Discovering Fall Foliage: the South

“Fall is a Southerner’s reward for having survived summer.”

~ James Bishop

When you think of fall in the south, you’re more likely to think of the crack of football helmets than spectacular fall color. While the region doesn’t have nearly the reputation for color as places like New England, there are still plenty of autumnal hues to go around.

The South is a big place, and it’s not all flatlands dotted with cottonwood trees or subtropical resorts and palm trees. There are plenty of hills and mountains that burn with fiery fall color, such as the Great Smokey Mountains National Park that straddles North Carolina and Tennessee. 

The weather is typically more stable than it is on the coast, meaning you have more days to take in all those lovely vistas. As you might expect the color season runs a little later than it does up north, stretching well into November. In fact, it’s not unheard of in some places to be eating Thanksgiving dinner with the fall leaves still on the trees.

Probably the most colorful tree that’s unique to the southern regions of the U.S. is the gum tree. It comes in several varieties including Black Gum and Sweet Gum. These trees have some of the most breathtaking falls colors-- a multi-colored cornucopia of red, purple and yellow than will give any maple tree a run for its money. Parts of the south are also home to golden hickories and scarlet oaks to name just a few. If you’re planning on making the trek, here is a great state-by-state guide to start on. 

The southern U.S. offers plenty of amenities for fall color enthusiasts. There are historical treasure troves, mountains to climb, beaches to explore and yes-- plenty of fall color.