Leaf Watch 2016: A special FOX 5 Storm Team report

ATALNTA - It is getting to be that time of year again where people venture to north Georgia to see the leaves change.

“Getting out and being out in the wilderness, being able to go up mountains, down mountains, up mountains and down mountains... Being able to do that day in and day out and just conquer it.”

Matt and Melina Schrader are five days into a weeklong hike along the Appalachain Trail. They came for the challenge and the views.

“From some of the balds up here, you can look and see some of the leaves changing, the reds and oranges. It's definitely pretty and definitely feels like fall."

There are some good spots, but most years, they should see more colors.

Abnormally warm temperatures and drought threaten the vibrance of this year's leaf season.

Normally we would be seeing a bit more color than we are today. We still see the beginning process over the next week. We will keep anticipated in the next couple weeks, the 2nd and 3rd week of October we will know what drought impact is has had on us.

Yes, we've gotten off to a slow start this season, but with some cold nights in the forecast and some bright sunny days before you know it we are going to see a whole lot more leaves that look just like this.

You never know when you're going to come around a curve and there is that maple that just defied the odds beats the others and makes you say wow.

So when should you plan your leaf watching trip? We have partnered with Georgia Forestry to provide updates on when the best time to go up is. We will have those here and on our social media outlets each Thursday all season.