Beautiful Fall Color: What's Mother Nature's Secret Formula?

Will the leaves in the North Georgia Mountains put on a brilliant color show this year or drift to the ground in drab browns and grays?

With October just a few weeks away, the anticipation of fall's signature beauty has many people in Blue Ridge, Georgia eager to see vivid crimson, orange, and gold leaves against a crisp blue sky. And that anticipation is only heightened by the mystery of those changing leaves. Even as adults who've taken our share of biology and chemistry, we still wonder what makes one fall more spectacular than those of past years'.

Here in the North Georgia Mountains, you'll hear various theories about fall color. Some will say that drought creates a more beautiful fall, while others will say that little rain causes leaves to die before their colors have peaked. Some will suggest that frost stimulates color changes; others argue that cool, not cold, weather is best.

So what is the truth about weather's effect on fall color? Most scientific sources will tell you that there's a bit of truth in all of these theories. A summer drought like we've experienced in Blue Ridge this year can cause leaves to fall prematurely. However, a dry summer combined with a wet September is probably the best combination for brilliant fall color. As far as the need for cold weather, leaves respond best when nights are cool (below 45 F), and days are warm and sunny. Really, these conditions show why our color in the North Georgia Mountains can be so breathtaking, for bright days and cool nights characterize our typical autumn weather.

Truly, fall is the ideal time to vacation in the Blue Ridge area. In fact, the Chattahoochee Forest Website will update you on the leaves so that you can catch them at their peak. Also, our own website showcases several homes with long-range views, which allow you to see layers of mountains ablaze in fall color. Check it out to find your perfect fall getaway!