Florida Fall Foliage 2024

Many people would say that there's no fall in Florida. And it is true if you think of South Florida, where a tropical climate prevails. However, if you go to North Florida, there are several places where you can witness some beautiful fall foliage. Besides, fall is usually a warm and pleasant time in Florida, ideal for hiking, camping, biking, and other outdoor activities. So the state can offer a decent leaf peeping experience as well as plenty of fun things to do.

When do the leaves change their colors in Florida?

The leaves start to turn in Florida a bit later than in colder states, around late October or early November. Peak fall colors can be viewed in mid-to-late November. Sometimes, this beautiful season stretches into December.

Best places to see fall foliage near Tallahassee

North-western Florida, known as the Panhandle, is especially famous for its fall foliage. That includes Washington County and the area of Tallahassee, the state capital.

Torreya State Park is known as the premier fall foliage destination in Florida. Due to picturesque bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River, the park looks very impressive, especially when all the trees on the slopes start to change colors. The park has maples, sourwood, and sweetgum trees. But it's most famous for a rare species of Torreya tree that grows only on the bluffs along the Apalachicola River. Fall foliage season in the park begins in late October. The entrance fee is $3 per vehicle. Three Rivers State Park is located on the border between Florida and Georgia. It has a lot of pines and deciduous trees that turn colors beautifully. The area where the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers converge and form Lake Seminole looks especially stunning in the fall. The entrance fee is $3 per vehicle. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is another good spot to see fall foliage in northwestern Florida. The park boasts three nature trail systems, winding through pine forests, wetlands, and hardwood hammocks. The park has plenty of maples as well as the state's deepest freshwater springs. The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle. Suwannee River Park, located in Live Oak, spans 1,800 acres and is open year-round. It features sinks, streams, springs, and limestone outcroppings, along with historic Civil War-era constructions along the riverbank. Flying Eagle Preserve, situated in Inverness, covers 10,950 acres of forest and wetland. Positioned on the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes and bordered by the Withlacoochee River, it offers a diverse landscape of small lakes, marshes, swamps, and forested islands, ideal for exploration and wildlife observation.

Best places to see fall foliage near Pensacola

Roughly halfway through between Tallahassee and Pensacola, Falling Waters State Park boasts Florida's highest waterfall and the iconic Falling Waters Sink, a 100 ft (30 m) deep and 20 ft (6 m) wide sinkhole. Giant trees and fern-covered sinkholes along the hiking trails lure visitors year-round, but visiting the park when trees expose fall colors is one of the best experiences in this hilly area. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. Just a 40-minute drive from Pensacola, Blackwater River State Forest puts on a fall color display: sweet gums, red maple, high bush cranberry, and hickory add some hues to the Northern Florida landscape. You can explore the hidden areas of Blackwater River State Park on a kayak or a canoe. The forested areas also offer lots of camping and hiking opportunities throughout the season. The entrance fee is $2 per day.

Botanical Gardens

Florida offers a diverse selection of botanical gardens and arboretums, each offering a unique view of fall foliage. One standout is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, renowned for its tropical plant collection. During the fall, visitors can experience a striking contrast between the lush tropical plants and the vibrant colors of deciduous trees. Another notable destination is the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, known for housing Florida's largest public display of bamboo. In autumn, the gardens' meadows transform with golden hues, creating a picturesque seasonal landscape.

Scenic Drives

Just one hour from Jacksonville lies Lake City in Columbia County. Driving along I-10, you'll notice clusters of autumn foliage dotting the interstate. For a more immersive experience, continue through the rural areas of Lake City up to Ocala, where you'll be pleasantly surprised by the scenery. Capture some photos along the way to impress friends up north with Florida's unexpected fall colors. Another scenic route is the drive along I-75 from Tampa north to Lake City. This route traverses Florida's hillier region and showcases a variety of trees displaying vibrant colors, offering a unique fall foliage experience, especially notable in Florida's subtropical climate.