Autumn is officially here — but fall colors, we're still looking for you.

If you've been on the lookout for red, yellow, and orange leaves in Chattanooga, you won't be waiting too much longer. According to Smoky Mountain's fall foliage predictions, leaves in the Hamilton County area are starting to lose their chlorophyll — the compound responsible for their green color. By the end of September, it shouldn't be too hard to spot some leaves transforming colors.

Here's an anticipated timeline of when Chattanoogans can expect to see the most colorful foliage:

Sept. 30 — expect minimal color changing
Oct. 14 — trees should be patchy with color
Oct. 21 — more color is anticipated, we're approaching peak foliage
Oct. 28 — peak foliage, this is the prime time for sightseeing
Nov. 4 — Chattanooga is past its peak, trees will become increasingly bare

Booker T. Washington State Park is swimming with natural beauty. | Photo via @rag02b

If you're planning to go leaf peeping, you still have time to plan your trip before the leaves fall. There are many places in the Chattanooga area that look just a little prettier decorated in fall colors.

The foliage tends to be on full display along the city's hiking trails. Snooper’s Rock Trail in Prentice Cooper State Forest or Edwards Point Trail at Signal Mountain have been noted for being particularly scenic. Local parks are also great areas to find foliage. You could immerse yourself in nature overlooking Chickamauga Lake at Booker T. Washington State Park or head to Coolidge Park for downtown views enhanced by colorful leaves.

Locals often use the foliage as an excuse to hit the road and check out scenic destinations near Chattanooga. Popular spots include Fall Creek Falls, where leaves will land in a waterfall, or Red Top Mountain State Park in Georgia.