Any signs of Fall leaves?
The fall foliage in Ellijay and the surrounding areas of Gilmer County typically starts showing signs of color in mid to late October, though the exact timing can vary depending on weather patterns and elevation. As of now, it might still be a little early for peak color, but there are some early signs of the leaves beginning to change in certain areas. The higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains, especially around the Blue Ridge and Ellijay areas, will start to show some vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges as the temperatures begin to cool.
If you're planning to visit in the next week or so, you might see some early colors in certain tree species, particularly sumac, sourwood, and dogwood, which are often the first to change. However, the peak of the fall color is generally expected in the first two weeks of October in lower elevations, with higher elevations reaching their peak around the third week of October.
Here are a few things you might notice:
Best time for fall colors: If you're planning to visit Ellijay and enjoy the fall colors at their peak, the best time to visit will be from mid to late October, when the majority of the trees in the area, especially oaks, maples, and hickories, will be showing their full autumn hues. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you might want to check local foliage reports closer to your trip to get the most accurate forecast.
As of now, you're definitely in the early stages of fall color, but you're in for a treat as the colors continue to intensify over the next few weeks!