Welcome to the Southern Region

Talladega National Forest - in Alabama

Yellow, Orange, Red, Gold, Crimson, Brown.

Oct. 17, 2011

 Talladega Scenic Drive on State Highway 281
  Forest Road 281
  Other good scenic routes to enjoy the fall colors:

• Lake Chinnabee camping area
• The hiking trail along the south end of the Pinhoti Trail
• Sherman’s Cliff off Forest Road 600-1

Talladega Scenic Drive on State Highway 281
  Forest Road 281
  Other good scenic routes to enjoy the fall colors:

• Lake Chinnabee camping area
• The hiking trail along the south end of the Pinhoti Trail
• Sherman’s Cliff off Forest Road 600-1

The Talladega Ranger District has several hiking trails and many other activities to enjoy, such as off-road vehicle trails, primitive camping, and fishing and hiking trails.  For further information, please contact the district office at (256) 362-2909. 

For further information, please contact the district office at (256) 362-2909

Bankhead National Forest in Alabama

Brilliant shades of yellow, orange, crimson, tan, and brown.  Some of the trees and their colors are as follows: 

• Red maples are yellow, orange, or crimson
• Dogwoods are crimson to dark crimson
• Blackgums are dark crimson
• Sweetgums are yellow to dark crimson
• Sourwoods are bright to dark crimson
• Hickories are bright yellow to tan
• Oaks are dark crimson to brown

• Lawrence Co. Rd. 6 to Winston Co. Rd. 60 from Highway 33 to Rabbittown which the Sipsey River Recreation Area and the Sipsey Wilderness Area are located along this route
• FS road 208, 229, 223, and 213
• FS road 210, 203, and 213
• FS 245 or Pine Torch Road, 262, and 249
• FS 255 Hickory Grove Rd.
• State Highway 33 from Double Springs to Moulton
State Highway 278 from Double Springs to Addison.

 

Tuskegee National Forest - in Alabama

A rainbow of color is beginning to show on the Tuskegee National Forest.  Our forest is mostly pine (upper coastal plain) with varying sized drainages throughout.  Along these areas you will find varying amounts of upland and bottomland hardwoods.

For this report there were many shades of yellow, gold, red, orange, purple, and some brown.

Typically, we have only a short driving route for fall color viewing.  From Interstate 85, Exit 42, drive east (past the sod farm and cross the creek) for about 1.3 miles.  This graveled road located on both sides of AL Hwy 186, is Forest Service Road 900. This road mostly follows the largest creek drainage on the forest. 
A right turn (south) follows the drainage along the edge of the floodplain and upland area for about half the length of the road before heading up the ridges.
A left turn (north) stays along the edge of the floodplain and intersects with Forest Service road 906 which crosses the creek that the 900 road parallels.

The Tuskegee Ranger District has hiking trails, horse trails, a shooting range and many other activities to enjoy. 

Last week saw scattered frost with lows in the upper 30s.  There is a good chance of storms forecast near the end of this week. 

Chattahoochee National Forest - Georgia

Oct 10, 2011: Lake Winfield Scott - Chattahoochee National Forest

The fall colosr have really started to come on, especially on the higher mountains and ridges. This weekend will really be the start of the fall color season we've been waiting for. It's time to make your plans for your fall color outings and hit the roads and trails.

Take a look at the webcams on Brasstown Bald to get a better idea of how things look. By the weekend of October 7, it’s possible we’ll see as much as 10% of peak color on the higher mountains, but it will likely be a little patchy.

Here's a list of the 10 highest mountains in Georiga where you're likely to find the best color in the next week or so.

