While Alabama may be best known for its evergreen longleaf pines (the official state tree), we have a host of hardwoods that put on a spectacular show every autumn. Fall in Alabama brings blazing red maples, glimmering gold and amber cottonwoods and elms, blood-orange hornbeams, mustard river birches, and too many more to list. And then there are the sweetgums that display everything from purple and red to yellow and orange – sometimes all at once. 

I will always love seeing changing leaves because of a thought passed on by my mother, who said fall is her favorite season simply because it’s when trees do a gracefully beautiful job of reminding us that change is necessary for the cycle of life. Considering our state is almost 70 percent forest land, we’re wise to listen when they speak.

So, when do leaves change in Alabama? Generally, it’s from mid-October through November’s first week or two. Luckily, you can watch fall color’s progression with this fall foliage prediction map courtesy of the Smoky Mountains organization.

The Appalachian Mountains begin in Alabama's northern and central regions, and you’ll see some of our best fall foliage displays there. In the northwest, a few best places to visit include Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve in Tuscumbia, Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, and Bankhead National Forest in Double Springs.
Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville as an example for people curious when do leaves change color in Alabama 2023.
Joe Wheeler State Park, 4403 McLean Dr, Rogersville, AL 35652, USA
Amanda Harper/Google Reviews
To the far northeast, the unincorporated community of Estillfork offers the popular Walls of Jericho Trail and the new Graham Farm & Nature Preserve. Also in the northeast region are Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Lake Guntersville State Park, and Brow Park in Mentone.
Monte Sano State Park, 5105 SE Nolen Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
Scott Seeley/Google Reviews

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Moving southward from Mentone, you’ll land in the painted landscapes of DeSoto Falls, DeSoto State Park, and Little River Canyon National Preserve.
Little River Canyon National Preserve, 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA
Deb 1211/Google Reviews
A couple of tips on two of the locations included: Get trail details about the Walls of Jericho Trail and learn more about Graham Farm & Nature Preserve.
Moving into the central part of the state, favorite spots for fall foliage include Palisades Park in Oneonta, Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, and east of Talladega, Cheaha State Park and Talladega National Forest.
Cheaha State Park, 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USA
Jacob Kitson/Google Reviews
Further south, excellent places for catching fall colors include Tuskegee National Forest in Tuskegee and Chewacla State Park in Auburn. Alabama's southernmost national forest is Conecuh National Forest, located along the border with Florida.
Chewacla State Park, 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830, USA
Jessica Nadu/Google Reviews

For the best bird’s eye views of fall color, check out our roundup of the best overlooks in Alabama. Some are within the parks noted here, and you’ll discover a few more. Let us know your favorite places for watching the leaves change in Alabama.

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