2024
WNC / Northeast Georgia Fall Leave Colors
Guide

Your guide to find the best in fall leaf color, avoiding  traffic, find festivals and family fun!
We have festivals posted for Western North Carolina and Northeast Georgia!

Be sure to scroll down to see several area web cams and follow the color changes to plan your trip!

UPDATED FORECAST

Given the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene, we just do not think it is appropriate to continue to issue our Fall Color updates this year.

As communities begin the slow recovery process, many roads have been damaged and navigation around the mountains questionable.

Please check with local resources prior to travelling to WNC. As of Oct 1, non-emergency traffic is prohibited. Check DriveNC.gov for the latest on road conditions.

2024 Fall Leaf Lookers Guide - Menu

Why do leaves change color? Think you know why???
2024 Fall Colors Forecast / Reports
Tips to Enjoy a Fall Leaf Colors Trip
2024 Western North Carolina Fall Leaf Color Map and Events
Peak Colors by Elevation
2024Northeast Georgia Fall Leaf Colors Info and Events
Fall Leaf Color Web Cams

Why do leaves change colors?

Why Do Autumn Leaves Change Color? 

You may learn something here! Scientific American editor Mark Fischetti explains how the leaves of deciduous trees perform their annual chameleon act, changing from various shades of green to hues of bronze, orange and brilliant red.

2024 Fall Colors Reports

The region owes its prolonged autumn splendor to its varied elevations. The mesmerizing cascade of fall colors begins at the highest peaks in early October, painting the landscape in fiery hues.

As days pass, this stunning display gradually descends to lower elevations, creating a captivating journey of changing colors that lasts well into early November. With such an extended and enchanting show, it's no surprise that tens of thousands are drawn to experience the magic of fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains each year.

September 24, 2024
Fall Colors Report

Fall Color Guide Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald Looking North

The fall colors in North Georgia, as viewed from Brasstown Bald, are starting to show their vibrant hues a bit earlier this year. However, a warm spell in the next couple of weeks could change that quickly..

Fall Color Guide Whiteside Mtn

Whiteside Mountain, NC

As we advise in our fall color guide tips, it’s best not to plan your trip around peak weekends. Instead, consider visiting mid-week and exploring different elevations—not just the popular spots.

Fall Color Guide

Helen, Ga

Enjoy the drive and take your time!
Check out our current peak forecast in the Fall Color Guide [HERE]

More updates next week! 

September 10, 2024
Fall Colors Report



September 10, 2024

Just days after we found some color high on the Blue Ridge Parkway, dry, warm weather is forcing color changes down to 2000’ in North Georgia.

Cooler, wet weather later this week should keep peak colors on track – let’s see what Mother Nature brings

Use these links to plan your fall colors trip:
Tips to enjoy fall leaf colors
WNC Fall Events
Northeast Georgia Events
Peak colors by elevation

Image: Fall colors begin to roll over Northeast Georgia as seen from Brasstown Bald.


Fall Colors Guide

August 6, 2024
Fall Colors Report

August 6, 2024; The weather forecast for Western North Carolina (WNC) and Northeast Georgia from now until November 2024 suggests a varied pattern. For August, you can expect above-average temperatures, continuing the trend of a hot summer, with a higher likelihood of thunderstorms and heavy rain due to the active Atlantic hurricane season and the Southwest monsoon influence​ (Almanac.com)​​ (FOX Weather)​.

As we move into September, temperatures are expected to be below average, with a mix of cool, sunny days and rainy periods. Heavy rain is particularly likely around mid-September​ (Almanac.com)​.

October should bring cooler temperatures and drier conditions overall, although occasional rain showers are still possible​ (Almanac.com)​.

Finally, early November in WNC is expected to see continued cool temperatures with above-average precipitation, including potential early snowfall in higher elevations​ (Almanac.com)​.

These predictions can help you plan for the changing weather as autumn progresses in the region.


Tips to enjoy Fall Leave Colors:

Tips to enjoy Fall Leave Colors:

1. Travel during the week if you can
2. Pack water, snacks and patience
3. Book a vacation rental NOW
[Find a vacation rentals here]
4. Call ahead for dining reservations or info
[Top Restaurants around The High South]
5. If this a day trip only, have a full tank of gas before you head up!

