Fall foliage season is approaching in North Alabama

While we all know that technically, autumn has already started, folks here in Alabama do not really get to experience “fall” until closer to winter these days.

However, in North Alabama, the time of year when the leaves turn colors and the trees don their fall foliage is coming soon. And there are some spots that are already showing signs of fall:

The best time of year for fall foliage

If you’re hoping to catch the best views of fall foliage in Alabama, the week of Nov. 1 may be the perfect time for a road trip. That’s when fall foliage will be at or near peak throughout much of the state, according to the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Prediction Map (this is a great tool to determine when the leaves will change in your area, by the way).

Spots in North Alabama have already started showing signs of fall, especially in the northeast corner of the state — namely Fort Payne, Mentone and here in Madison County.

Dry weather may affect fall foliage

Leaves are likely to peak later than usual this year because of prolonged drought conditions across the country, and trees may shed their leaves before the full transformation from green to red to yellow. However, in North Alabama we tend to enjoy at least “some” color before the trees shed their leaves.

Here are some great spots in our neck of the woods to view some gorgeous fall colors:

• DeSoto State Park
• Guntersville State Park
• Jasper-Winfield-Hamilton-Florence
• Little River Canyon
• Noccalula Falls
• Monte Sano State Park
• Natchez Trace Parkway
• U.S. 72 near Muscle Shoals

Where are some places in Alabama where you like to see the leaves change? Let us know on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss announcements on what’s happening in and around Huntsville.