Alabama
The main viewing time for colorful fall leaves in Alabama is October 19 through November 4.
Chewacla State Park – Auburn, Alabama
Chewacla State Park’s 696 acres of countryside offer plenty of peace, quiet, and relaxation just a short drive from the Auburn-Opelika region. Facilities include a 26-hectare lake, a swimming area, a playground, a modern campsite, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, huts, hiking and mountain bike trails.
Cheaha – Mount Cheaha, Alabama
The highest point in Alabama, the summit of Mount Cheaha, is 2,407 feet above sea level. Called “Chaha” (or high place) by the Creek Indians, the mountain is now home to Cheaha State Park, a holiday park with amenities at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. Make your way to the observation tower for panoramic views of the bright colors of the fall foliage.
Oak Mountain State Park– Birmingham, Alabama
Mountain biking and hiking are two of the most popular activities in Oak Mountain State Park. With more than 80 miles of hiking trails, visitors have plenty of options to choose from, be it a short loop or an overnight stay with an overnight stay. The Red Trail was even added to the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) list of EPIC rides.
The park also offers a pump track and a BMX course, Flipside Watersports Cable Skiing, boat rentals, basketball courts, nature programs, Peavine Falls, Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, an 18-hole golf course and driving range, beach and swimming area, fishing lakes, boat rentals, Picnic areas, demonstration farm and horse riding facilities. Make your plans!
Naturalist programs, educational opportunities, and bird rehabilitation are also important parts of the park. The Alabama Wildlife Center provides rehabilitation services to injured native birds each year to help them return to the wild. The birds that live there can be observed from the Tree Top Nature Trail, an elevated wooden walkway that meanders through a remote forest valley. Adjacent to the Alabama Wildlife Center is the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, a 2,500 square foot interactive exhibit space, conference room, and teaching laboratory. For more information on field trips and public educational events, see Educational Programs.
Joe Wheeler State Park – Rogersville, Alabama
Joe Wheeler State Park is divided by the Tennessee River, which forms the 69,700 acre Wheeler Lake. Perch, bream and catfish abound in the sparkling waters where sailboats and yachts cruise side by side. Every fall, Joe Wheeler Resort State Park hosts the Fall Rendezvous for boaters touring the Great Loop – the continuous waterway that circles eastern North America, along the Atlantic coast, across the Great Lakes, through inland rivers and around the Gulf of Mexico. Up to 250 ships dock at Joe Wheeler’s marina and attend the conference at the resort lodge, which is coordinated by the park’s professional meeting planners.
Monte Sano State Park – Huntsville, Alabama
Monte Sano State Park is located near Huntsville in northeast Alabama. Monte Sano means “mountain of health” in Spanish. In the late 19th century, visitors from all over the United States came for the “season” to experience and enjoy the fresh air, spectacular views, and mineral springs of Monte Sano.
Lake Guntersville State Park – Guntersville, Alabama
Lake Guntersville Resort State Park is located on the banks of the Tennessee River in northeast Alabama. Whether you are looking for a resort style retreat or an outdoor adventure in the park’s 6,000 acres of natural forest, Lake Guntersville State Park will have all your needs catered for. The park’s many recreational opportunities include an 18-hole championship golf course, the Screaming Eagle Zipline, a beach complex, an outdoor nature center, excellent fishing in Alabama’s largest lake, 58 km of hiking and biking trails, weekly guided hikes, and a daytime use area.
DeSoto State Park – Fort Payne, Alabama
Continuing the rustic tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), mountainous Desoto State Park is located on beautiful Lookout Mountain in scenic northeast Alabama and is accented by many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers that will simply take your breath away. Developed in the late 1930s, the hard working and dedicated men of the CCC have made many natural improvements to the park that have stood the test of time and will last for future generations. Get in touch with Mother Nature as DeSoto State Park has a family-friendly atmosphere that holds wonders in store for people of all ages!
DeSoto State Park is conveniently located just eight miles northeast of Fort Payne, Alabama; and DeSoto Falls – also part of DeSoto State Park – are located seven miles north of the park towards Mentone, Alabama.
Georgia
The main viewing time for colorful fall leaves in Georgia is October 19 through November 4.
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge – Dawsonville, Georgia
Just an hour north of Atlanta is the highest waterfall in the southeast at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge. A short, flat path leads to a boardwalk that offers the most spectacular views. There is also an easy to reach lookout point at the top. For a tougher challenge, start at the base of the waterfall and hike up the steep stairs.
Black Rock Mountain State Park – Clayton, Georgia
At an elevation of 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain is Georgia’s highest state park. (Brasstown Soon is the highest peak in the state.) Roadside lookouts and the summit visitor center offer expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 2.2 mile Tennessee Rock Trail is a great choice for a short, moderate hike. For a full-day challenge, take the 12.2 mile James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail. Spend the night on the mountain in cozy huts or wooded campsites.
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Near Chattanooga
One of the most beautiful parks in Georgia is Cloudland Canyon State Park. It offers easy-to-reach vantage points and challenging trails. A popular hike takes you down a flight of stairs to the bottom of the canyon, where you’ll find two waterfalls. (Remember, you have to hike back up, but it’s worth it.) The 5-mile West Rim Loop is moderately difficult and has great views of the canyon. Mountain bikers can test their skills in the Five Points Recreation Area. Yurt guests spend the night directly on a hiking trail.
