Southern Byways

Clean, crisp cool air; roadside farmer’s markets stocked with pumpkins, apple, and hot cider – all surrounded by deep vibrant red, yellow and orange colors. The scene is set for fall. Time for harvest moons, arts and crafts festivals, and fall foliage.

Wait a minute – fall foliage in the South? You mean leaves change colors in the region, and there are actual trees?

Okay, so the South isn’t known for fall foliage like New England is, but the region doesn’t disappoint if you are looking for some places to see an array of colors.

Where (and When) to Go 

In Arkansas, some of the best places to see the falls colors include the Ozark Mountains and Ouachita National Forest. The best times for optimal views would be mid-October, which is the peak time for the Ozark Mountains, and around early November for peak in the Ouachita National Forest.

If you are heading to Alabama to see foliage, your best bet is around late October to early November, which is typically the peak time for the state. Some of the best places to see the various hues are Lake Guntersville State Park, Cheaha State Park and DeSoto State Park.

In Georgia, colors tend to peak in late October. The best place to view what the state has to offer is in the North Georgia mountains , although color changes are visible in Middle and South Georgia as well. Yet, there’s something about mountains and the fall that seem to go together. Some of the top places in north Georgia include Fort Mountain State Park, Tallulah Gorge and Vogel State Park.

While in Tennessee, you can take an excursion or a do- it- yourself scenic drive to view the colors of the state. If you opt for the later, some places that offer the best views are the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Natchez Trace Parkway and Tellico River.

In Kentucky, the colors peak around mid to late October. Some of the top viewing places include Mammoth Cave National Park and Jenny Wiley State Park.

Don’t forget about North Carolina when you are searching to view some of the South’s colors. You can find all types of scenic drives in the Asheville area. Don’t forget about the Piedmont area, with such places like Pittsboro; or Boone, located in the mountains.

There are a number of foliage scenic drives through Virginia. Two of the more popular ones happen to be Skyline Drive (Shenandoah Valley), and George Washington Memorial Parkway. If you want to spend a more time in the state, consider one of the many fall getaways.

The colors come out in West Virginia, and like the other states, different areas peak at different times. Currently, leaves are changing in places like the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. The rest of the state’s foliage falls in line starting around early October.

Maryland’s peak color times are in October and November, depending on what part of the state you happen to be visiting. Some of the places to visit for an eyeful of fall colors are Sugarloaf Mountain and Seneca State Park.

Two Places that Might Surprise You with Their Fall Colors

The stars aren’t the only things that shine bright in Texas. Yes, the Lone Star state has trees and they change colors. Some of the places to see the foliage include East Texas fall foliage trail and throughout the state parks, such as Lost Maple Natural Area.

In South Carolina, you can find some fall hues for your viewing pleasure at such places as Jones Gap State Park and Caesars Head State Park.

Things to Remember

There are a number of options in South to view the fall foliage, and hopefully what’s mentioned above is a good starting point for you.

Whether you choose a state park or a drive, here are some tips to help you experience the most out of the excursion.

• Pick your driving routes ahead of time to ensure the most visibility.  It can get very frustrating driving around in circles and not finding what you are looking for. Remember to drive carefully – some of the roads are two-lane and traffic can be heavy and slow at times. Obey the speed limit.

• Try viewing the foliage early in the morning and then again later in the evening.  The difference in the shadows that are cast can really be amazing.

• While I do mention peak times, don’t worry yourself about waiting until then. Those in the know say that peak is a matter of opinion, and it can vary greatly in areas due to the environment.

• Fall foliage season goes beyond simply staring at leaves from the roadside. Get out and experience it by walking through the woods and enjoying the autumn breezes. You can’t beat the smell in the air or the autumn sun. Plan a walk, hike or bike amid the vibrantly colored leaves. Try something different; consider viewing foliage from a nearby lake, by taking a pontoon boat ride, canoe or kayak trip.

• Make a weekend out of it. Many of the drives and views are located in or around small, quaint southern towns.

• Other sites to bookmark to keep up with the latest on fall foliage include Weather Channel, The Foliage Network and US Forest Service.

photo credits: first page (top) Fall Colors on Ridge (Virginia), flickr, creative commons by tommaync; (top left) Fall Colors (Arkansas), flickr, creative commons by dbarronoss; (top right) Mirror on Fall (Fall in North Georgia), flickr, creative commons by Vicki and Chuck Rogers: (mid left) Fall in the Smokies, flickr, creative commons lndhslf72; (bottom left) Autumnal Leaves, flickr, creative commons by Jason Means: second page (top left) Golden Canopy, flickr, creative commons by jmtimages; (bottom left) IMG_0780, flickr, creative commons by renaphoto

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