It’s October, and that means that leaf watching season has begun. There’s nothing quite like taking a hike through crisp fall air and marveling at the beauty of the red, orange, and gold leaves.
While the highest elevations of the North Georgia Mountains around Brasstown Bald and Rabun Bald are already seeing some color pop, it is still a couple of weeks before most of us will see any significant color change in our yards.
The science of it all
This change in leaf color is thanks largely to the decrease in daylight. As the days get shorter and the sun reaches its highest point lower and lower in the sky, the chlorophyll production in the leaves begins to slow down. Eventually, it stops altogether, and the chlorophyll itself begins to break down.
Since chlorophyll is what makes leaves green, the lack of it allows the natural yellows and oranges to show through, giving us our gorgeous color displays.
Interestingly, red leaves actually undergo a chemical change.
As chlorophyll decays, sugars can get trapped and create new pigments, namely red. Maples, oaks, and dogwoods are likely to produce these red leaves.
In addition, sunshine can have an effect on just how red these trees get. More sunshine means brighter red, with less sunshine resulting in more muted colors.
Dry, cool fall days are perfect for creating a good fall color display, and fortunately, our forecast over the next couple of weeks is trending in that direction.
Although we won’t get any particularly cold weather in North Georgia, the overall pattern looks dry and slightly below average. This, hopefully, sets us up for a great show later this month.
The fun of it all: Peak leaf peeping times
Fall foliage colors tend to peak in northern Georgia between late October and early November, and it appears we are on schedule. Barring any significant changes in the weather, the best time for leaf peeping in North Georgia and Upstate South Carolina this year will be between October 25 and November 1.
The leaves are already changing in the higher elevations of Georgia-Carolina.
If you want to catch some color right now, head up to Brasstown Bald and either hike or ride the shuttle to the top. You can also make the hike up to Rabun Bald, Georgia’s second-highest peak.
Early to mid-October is a good time for a scenic drive through western North Carolina on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will see the color move downhill.
To help leaf watchers track fall color as it moves across the Peach State, Georgia State Parks has launched “Leaf Watch 2023.” Found at GaStateParks.org/LeafWatch, the travel planner is filled with top trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites, fall events, and safe hiking tips.
As we make our way through leaf watching season, we’d love to see what you see. Share your photos and videos with us on the Now Habersham Facebook page.