Fall Colors Guide
Western North Carolina Leaf Color Information
Video by Explore Asheville Conventions and Visitors Bureau

2024 Western North Carolina
Fall Leaf Color Map and Events

Fall Color Map for North Carolina
 created by The Biology Department at  Appalachian State University is a great resource to plan your trip. Please visit their web site  for the full image and to learn more about this map!
Go to: [https://biology.appstate.edu/fall-colors/fall-color-map-north-carolina]

wnc fall leave colors

2024 Western North Carolina Fall Leaf Color Events

  1. Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Festival - October 5- 6, 2024
    Open 10AM - 4PM Saturday and Sunday [More About Sapphire Valley]
  2. Dillsboro ColorFest and Downtown Harvest  Saturday, Oct 5,2024  10 am - 4 pm
    This unique historic town welcomes over 40 local demonstrating artists who will line Front Street with colorful art and demonstrate their work. Meet and talk with local artists, all the while surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the mountains.
    Main Street in Dillsboro, NC. [About Dillsboro]
  3. Cashiers Leaf Festival - October 11 - 13, 2024
    The Cashiers NC Leaf Festival 2022 !  10AM - 5PM each day [More Info]
  4. Goblins In the Green - Cashiers  Saturday, October 26th 2024   5-7pm
     A frightfully fun family-friendly Halloween event! Enjoy delicious culinary delights from the food truck, plus lots of fun and games, and tricks and treats! Be sure to dress up in your most creative costume. Prizes will be awarded for the best boy, girl, and human/canine duo.  Location: The Village Green Commons  [More Info]
  5. Shadow of the Bear - October 15 - November 5, 2024
    A High South area fall (and winter) treat is the annual ‘shadow of the bear’! This phenomenon takes place near Whiteside Mountain where the autumn light creates a shadow shaped like a bear. Times: at sunset each day [More Info]
  6. Weekly concerts along with area famers markets continue until the end of October. 
    View the [Area Events Calendar] for more info!

2024 Western North Carolina Fall Leaf Color
Road Conditions (Georgia conditions below!)

Road Conditions
 The North Carolina Department of Transportation maintains a great map of North Carolina showing construction zones, road closures due to weather as well as traffic congestion.
[NCDOT Traffic Map] 
Northeast Georgia Map below!

wnc fall color leave guide
2024 Fall Leaf Colors
by Elevation

Above 4000' - October 15-22

Towns at this elevation: Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, Grandfather Mountain and some areas around Highlands in North Carolina and the peak of Brasstown Bald in North Georgia

3000-4000' - October 22-29

Towns at this elevation: Sapphire Valley, Highlands, The Highlands Outpost, and Cashiers in North Carolina. Sky Valley in Northeast Georgia

2000-3000' - October 29 - November 5

Towns at this elevation: Waynesville, Dillsboro North Carolina, Several Northeast Georgia towns are very close to 2000' including Blue Ridge, Hiawassee, Blairsville and Tallulah Falls.

Below 2000' - November 5 - mid-November

Towns at this elevation: While many species of tree will change before November, the bulk of color below 2000' will occur throughout the month. Bryson City, NC sits at 1752' with higher peaks all around. Dahlonega Georgia sits at 1450' while Helen Ga sits at 1444'

These are estimates! Like trying to pick the bottom or top of a stock market move, the best approach is to allow several days to travel around and enjoy the colors at various elevations - try not to time it to just one day!