• 1. Brasstown Bald (summit), 4,784 feet (1,458 m), Union County
• 2. Rabun Bald (summit), 4,696 feet (1,431 m), Rabun County
• 3. Dick's Knob (summit), 4,620 feet (1,410 m), Rabun County
• 4. Hightower Bald (summit), 4,568 feet (1,392 m), Towns County
• 5. Wolfpen Ridge (ridge high point), 4,561 feet (1,390 m), Towns and Union Counties
• 6. Blood Mountain (summit), 4,458 feet (1,359 m), Union County
• 7. Tray Mountain (summit), 4,430 feet (1,350 m), Towns County
• 7. Grassy Ridge (ridge high point), 4,420 feet (1,350 m), Rabun County
• 9. Slaughter Mountain (summit), 4,338 feet (1,322 m), Union County
• 10. Double Spring Knob (summit), 4,280 feet (1,300 m), Rabun County

• Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway
• Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway
• U.S. Highway 76 from Ellijay to all points east to the state line and South Carolina
• Georgia Highway 60 between Dahlonega and Blue Ridge
• Georgia Highway 52 between Chatsworth and Ellijay
• Georgia Highway 129 between Cleveland and Blairsville
• Geogia Highway 75 between Cleveland and Hiawassee
• Georgia Highway 197 from Clarkesville to U.S. Highway 76
• U.S. Highway 441 from the Baldwin and Cornelia area north to the state line with North Carolina

October 13th through the 27th.

For the period 10/4 to 10/13, clear and sunny skies with highs forecast to be in the mid 70s with lows in the mid-40s. That’s pretty good weather for fall color development, but it would help if those lows were between, 35 and 40 degrees to really get it going. There’s a chance of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 11th and 12th.

Viewing Tips:

• Be prepared to be outdoors and bring these items:
• A hat
• Sweater or jacket
• Good walking shoes
• Water
• Snacks or a picnic lunch
• Bring a camera, camcorder and binoculars
• The scenic byways have that designation for a reason. Take advantage of the scenery and the overlooks.

• Lakes often provide great photo ops with colorful reflections. Think Vogel State Park, Lake Winfield Scott, Lake Conasauga, Lake Hiawasee, Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Lake Russell

Cherokee National Forest - in Tennessee

Fall Color:

11/15/2011

FINAL REPORT for 2011

Overall, leaf colors have peaked throughout most of the Cherokee National Forest (forest).  However, there are still a few patches of trees showing color at the lower elevations.  Dark yellow, shades of brown and some maroon are predominate colors at this time.  Recent windy weather has greatly reduced the quantity of leaves on trees thorough the Forest.

Color or Expectation:

View from Holston Mountain

Leaf colors at elevations above 3,500’ have peaked in much of the Cherokee National Forest (Forest).  Leaf colors at the lower elevations are at about 70% of peak throughout the Forest.

11/15/2011

Recommended Viewing Routes:

 Northeast Tennessee:
Greeneville - Newport:  From Greeneville take State Route 70/107 southeast to where the road splits.  Follow State Rt 107 south through Houston Valley and across Brush Creek Mountain to the French Broad River where Rt 107 ends at U.S. Highway 25/70.   Turn west (right) and head toward Newport on Hwy 25/70 along the French Broad River. 

Elizabethton - Roan Mountain:  Traveling from Elizabethton take U.S. Highway 19E/321 east toward Roan Mountain and the North Carolina border.  When you get to Hampton you have the option of turning NE on 321 toward Watauga Lake and on to Mountain City via State Route 67; or travel east on Hwy 19E to Roan Mountain. (Hwy 19E is a popular route and traffic could be heavy on weekends during the fall.)  

Bristol - Mountain City:  From Bristol take U.S. Highway 421 east across South Holston Lake and through Shady Valley toward Mountain City.  If you want to extend your trip when you arrive in Mountain City take State Route 67 through Pandora and across Watauga Lake to the intersection of U.S. Hwy 321.  Travel west adjacent to Watauga Lake on Hwy 321 toward Hampton and on to Elizabethton.

Ocoee Scenic Byway - October 10, 2011

Southeast Tennessee:
Ocoee Scenic Byway:  The first National Forest Scenic Byway in the nation lives up to its name in the fall of the year.  The Byway is located in Polk County, and consists of segments of two roads.  Seven miles of the Byway travel up Forest Service Road 77 to Chilhowee Mountain.  The remaining 19 miles of the Byway follow U.S. Highway 64 through the Ocoee River Gorge and past the site of the 1996 Olympic Canoe & Kayak events.  
 Cherohala Skyway: The Skyway travels along U.S. Highway 165 from Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC.  This route offers spectacular views with elevations reaching over 5,000 feet.    
Hiwassee River - Mecca Pike: From U.S. Highway 411 north of Benton take State Route 30 east to Reliance. This route follows the beautiful Hiwassee River.  At Reliance take State Route 315 across the River and head north.  At the intersection of Mecca Pike (State Rt 310/39) near Jalapa you will have two options.  Turn west onto Route 310 and head toward Etowah and Hwy 411.  Or, turn east onto Route 39  and go toward Tellico Plains. 

