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Fall Photo Guide

Brasstown Bald Observation Deck

Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia · 4,784 ft

Bare <20% Typical peak was 16 days ago

Typical peak

Oct 12 – Oct 20

moderate confidence in typical timing.

Best light

Works at both ends of the day

Georgia's highest summit carries a 360-degree observation deck above the surrounding ridges, so color reads as receding layers rather than one hillside. Peak arrives here a week or two ahead of the valleys below.

Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .

Crowds

high

Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.

Coordinates

34.8742, -83.8107

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Getting there

Park at the fee lot at the end of GA 180 Spur off GA 180 near Jacks Gap, then walk the paved 0.6-mile grade or ride the shuttle to the deck.

What turns here

  • red maple
  • northern red oak
  • sourwood
  • yellow birch

Color progression

Typical peak Oct 16

Typical color progression for Brasstown Bald Observation Deck. No change from Sep 8 to Sep 25. First color from Sep 25 to Oct 4. Approaching peak from Oct 4 to Oct 12. Peak from Oct 12 to Oct 20. Past peak from Oct 20 to Oct 30. Bare from Oct 30 to Nov 13.

typical peak Nov 1, 2026

Brasstown Bald Observation Deck is typically at bare on Nov 1, 2026.

This season so far

Reported peak

None yet

Seen peak color here? Add a report.

First frost

Oct 18

2 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.

Last 14 days

61°F / 38°F

Average daily high and low.

Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.

Plan the light

Brasstown Bald Observation Deck on October 16, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.

Solar event times for Brasstown Bald Observation Deck on October 16, 2026
EventTime
First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon 7:16 AM
Sunrise Rises E · 100° 7:41 AM
Morning golden hour ends 34 min of low, warm light 8:16 AM
Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light 1:20 PM
Evening golden hour starts 34 min before sunset 6:25 PM
Sunset Sets W · 260° 6:59 PM
Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon 7:25 PM

Times in America/New York · day length 11h 18m · computed from NOAA solar equations.

Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.

Which way to point the camera

Sun rises E, sets W.

Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.

Shooting conditions

Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.

Loading conditions…

Recent reports

What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.

Nearby locations

Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.