Autumn in Alabama features welcome cool days interrupted by the occasional 90 degree day. But with the shorter days comes weekends spent with friends and football, outdoor activities, and watching the colorful landscape transformation.

Peak Color Timing

• North Alabama & Lookout Mountain Parkway: Tree colors tend to start in the Northeastern counties around mid-to-late October. Schedule a hike or drive in the Little River Canyon or around the Talladega National Forest and Mount Cheaha .
• Central Alabama & Oak Mountain: Late October into early November should be colorful viewing from the trails and overlook at Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, or the Rickwood Caverns trail. Oak Mountain viewing may be hindered by the forest fire damage that started late September.

Upcoming Seasonal Festivals

• **Mentone Fall Festival**: Arts, live bluegrass, and seasonal treats atop Lookout Mountain on October 17th.
• National Shrimp Festival (Gulf Shores): If you’d rather see palm trees than colored leaves, head down to the Gulf Coast for four days of seafood, arts, and music from October 8-11.

Stay tuned for more seasonal updates and day trip route recommendations as fall colors develop!