Colors have peaked throughout the Cherokee National Forest.
 

Temperatures remain mild during the day with chilly evenings throughout the Forest.    

Remarks:

Overall, the 2011 fall foliage viewing season was very good.  Although colors at the higher elevations peaked quickly, colors in the lower elevations and valleys provided viewing enjoyment a little longer than normal. 

Remember, only You can prevent wildfires.
October marks the beginning of the fall wildfire season in east Tennessee.  Conditions in the forest this time of year are generally dry and windy.  The vast majority of wildfires in the Cherokee National Forest are caused by humans.
Please remember to be safe with fire and never leave your campfire unattended.

Daniel Boone National Forest

October 6, 2011

You really have to look hard to see some fall colors in this photo.  But we should be getting closer to our peak season in a few weeks. 

The fall color is beginning to show throughout the Daniel Boone National Forest. The hickories and tulip poplars are showing their golden hues while red maples, sweet gums, sassafras and sumac are showing in shades of red and orange.

In the northern section of the forest, the Red River Gorge National Scenic Byway and Zilpo National Forest Scenic Byway provide excellent driving routes for fall color viewing. In the southern section, fall color seekers will enjoy driving the Wilderness Road Heritage Highway and Cumberland Cultural Heritage Highway that transect portions of the forest.

Late October

The current 10-day forecast indicates daytime highs mostly in the upper 70s and evening lows in the lower 50s.  

The Daniel Boone National Forest provides outdoor recreation opportunities year round. The fall season is a perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the changing colors of the forest.

George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

11/16/2011

Fall color on the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest

The fall colors on the Lee Ranger District are beginning to fade.  Those at higher elevations have all but passed their peak.  The lower elevations still have a few pretty spots to see fall color, but for most areas, the peak colors have come and gone.   

Recommended Viewing Routes:

Virginia 11/10/2011

Past peak

Past peak

Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area is closed for the season.  Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area is now on reduced services.  Cost to camp is $10 and the flush toilets and showers are closed for the season. 
For more information call (540) 984-4101. 

Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests (S.C.)

Andrew Pickins Ranger District November 2, 2011

Andrew Pickens Ranger District – Showing 100%color.

Enoree Ranger District – Showing 100% color.

Long Cane Ranger District – Currently we are at
approximately 85%.  A little less than two weeks
before peak color.

• Andrew Pickens Ranger District – Hwy 28, Hwy 107
  Enoree Ranger District – Union County – From Highway 176, take State Road 16, Sardis Road South.
  Chester County – Take County Road 574 north to Woods Ferry Recreation Area.

  Long Cane Ranger District – From Highway 25 north, take Highway 34 north (Sweet Water Road) to Edgefield, SC take highway 430 north, at the junction of 430 and 378, merge right onto Highway 378 east to Saluda, SC then merge left onto Highway 121 to Newberry, SC.

• Andrew Pickens Ranger District – 1st week in November.

  Enoree Ranger District -  1st week in November.

  Long Cane Ranger District -  Early November

•  Andrew Pickens Ranger District – High Mid 60’s Low’s 36-49

  Enoree Ranger District – High 70’s to low 60’s

  Long Cane Ranger District – Highs – mid 63’s Lows – mid 35’s.

• Andrew Pickens Ranger District – The color will be brighter this year due to lower than normal rainfall. The color won’t last long as tree will lose leaves quickly after they peak.
  Enoree Ranger District – Peak color is here!  The black gum, maples, elm and sourwood and many more trees are putting on a wonderful show.  Many vibrant colors are filling in the landscape.
  Long Cane Ranger District – Drought conditions have caused less color variation than in years past.  Individual trees seem to be on an individual rather than a collective color schedule.  There is little to no vibrancy, nothing really stands out at this time.