FD Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, Georgia
Many people are surprised to find hardwood forests and rolling mountains south of Atlanta. The 6.7-mile Wolf Den Loop is a popular stretch of the longer Pine Mountain Trail. For a taste of history, head to Dowdell’s Knob to see a life-size bronze sculpture of President FD Roosevelt and the view of the wooded valley. Ga. Highway. 190 is a nice driving route. Campground FD Roosevelt State Park was renovated this summer and has new bathhouses.
Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth, Georgia
Fort Mountain State Park is best known for a mysterious rock face along the mountaintop, as well as a variety of hiking trails. For the easiest stroll, take the 1.2 mile loop around the park’s green lake. For a challenging, full-day hike, choose the 8-mile Gahuti Trail. Mountain bikers have more than 14 miles to explore. Highway. 52 has beautiful mountain scenery and viewpoints that are well worth a stop.
Moccasin Creek State Park – Lake Burton, Georgia
Georgia’s smallest state park, Moccasin Creek State Park, sits on the shores of a beautiful deep green lake. You can choose between the 2 mile Hemlock Falls Trail or the 1 mile non-game trail with a game viewing tower. Highway. 197 is a particularly beautiful street that passes by Mark of the Potter and other popular attractions.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Smithgall Woods State Park, which protects more than 6,000 acres around Dukes Creek, is the perfect place for fly fishing or romantic hut getaways. Day visitors can picnic near the creek, and overnight guests can hike a private trail to Dukes Creek Falls. A 1.6 mile loop leads to Laurel Ridge and offers views of Mt. Yonah once most of the leaves are off the trees. Smithgall Woods has some of the park system’s most desirable cabins and is close to wineries and Helen’s Oktoberfest.
| conditions | Events |
|---|---|
| Alabama: | 19 Oct-Nov 4th |
| Arizona: | 5th – 21st Oct |
| Arkansas: | 19 Oct-Nov 4; (Ozarks) 12.-28. Oct |
| California: | 15.-31. Oct |
| Colorado: | 5th-14th Oct |
| Connecticut: | 12.-28. Oct |
| Delaware: | 19 Oct-Nov 4th |
| Florida: | 2nd-11th November |
| Georgia: | 19 Oct-Nov 4th |
| Idaho: | 5th – 21st Oct |
| Illinois: | (North) 5.-21. October; (South) 12.-28. Oct |
| Indiana: | (North) 5.-21. October; (South) 12.-28. Oct |
| Iowa: | 5th – 21st Oct |
| Kansas: | (North) 5.-21. October; (South) 12.-28. Oct |
| Kentucky: | (East) 5. – 21. October; (Western) 12.-28. Oct |
| Louisiana: | 2nd-11th November |
| Maine: | (Domestic) 1.-17. October; (Coast) 5. – 21. Oct |
| Maryland: | (Domestic) 12.-28. October; (Coast) Oct. 19-Nov. 4th |
| Massachusetts: | (Domestic) 5. – 21. October; (Coast) 12.-28. Oct |
| Michigan: | (North) 1.-17. October; (South) 5. – 21. Oct |
| Minnesota: | (North) 1.-17. October; (South) 5. – 21. Oct |
| Mississippi : | 19 Oct-Nov 4th |
| Missouri: | (North) 5.-21. October; (South) 12.-28. Oct |
| Montana: | (Middle) Sept. 28th-Oct. 9; (West) 5. – 21. Oct |
| Nebraska: | 5th – 21st Oct |
| Nevada: | 12.-28. Oct |
| New Hampshire: | (Domestic) Sept. 28th-Oct. 9; (Coast) 5. – 21. Oct |
| New Jersey: | (Domestic) 12.-28. October; (Coast) Oct. 19-Nov. 4th |
| New Mexico: | September 28th-October 9 |
| New York: | September 28th-October 28, depending on the altitude and distance from the coast. |
| North Carolina: | (Domestic) 12.-28. October; (Coast) Oct. 19-Nov. 4th |
| North Dakota: | 5th – 21st Oct |
| Ohio: | 5th – 21st Oct |
| Oklahoma: | Oct. 26th-Nov. 4th |
| Oregon: | 12.-28. Oct |
| Pennsylvania: | 5th – 21st Oct |
| Rhode Island: | 12.-28. Oct |
| South Carolina: | 19 Oct-Nov 4th |
| South Dakota: | 5th – 21st Oct |
| Tennessee: | 12.-28. Oct |
| Texas: | 2nd-11th November |
| Utah: | 5th – 21st Oct |
| Vermont: | (North) Sep. 24 Oct. 10; (South) 5.-14. Oct |
| Virginia: | (Domestic) 12.-28. October; (Coast) Oct. 19-Nov. 4th |
| Washington: | 12.-28. Oct |
| West Virginia: | 5th – 21st Oct |
| Wisconsin: | 5th-14th Oct |
| Wyoming: | 5th-14th Oct |