Leaf Watch 2026: North Georgia fall colors near peak in coming weeks

Fall color is spreading across North Georgia, and the region could see peak foliage over the next couple of weeks. Higher elevations are expected to approach peak within a week or two, while much of northern Georgia could see peak color during the first week of November.Casey Tudor of the Georgia Forestry Commission gave the update from Historic Watson Mill State Park in Comer, where he was reporting from near the park’s covered bridge. Tudor estimated about 50% of the foliage had changed there, a level he said is consistent with lower elevations across the state.He said fall color is progressing close to schedule, though it is moving a little more slowly than last year. Drought conditions last year sped up the change and tended to dull the colors. This year, despite some dry conditions, Georgia is seeing more vibrant foliage.Tudor said cooler temperatures and sunny days, with highs in the 60s and 70s, have helped trees develop rich color. He also said the recent balance of rainfall —