6 Places You Can See Amazing Fall Foliage in Florida… Yes, Florida!

Who says you can’t see fall colors in Florida? Although the state isn’t known for producing golden and bright red leaves during autumn, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. You just need to know when and where to look. Follow along to discover the 6 best places you can see amazing fall foliage in Florida.

Do Leaves Change Color in Florida?

Before we dive into the best places to see colorful leaves in Florida, let’s learn when they change color. Fall foliage generally starts late in Florida. The leaves start to change in mid to late October, sometimes as late as early November. These color-changing leaves though are more common in northern Florida, close to the Florida-Georgia line. However, throughout the state, it’s not uncommon to see a few crape myrtles and Florida maples change color, next to dark green trees.

The 6 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Florida

If you’re in Florida during the end of October and through November, you’re just in luck! This is when the leaves start to change and you can see these colorful changes in the following six places.

1. Torreya State Park

The first spot on our list to see fall foliage in Florida is possibly the best place, the Torreya State Park. Torreya State Park is thirteen miles north of Bristol. This state park is very close to Georgia and Alabama. The surface area of Torreya State Park is 13,735 acres. Your best chance of seeing color-changing leaves is by hiking and exploring the park. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching are other popular activities. While hiking, you may spot flora and fauna like the Croomia pauciflora, Florida nutmeg, longleaf pine, bobcat, American alligator, and Apalachicola dusky salamander.

2. Three Rivers State Park

Another incredible place to experience fall foliage in the Sunshine State is the Three Rivers State Park. This gorgeous state park is filled with stunning views of rivers, wildlife, and lush trees. It isn’t uncommon to see gray foxes, whitetail deer, and gopher tortoises when exploring. Not only can you see beautiful fall-colored leaves during October and November, but you can also do so while beating the heat. What else is there to do here other than hike? Visitors can also bike, birdwatch, camp, fish, paddle, and more.

3. Falling Waters State Park

Imagine witnessing a breathtaking waterfall, surrounded by colorful leaves and cool air. The best part about this scenario is you don’t have to leave the state of Florida to witness it. Third on our list is the Falling Waters State Park, home to the tallest waterfall in the state. Falling Waters State Park has a surface area of 171 acres. It’s a quiet and calm park in Washington County, also open for swimming, hiking, fishing, and camping.

4. Blackwater River State Forest

There is no more fitting place to see fall leaves than a forest. The fourth place on our list is the Blackwater River State Forest, one of the largest of its kind in the state. Blackwater River State Forest is open for day use and camping. For day use, visitors can enter from sunrise to sunset. This gorgeous state forest is in Florida’s panhandle near Milton. It’s a popular spot for birdwatching and is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

5. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Also in Florida is the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. This unique state park is home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. Not only are the springs massive, but also gorgeous, with sparkling sapphire water. Visitors won’t know where to look as the springs are surrounded by a wide and massive ancient cypress swamp. Humans have lived in the area as far as 12,000 years ago. Not only can you swim in the state park, but also hike, boat, and snorkel. If you’d like to learn more about this area, you can book a historic riverboat tour.

6. Suwannee River State Park

Another incredible state park known for its gorgeous fall foliage is the Suwannee River State Park near Live Oak. It’s known for its jaw-dropping scenery and outdoor activities. You can explore this lovely state park on foot on the many hiking trails or the water by canoeing. Camping is also available if one day isn’t enough to admire the park’s beauty. Birdwatchers love this park as it provides plenty of opportunities to spot red-shouldered hawks, swallows, woodpeckers, and barred owls. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Anne Coatesy/iStock via Getty Images