When fall arrives, Alabama gets covered with beautiful, colorful foliage. Multiple parks around the state burst with shades of red, yellow, and gold. Red maples, scarlet dogwoods, yellow poplars, and hickories—Alabama has it all! Southern Appalachian landscapes of North and Central Alabama offer the best leaf-peeping experience in the estate. Whether you pick a relaxing car ride or a challenging hike, autumn in Alabama won't leave you disappointed.
The best time to see fall foliage
Fall foliage season starts at higher elevations in North Alabama at the beginning of October and slowly moves South. On average, the peak season in the state is from late October to early November. During that period, days remain sunny but also chilly and breezy. The air temperature ranges between 80 °F (27 °C) and 40°F (4 °C).
Scenic Drives
A drive along the I-59 road is an excellent introduction to the charm of autumnal Alabama. It gets especially spectacular on the segment between Argo and St. Clair Springs. Another scenic route is John Findley Drive, which runs for seven miles. Along the way, you will witness beautiful chestnuts and oaks changing their palette.
Fall Foliage in North Alabama
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River Canyon National Preserve is a scenic destination located on top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama, and DeSoto State Park. The park boasts beautiful waterfalls, stunning overlooks, miles of wooded trails, and cozy picnic areas. The most photographed locations in the park include its three major waterfalls: DeSoto Falls, Little River Falls, and the seasonal Grace's High Falls, which is the highest waterfall in the state at 133 feet (41 m).
Blount County Covered Bridges
Blount County boasts three of 13 Alabama’s covered bridges. Easley, Horton Mill, and Swann covered bridges in Oneonta are among the best spots for fall-time photography. Other beautiful areas near Oneonta include Mardis Mills Falls, Palisades Park, and Rickwood Caverns State Park, located off Interstate 65 in Warrior, north of Birmingham
Monte Sano Park
Monte Sano Park occupies around 2,140 acres and has over 34 miles of biking and hiking trails. The real gem of the park is O’Shaughnessy Point, which provides a view like a patchwork quilt of color.
Fall Foliage in Central Alabama
Oak Mountain State Park
Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park and one of the most loved and popular among hiking fans. Located atop Double Oak Mountain, the park boasts quite a few scenic spots, such as Peavine Overlook and Peavine Falls. Its breathtaking vistas are the ideal background for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, golf, or fishing. Some of the most popular Trails in the Park include the Red Trail, The Treetop Nature Trail, and the Lake Trail.
Cheaha State Park
Cheaha State Park is known for being Alabama's highest point and also for its tranquil lakes and waterfalls surrounded by fall trees. Take a ride on Talladega Scenic Drive (Alabama Highway 281) to soak in all the beautiful fall colors. Stop by Rock Garden Outlook towering over the scenic Talladega National Forest or head to Lake Cheaha for a scenic boat trip. If you choose this park for your leaf-peeping excursion, Alabama can surely surprise you with its colorful fall!
Practical info
When can visitors view the red, yellow, and gold leaves on trees in Alabama?
The fall foliage reaches its peak colors in Alabama from late October to early November. During this time, temperatures range between 80°F and 40°F, and the days remain sunny but chilly and breezy too. The many trees around the state, including red maples, scarlet dogwoods, yellow poplars, and hickories, change their leaf colors to different shades of red, yellow, and gold, providing a beautiful spectacle perfect for visitors to view in the parks around the state. Show more
What are the trees that contribute to fall foliage's vibrancy in Alabama?
The autumnal colors of Alabama owe much to the trees that line its parks; amongst them are scarlet dogwoods, yellow poplars, hickories, and red maples. These trees in the parks around the state light up in the autumn with their breathtaking foliage, with their red, yellow, and gold leaves providing a vibrant backdrop that makes Alabama a unique and unforgettable place to visit during fall’s peak season. Show more
What is the name of Alabama's seven-mile scenic route that visitors can enjoy autumn colors on?
John Findley Drive runs seven miles long in the state of Alabama and is an excellent way to take in the fall colors. Lined with chestnuts and oak trees dotted with their colorful foliage, visitors will experience a peaceful atmosphere while admiring the natural surroundings on this winding road. Driving on this scenic route will make an indelible impression on anyone, and visitors to Alabama must check it out. Show more
