Wondering when the color of fall leaves will peak in 2022 near near us and where best to see them?
David Angotti can tell you. He is a statistical expert and the co-founder of the site SmokyMountains.com. His love for weather, travel, technology, and the autumn season led him to begin developing a nationwide fall leaf map in 2013 after one Smoky Mountains visitor too many inquired with him when the leaves would be at their fall best.
What started as a fun side-project quickly became the most respected nationwide fall leaf map and one of the best fall resources in the country. Now, tens of millions of people use his map each year to plan everything from photography trips to weddings. But the most common users are simply people wondering when the leaves will peak near them, just like you're wondering when leaves will be at their best fall color in Dallas, Hiram and Acworth!
While not an exact science, the predictive map uses a complex algorithm that carefully analyzes several million data points and outputs approximately 50,000 predictive data pieces to determine when leaves will peak in each part of the country.
Check out the map below to see when the leaves will peak here or another part of the country. Simply move the slider along the bottom to see when leaves are expected to reach peak color in Dallas, Hiram and Acworth.
Where to go leaf peeping in North Georgia
While at Macaroni KID Dallas, Hiram and Acworth we don't use scientific data to determine the best place to go to see fall leaves, we think we have pretty good intel!
Here are my family's top five places nearby to go leaf-peeping:
 |
Cloudland Canyon
122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA 30738
I am from NW Georgia and always find my way back to this beautiful corner of the state during the Fall. Looking out over the valley is amazing - and the hike to the bottom or along the rim is always an adventure.
"Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon is one of the largest and most scenic parks in the state. Home to thousand-foot deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, wild caves, waterfalls, cascading creeks, dense woodland and abundant wildlife, the park offers ample outdoor recreation."
 |
Unicoi State Park
1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA 30545
Oh Helen, how we love you at Oktoberfest time! The Lodge is great for the kids, with tons of activities - and if you can sneak away to town, there's adult fun to be found at Oktoberfest too.
"Visitors to Unicoi State Park and Lodge have always enjoyed the expansiveness of the wilderness surrounding the Georgia state parks, from our hiking/biking trails and the ever-popular Unicoi Lake."
 |
Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
It's the most adorable town with so much to do! The train goes through, there's a park, shops, restaurants - and general family fun. Make sure to check out horseback riding opportunities too.
"Visit Mercier Orchards, largest orchard in the south, located on Highway 5 just outside Blue Ridge. Pick apples off the tree, buy fresh apple cider and the best fried apple pies – a true farm to table experience. Treat the family to a farm tractor tour and u-pick strawberries, blueberries and apples in season. The new tasting room features homemade hard cider from the freshest Mercier grown fruit. Also don't miss Cider House Orchards in McCaysville, an old fashioned apple orchard and fruit market with u-pick apples and more."
 |
See Rock City
1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
I've spent so many days at Rock City - and they're always amazing! From a child, to my time as the Chamber President for Walker County - Rock City provided fun for every season of my life. Not only can you see seven states, you can visit with Mother Goose, glow at Fairyland Caverns and enjoy the beauty of Chattanooga and beyond. Don't forget about Rocktoberfest, live German food, specialty beer, Birds of Prey shows, and fun for everyone.
"Rock City will amaze you...it's in our nature! Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views."
 |
Fort Mountain State Park
181 Fort Mountain Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705
Having friends in Ellijay, this is a great meeting spot! It's just up the mountain from them - and the views are stunning. Do you camp? It's a great spot to get away for a short weekend. Close, yet far enough to get away.
"A scenic drive on Hwy. 52 near the Cohutta Wilderness leads visitors to this mountain getaway. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders will find some of the most beautiful trails in Georgia, winding through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, crossing streams and circling a pretty lake. Hikers can also explore a stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and an ancient rock wall, which stands on the highest point of the mountain. The mysterious 855-foot-long wall is thought to have been built by early Indians as fortification against more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies."