  Francis Marion Ranger District –  On the coast of South Carolina has no impact fall colors.  

Land Between The Lakes

10/11/2011

Color or Expectation:

The fall colors are still beautiful here at Land Between The Lakes in western Kentucky!  Pretty much all the trees have turned now, including the oaks.  The orange sugar maples, golden hickories, red and orange oaks, and red dogwoods and sumacs are still adorning the woods and the roadsides.  The colors are especially striking at sunrise and sunset, when the sun's rays make all the colors glow.

10/31/2011

The Trace, Silver Trail Road, Mulberry Flat Road, Ginger Bay Road, Rd. 165, and Ft. Henry Road

Now

Mid 50’s to 60’s daytime
Mid 30’s to 40’s nighttime

The Hematite Trail is beautiful right now, with the tree colors reflecting off the lake water.  There are also a variety of waterfowl such as grebes, teal, geese, and ducks hanging out on the water there.  For a scenic drive, there are so many roads to choose from -- just stop in at the visitor center for a map and explore!  If you are near the shoreline, keep an eye out for bald eagles -- we have had quite a few reports of visitors seeing them this week.  This weekend's weather sounds perfect for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or going for a scenic drive.  With 170,000 acres of land, Land Between The Lakes has plenty of space to explore. Come on out and enjoy what will probably be the last few days of beautiful fall colors!

National Forests in Mississippi

National Forest in North Carolina

Remember to wear blaze orange as hunting seasons approach. For added safety: dress your dogs in orange as well.

Ouachita National Forests (Arkansas)

10/27/2011

Peak color season is passing fast! Bright colors starting to
fade; being replacaed by subdued, darker shades.

11/9/2011

US 259, US 270, OK 1.
Hwy. 23 south from US Hwy 71.
Highway 28 west of Waldron
Hwy. 8; Hwy 375 East; and Talimena Scenic Drive (Hwy. 88)
Mena area reporting great color in the valleys.

Right now. Still excellent viewing in some areas

40s and 50s at night, 60s to mid-70s during the day.

Great colors. Storm with high winds later today may strip
much of the colorful leaves. See photos on following pages.

Ozark-St.Francis National Forests (Arkansas)

Early morning clouds at Rotary Ann Scenic
Overlook, Highway 7 North, Arkansas

10/29/2011

•  Hwy. 14 from Mtn. View to Buffalo River;
   Hwy. 5 North towards Mtn. Home;
   Hwy. 87 from Mtn. View to Hwy. 14;
   Hwy 9 south of Mtn. View to Clinton; Hwy. 14 from
  Mtn. View towards Batesville

Fall, 2010

Still looking good but definitely past the color peak.

Still some orange and yellow showing, with a little red.
Asters and goldenrod blooming. Purple beautybush berries
still on bushes. Still nice right now especially long-distance
views, but definitely on the downhill side.
See attached photos from past weeks and plan now to catch
those peak colors in 2012. Make a note

National Forests and Grasslands in Texas

:

Color or Expectation:

50-75 percent      11/15/2011

Davy Crockett NF – Highway 7, East or West and Highway 287 between Highway 7 South to Highway 94
Highway 357 South from Kennard to Apple Springs
Highway 7 to County Road 227 North to Highway 21
Angelina NF – Highway 69 South of Lufkin to the Neches River
Highway 147 from Zavalla to Highway 103 North of Broaddus
Highway 103 from Sam Rayburn East to Highway 147
FDR 303 South to Bouton Lake
Sam Rayburn Reservoir shoreline viewed from the Highway 147 bridge

East Texas has gotten some small amounts of rain recently and even received a light frost in some areas.  With the passage of three strong cold fronts, trees have started showing more color.  The Sweet gum, Black gum, Oak, Hickory, Sumac, Hackberry, Blackjack, Maple, Pecan and Persimmon trees are showing lots of red, orange, gold, purple and yellows.  Sam Rayburn Reservoir is 13.70 feet below normal and Toledo Bend Reservoir is 12.36 feet low.