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. 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. 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
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. 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. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is another good spot to see fall foliage in north-western Florida. The park boasts three nature trail systems, winding through pine forests, wetlands, and hardwood hammock. The park has plenty of maples as well as the state’s deepest freshwater springs.
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. 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.
Practical info
What are some outdoor activities to enjoy in Florida during fall?
Florida's fall months are usually warm and pleasant, and visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and biking. There are several parks boasting fall foliage displays in subtropical Northern Florida. Visitors can also explore hidden areas in the state's many parks via kayaking or canoeing. Show more
When can visitors witness fall foliage in Florida?
Florida's fall foliage season generally kicks off in late October, with peak colors visible from mid- to late November. Warmer temperatures in the state cause leaves to turn later than they do in colder states, with some areas experiencing fall colors through December. Visitors to Florida in the fall can enjoy both pleasant weather and beautiful autumn foliage. Show more
Which Florida State Park is known for its fall foliage displays?
Located in northwestern Florida, Torreya State Park is known for its gorgeous fall foliage. The park offers stunning views of trees along the river, providing picturesque backdrops for the changing leaves. Some trees found in the park include sourwood, sweetgum, and maples, with visitors able to see the park's namesake torreya trees, which only grow along the Apalachicola River on park bluffs. Show more
Where can visitors explore Florida's highest waterfall and the Falling Waters Sink?
Falling Waters State Park, located between Tallahassee and Pensacola, is Florida's spot for its highest waterfall and the Falling Waters Sink. The park's hiking trails meander through giant trees and fern-covered sinkholes dotting the landscape, creating a year-round scenic hike. The autumn season adds a plethora of vibrant hues to the park's hilly terrain, making it even more beautiful. Visitors can camp and hike throughout the season. Show more
Which deciduous trees make Blackwater River State Forest beautiful during fall?
Blackwater River State Forest, just a 40-minute drive from Pensacola, offers an impressive fall color display. Red maples, sweet gums, high bush cranberries, and hickories are among the deciduous trees that provide Northern Florida's landscape with vibrant hues. Visitors can experience the forest's hidden spaces via kayaking and canoeing or take part in hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities available throughout the park. Show more
