North Georgia mountains hitting peak leaf season

Driving the news: The northwest corner of the state that's home to Fort Mountain State Park is hitting peak leaf season, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission's Leaf Watch report released Wednesday.

Zoom in: Oaks are currently showing off colors ranging from orange, bronze and red, according to the commission's report.

• Hickories are hanging on to their leaves, punctuating forests with yellow.

Yes, and: Northeast Georgia just reached the peak of the color intensity. Prime leaf-watching opportunities in areas like Amicalola Falls State Park winding-down for the season.

The intrigue: Lack of rain in northwest and north central Georgia over the past month has affected color intensity or contributed to trees shedding leaves earlier in the season.

• Plus, leaves look a little crispy compared to wetter autumns.

Pro tip: The higher the elevation, the more likely leaves have fallen from trees, so you can find stellar specimens around cities and towns.

• You don't have to hike to enjoy the view. The commission's weekly report includes a round-up of great routes to see the colors by car. See their recommendations.

💭 Thomas' thought bubble: I was in Murphy, N.C. last week and will be in and around Big Canoe this weekend.

• I will mail a handful of North Georgia leaves to the reader who can send the best fall-related pun.