When do the leaves change in Alabama?

Alabama typically peaks Oct 24 – Nov 1, centered on Oct 28. Northeast corner peaks early November; the Gulf Coast effectively has no season. These are typical dates from a latitude and elevation model, not a live reading of this year's canopy.

Does elevation change when fall color peaks in Alabama?

Yes, by about 14 days. High ground around 4,000 ft peaks near Oct 20, while valleys near 0 ft wait until Nov 3. Peak moves roughly 3.5 days earlier for every 1,000 feet you climb, so if you miss it low you can often drive up and find it.

Where are the best places to see fall color in Alabama?

We track 2 verified locations in Alabama, including Bald Rock Overlook, Cheaha State Park, Little River Falls. Bald Rock Overlook, Cheaha State Park turns first, around Oct 28, and Little River Falls is last, around Oct 30. Each has real coordinates, elevation and sunrise light times.

What trees turn color in Alabama?

Mainly oak, hickory, sweetgum, red maple. Yellows and oranges come from carotenoids that are already in the leaf, so they show up every year. Reds are made fresh each autumn and need warm sunny days with cool, frost-free nights, which is why a dry summer or a warm September produces a duller year.

Alabama Fall Foliage 2026

No change 0–10% Peak in about 87 days

The state's only real foliage arrives in the northeast corner around Little River Canyon, where the southern tail of the Appalachians creates enough elevation for oak, hickory, sweetgum and red maple to turn. Peak timing runs from late October at higher elevations through early November in the valleys. The Gulf Coast and much of the state south of Birmingham see minimal fall color.

When Alabama peaks

Oct 24 – Nov 1

Centered on Oct 28. Northeast corner peaks early November; the Gulf Coast effectively has no season.

low confidence. Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.

Where peak usually lands. Drought or an early freeze moves it by a few days. Method

What turns here

oak
hickory
sweetgum
red maple

Yellows show up every year. Reds need sunny days and cool, frost-free nights. A bad year takes those first.

Color progression

Typical peak Oct 28

typical peak

Color starts around Oct 7.

Peak by elevation

14 days between the ridges and the valleys. County maps average this away, which is how you miss peak at the right place.

Elevation band	Approx. elevation	Typical peak	Today
High ridges & passes	4,000 ft	Oct 20	No change
Mid elevation	1,500 ft	Oct 28	No change
Valleys & lowlands	0 ft	Nov 3	No change

Foliage stages

No change 0–10%
First color 10–25%
Approaching peak 25–60%
Peak 60–90%
Past peak 40–70%, dropping
Bare <20%

Light at peak

Alabama on October 28, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.

Solar event times for Alabama on October 28
Event	Time
First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon	6:33 AM
Sunrise Rises ESE · 105°	6:59 AM
Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light	7:34 AM
Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light	12:26 PM
Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset	5:18 PM
Sunset Sets WSW · 254°	5:53 PM
Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon	6:19 PM

Times in America/Chicago · day length 10h 54m · computed from NOAA solar equations

Which way to point the camera

Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.

Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.

Location pages name the light directly.

Where to shoot in Alabama

2 researched locations, earliest peak first.

Recent reports from Alabama

Report what you saw

Common questions

When do the leaves change in Alabama?: Alabama typically peaks Oct 24 – Nov 1, centered on Oct 28. Northeast corner peaks early November; the Gulf Coast effectively has no season. These are typical dates from a latitude and elevation model, not a live reading of this year's canopy.
Does elevation change when fall color peaks in Alabama?: Yes, by about 14 days. High ground around 4,000 ft peaks near Oct 20, while valleys near 0 ft wait until Nov 3. Peak moves roughly 3.5 days earlier for every 1,000 feet you climb, so if you miss it low you can often drive up and find it.
Where are the best places to see fall color in Alabama?: We track 2 verified locations in Alabama, including Bald Rock Overlook, Cheaha State Park, Little River Falls. Bald Rock Overlook, Cheaha State Park turns first, around Oct 28, and Little River Falls is last, around Oct 30. Each has real coordinates, elevation and sunrise light times.
What trees turn color in Alabama?: Mainly oak, hickory, sweetgum, red maple. Yellows and oranges come from carotenoids that are already in the leaf, so they show up every year. Reds are made fresh each autumn and need warm sunny days with cool, frost-free nights, which is why a dry summer or a warm September produces a duller year.