blairsville) | 21% | 11% | Late Oct. to early Nov. |
| Northwest Georgia | 11% | 9% | First two weeks of Nov. |
What’s turning: Yellow-poplar, sourwood, dogwood, birch, blackgum and red maple are showing yellows and reds, and yellow-poplar is already near peak in north-central Georgia. Black and yellow birch at higher elevations should near peak over the next week. Oaks, hickories and American beech, which carry the late-season reds, browns and golds, should color up within about two weeks. In northwest Georgia, sumac, sweetgum, red maple, sassafras and tupelo are leading the way.
Weather: Mountain counties got 1.5 to 3 inches of rain this week, and a cold front is bringing the first 30s to some mountain spots this weekend. The Forestry Commission expects color to move quickly in the five to seven days after the cold snap, and the clear air behind the front should mean long views from overlooks.
Where to See Fall Color Right Now
U.S. 19, Dahlonega to Blairsville
The Forestry Commission singles out this drive for noticeable color now, as it climbs through Neel Gap past Vogel State Park and Blood Mountain. GA 60 from Dahlonega to Morganton is showing early color too.
Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway
One of the highest drives in the state, so it turns early. Combine it with the side road up to Brasstown Bald ($8 per person ages 16 and up, shuttle included) for color across several counties at once.
Black Rock Mountain and Sky Valley
Sourwood is adding red around Black Rock Lake, and black birch is nearing peak at Georgia’s highest state park. Sky Valley’s high overlooks in Rabun County are worth the drive this week. $10 ParkPass at Black Rock.
Dockery Lake, Lumpkin County
A small national forest lake off GA 60 in Lumpkin County with a short lakeside trail, named in this week’s report as a good spot for early color.
GA 136 to Cloudland Canyon
In northwest Georgia, the Forestry Commission suggests driving west on GA 136 through hardwoods toward Cloudland Canyon, then walking out to the rim overlooks. Color here runs about a week behind the northeast mountains.
Overlooks and summits
After this weekend’s cold front, vistas should have their clearest air of the season. Our 12 best scenic views in North Georgia lists the easiest overlooks and the summit hikes.
Sponsor This Report
Own a cabin rental, orchard, winery or restaurant on a fall color route? Put it in front of leaf-peepers planning this weekend. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).
Fall Events This Weekend (October 17 and 18)
- Georgia Apple Festival, Ellijay: final weekend, Ellijay Lions Club fairgrounds. See our best apple orchards in North Georgia.
- Gold Rush Days, Dahlonega: arts and crafts on and around the square.
- Sorghum Festival, Blairsville: final weekend at Meeks Park.
- Clarkesville Fall Festival: Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Helen Oktoberfest: daily through November 1.
- Northwest Georgia: the Black Bear Festival in Chatsworth and the Sequoyah Quilt Show in Summerville (both October 17 and 18).
These weekends are the busiest of the year in the mountain towns. Leave early, expect slow traffic on U.S. 19, GA 515 and around Helen, and book lodging well ahead. Our fall in Georgia guide has more seasonal events statewide.
Plan a Leaf Trip
Start with the best fall foliage drives in North Georgia, then pick a base from our 10 best North Georgia mountain towns. Weekday mornings beat both the traffic and the crowds. For waterfalls framed by color, see the 10 best waterfalls in North Georgia, and for everything else, 20 best things to do in North Georgia.
Common Questions
When is peak fall color in North Georgia in 2026?
The Georgia Forestry Commission expects peak color in the North Georgia mountains from the last week of October into the first week of November 2026, and in northwest Georgia during the first two weeks of November. Higher elevations, such as Brasstown Bald and Black Rock Mountain, turn first.
How much fall color is there in North Georgia right now?
As of the Georgia Forestry Commission's October 14, 2026 Leaf Watch report, about 21% of leaves had changed above 3,000 feet in northeast and north-central Georgia and 11% below 3,000 feet. Northwest Georgia was at 11% above 3,000 feet and 9% below.
Where is the best place to see fall leaves in North Georgia?
The Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway and Brasstown Bald, U.S. 19 from Dahlonega to Blairsville, Black Rock Mountain State Park near Clayton and the drive on GA 136 to Cloudland Canyon are all good bets. Higher elevations peak first, so start high in late October and work down into the valleys in early November.
What trees change color first in North Georgia?
Sourwood, dogwood, black gum, yellow-poplar, birch and red maple turn first, in yellows and reds. Oaks, hickories and American beech follow about two weeks later with the late-season reds, golds and browns.
Sources we checked
This report is based on the Georgia Forestry Commission’s weekly Leaf Watch, which uses field observations from foresters in each region. The figures above are from the October 14, 2026 report, checked on October 15, 2026. Color can change quickly after a cold snap or a windy storm:
- Georgia Forestry Commission: Leaf Watch report for October 14, 2026 (percent change, species, peak forecast, events)
- Georgia Forestry Commission Leaf Watch: weekly reports and the 2026 Leaf Watch photo map
- Georgia State Parks Leaf Watch: park-by-park fall color tips
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.