Updated Thursday, October 22, 2026
Sometimes making time for someone begins with a small suggestion: let’s go see the leaves.
Every fall there’s a short stretch when the mountains north of us put on their best color, and it goes by fast. I’ll keep this Leaf Watch current through the season, so you can pick your weekend, pack a thermos and invite someone along.
Where the color is right now
Color is coming on fast up high. In its October 21 report, the Georgia Forestry Commission put the change above 3,000 feet at about 45 percent around Brasstown Bald and 41 percent around Black Rock Mountain, with bright yellows, oranges and reds from yellow birch, sourwood, red maple and sassafras. Below 3,000 feet it’s still early, around 13 to 21 percent, and northwest Georgia near Cloudland Canyon is running a little behind last year, at about 15 to 17 percent.
The high country had its first frost last weekend, right on schedule, and chilly nights that stay above freezing are just what good color needs. Strong wind did knock some early leaves off the poplars and sycamores at lower elevations. The Forestry Commission expects the north-central and northeast mountains to peak from the last week of October into the first week of November, so the next two weekends are the ones to circle, with Halloween weekend looking especially good. The foothills and northwest Georgia should follow in the first half of November. For a scenic drive, they point to State Route 180 from Suches to Brasstown Bald, the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway and Black Rock Mountain State Park.
Details: Georgia Forestry Commission Leaf Watch · FOX 5 Leaf Watch · Georgia State Parks Leaf Watch
Close to home
Big Kennesaw Mountain. The summit trail from the visitor center is about 2.2 miles round trip, with about 700 feet of climbing. It’s steep and rocky in spots, there are benches along the way, and the top looks out toward Atlanta. Parking is $5 per vehicle per day, cards only. About 25 to 30 minutes from central Woodstock.
Iron Hill Trail at Red Top Mountain State Park. A 3.9-mile gravel loop with lake views, shared with bikes. It’s wide and steady, a good trail for a long conversation. A Georgia State Parks ParkPass is $10 per vehicle. About 30 minutes away.
Details: Kennesaw Mountain summit hike · Kennesaw fees · Red Top Mountain
About an hour away
Amicalola Falls State Park. Georgia’s tallest waterfall drops 729 feet. A paved, accessible path from the West Ridge leads to a viewpoint partway up the falls, and the long staircase is there for anyone who wants the climb. The $10 ParkPass applies. About an hour from central Woodstock.
Preacher’s Rock from Woody Gap. About two miles round trip on the Appalachian Trail, with a moderate climb to a rocky overlook and wide ridge views, one of the easiest Appalachian Trail day hikes in Georgia. Parking is free, and it’s very popular, so go early or on a weekday. About an hour and 15 minutes away, through Dahlonega.
DeSoto Falls. An easy, family-friendly walk to waterfalls in the Chattahoochee National Forest, about 18 miles north of Dahlonega. Day use is $5 per vehicle, paid through the Recreation.gov app. About an hour and 20 minutes away.
Details: Amicalola Falls · Woody Gap trailhead · DeSoto Falls
Worth the drive
Raven Cliff Falls. About five miles round trip along a creek, climbing gently and then more steeply to a waterfall that pours through a split in the cliff. The trailhead is on the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway, one of the first drives to show color this year. Parking is $5 per vehicle, and the gravel lot holds only about 30 cars, so arrive early. About an hour and 45 minutes away.
Black Rock Mountain State Park. At 3,640 feet, it’s Georgia’s highest state park and usually one of the first to color. The Tennessee Rock Trail is a 2.2-mile loop with views into the Carolinas and Tennessee on a clear day. For an easier stroll, the Black Rock Lake Trail is under a mile. The Ada-Hi Falls Trail is closed for stair repairs. ParkPass $10. About two hours away.
Brasstown Bald. The highest point in Georgia, at 4,784 feet. A paved but very steep trail climbs 0.6 miles to the top, or you can ride the shuttle. It’s $10 per person 16 and up, which includes the shuttle and visitor center, and free for 15 and under. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last shuttle up at 4:30. About two hours away.
Tallulah Gorge State Park. The North and South Rim trails together run about three miles round trip, with 10 overlooks into the gorge. On scheduled water-release days (October 23 and 31, and November 1, 7 and 8), the south-side staircase is closed and hiking in the gorge isn’t allowed, so plan around those if you want the stairs. ParkPass $10. About an hour and 50 minutes away.
Details: Raven Cliffs trailhead · Black Rock Mountain trails · Brasstown Bald · Tallulah Gorge
Good to know before you go
Vogel State Park’s Lake Trahlyta loop is closed while the lake is drained for dam repairs, and parking at Vogel is limited during construction, so I’ve left it off the list this year.
Peak weekends fill the parking lots fast. Head out early, try a weekday if you can, dress in layers for chilly overlooks and warm afternoons, and check each park’s alerts page before you go. Drive times are approximate, from central Woodstock.
Or make a little room at home
If the mountains are too far this week, rake a pile of leaves with the grandkids, or press the prettiest ones in a heavy book. Write the date on a card and tuck it in with them, and next fall you’ll have a little story to tell.
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