Georgia Fall Foliage is Peaking in These Spots

Georgia fall foliage is really splendid, and this year is certainly no exception. October and November are the best times of the season to see fall foliage in the area, so now is the time to embrace your inner leaf peeper and check out some amazing views. In the spirit of the crips, cool season, here are some places in Georgia to see fall colors right now, according to experts.

Have you ever wondered why leaves change different ways depending on where you live? According to the Smithsonian, "How much and how fast leaves transform varies by location on the globe. The best colors are produced when the weather is dry, sunny and cool." They add that areas are cloudy, damp or warm won't have as much vibrant color changing. The U.S. Forest Service adds that, "As night length increases in the autumn, chlorophyll production slows down and then stops and eventually all the chlorophyll is destroyed." Also, "The timing of color changes and the onset of falling leaves is primarily regulated by the calendar as nights become longer."

As winter approaches, they note that, "Trees start building a protective seal between leaves and their branches as the weather turns" and these trees "take in as many nutrients as possible from the leaves, but leaves wouldn’t survive the winter and would make trees vulnerable to damage if they remained." The leaves fall when they're cut off from fluid in the branches. It's really fascinating how nature works, isn't it?

"The best time to see Georgia's fall colors is October and November, when the landscape transforms into a palette of gorgeous autumn colors," notes Explore Georgia. For the best colors, they recommend to travel along the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway to see one of the most gorgeous displays of color in the entire region. "The meandering road is flanked by trees undergoing seasonal change and includes several turnoffs with scenic overlooks along the way," Explore Georgia states. "You can also stroll two Appalachian Trail crossing points, listening to leaves crunch below your feet." Another spot they recommend is the famed Brasstown Bald, which offers a beautiful fall landscape from the highest natural point in the state. If you really want to get the biggest picture of what fall colors look like in the area, Brasstown Bald is a must-see, they say. So, if you're looking to take in fall foliage, there are some options.