Northeast Georgia Fall Leaf Color Information

2024 Northeast Georgia Fall Leaf Color Events

  1. Grape Stomp Festival (Blairsville, Saturday Aug 31, 2024 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
    Join us for a day full of fun and laughter as we celebrate our annual Grape Stomp Fest! We will have live music all day, local vendors, a kids tent, and our Lucy-look-a-like contest. Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa
  2. Oktoberfest (Helen, Sept 5 – 8, 2024 (Thursday – Sunday)
    Sept 12 – 15, 2024 (Thursday – Sunday)
    Sept 19 – 22, 2024 (Thursday – Sunday)
    Sept 26 – Oct 27, 2024 (nightly)
    More about Helen GA [Go Here]
  3. Chattahoochee Mountain Fair (Clarkesville, September 6-14) The Chattahoochee Mountain Fair has been a tradition in Northeast Georgia since 1975. Spend a special week back in the good old days of home made treats, hand made crafts, a farm animal petting zoo and carnival rides galore! [More Info]
  4. Blue Ridge Blues & Barbeque Festival (Blue Ridge, September 21st, 2024)
    Always a fantastic event. Downtown Blue Ridge sets the stage as a fantastic back drop and venue location for a perfect early fall event. The leaves start to change with cooler days and crisp evenings that invite outdoor activities! The sounds of Blues music and the sweet smell of BBQ from local and regional cookers will fill the air as families and groups of friends enjoy this unique setting and event.[More Info]
  5. American Made Music Fest (Hiawassee GA, September 19th - 21st, 2024)
    Dailey & Vincent's American Made Music Fest, presented by Springer Mountain Farms, is a 3-day festival bringing together the very best in American music - Country, Bluegrass and Gospel music! [More Info]
  6. Foxfire Mountaineer Festival (Clayton, October 5 2024)
    We are thrilled to announce the return of the annual Foxfire Mountaineer Festival! Join us for a day of arts, crafts, music, and more, all in celebration of our Appalachian culture! [More info] The Festival will be held at the Rabun County Civic Center on Saturday, October 5 from 10 am until 5 pm. Tickets are $8, kids 5 & under are free! With a festival wristband, you’ll also receive 30% off admission to the Foxfire Museum at 98 Foxfire Lane, Mountain City, Georgia.      
  7. Georgia Mountain Fall Festival (Hiawassee,  October 11th - 19th, 2024)
    Look forward to the 2024 Fall Festival October 11th - 19th from 10am-7pm. With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall! Each October, the 9-day event features Arts & Craft vendors, educational demonstrations, and exciting music performances! New for 2022 enjoy carnival rides from Midway Rides Unlimited! Enjoy over a dozen rides including a carosel, ferris wheel, bumper cars & more! Rides for the adults & the kiddos! Plus fair food, games, and more! [More Info]
  8. Fall Arts in The Park (Blue Ridge, October 12 & 13, 2024)
    Join us for the Annual Fall Arts in the Park festival held in the beautiful Downtown City Park of Blue Ridge, Georgia. You and your family can shop from over 150 juried fine arts and fine crafts exhibitors, enjoy tasty food, engage in artist demos and enjoy our free children’s activity booth. Leashed pets are welcomed. Festival is held rain or shine. Weekend Admission: adults $5; children under 12 free. All proceeds benefit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, a 501c3 non-profit community arts association.  [Learn More]
  9. Blairsville Sorghum Festival (Blairsville, October 12-13, 19-20-15)
    We are back and looking forward to the 53rd Annual Blairsville Sorghum Festival and some great sorghum syrup! This year’s festival will be hosted by the Blairsville Sorghum Syrup Makers and Enotah CASA, Inc again. We are looking forward to keeping traditions alive and creating a memorable experience for all patrons of the festival.  [More Info]
  10. Gold Rush Days (Dahlonega, October 19 & 20)
    Gold Rush Days are always held the third full weekend in October. It is a time for thousands to come and see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Over 200 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event. It is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 visits over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement! [More Info]
  11. Mountain Moonshine Festival and Car Show (Dawsonville, October 25-27)
    Admission: Free Admission, Parking Fee THE 57TH ANNUAL MOUNTAIN MOONSHINE FESTIVAL IS A GO! [More Info] Festival will take place at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and Dawsonville City Hall's Main Street Park.
  12. Appalachian Brew, Stew, & Que Festival (Hiawassee, October 26, 2024)
    The Appalachian Brew, Stew, & Que Festival brings you great craft breweries from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina & Alabama. There will also be delicious food from area restaurants, regional arts & crafts, and lots of Appalachian & Americana music! [More Info]

Road Conditions
 The Georgia Department of Transportation maintains a great map of North Georgia with a trip planner and shows construction zones, road closures due to weather as well as traffic congestion.
[GADOT Traffic Map] 

wnc fall color leave guide
Area Web Cams
View the Autumn Color Changes with these area web cams!

Brasstown Bald Web Cam
Elevation: 4784'
The highest point in Georgia!!!


This camera is looking north from Brasstown Bald over the Brasstown Wilderness area toward Hiawassee Georgia and just beyond into North Carolina 

Be sure to hover your mouse over the camera feed for the full screen option in the lower right!

Camera courtesy and please visit:
ResortCams.com 



Bryson City, NC
Downtown Bryson City
Elevation: 1752′

Bryson City, NC is a great small town located on the Tuckaseegee River and bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Camera courtesy and please visit: 
Content/Camera: ExploreBrysonCity.com/ResortCams.com


Highlands, NC
Elevation: 4117"

Highlands, NC is one the highest towns in terms of elevation in this part of Western North Carolina.  
Camera courtesy: The Town of Highlands
Visit: https://highlandsnc.org/


Whiteside Mountain
viewed from
Big Bear Pen Mountain
Elevation: 4930"

This is a great view of Whiteside Mountain. Easy access to a great hike with big views is available just off Highway 64 between Highlands and Cashiers, NC.
Hiking Info: [Hiking Whiteside Mountain]

Camera courtesy: The Town of Highlands
Visit: https://highlandsnc.org/

More Web Cams:  We have several more webcams on this site - go here: [Area Web Cams] 

Some content courtesy: https://biology.appstate.edu/fall-colors

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High South Adventures is part of The High South Media Network! Our other sites:

SapphireValleyResort.com - Sapphire Valley Resort, NC
SkiSapphireValley.com - Winter Sports at Sapphire Valley Resort
HighSouthRentals.com - Vacations rentals in Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina
MyCashiersNC.com - all about Cashiers, NC

All information believed accurate but not guaranteed. The High South Media Network covers news, events, vacation rentals and recreational opportunities all around the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.