Wednesday, October 5, 2011

NC Mountains Fall Color Leaf Report: 10-5-11

Photo by H.M.Davis on 10-2-11
Fall color throughout the mountains, from the High Country to the Smokies is showing good clusters of color above 4000 feet in elevation. Winds speeds were higher than usual  on the mountain tops, but not enough to loosen the leaves this early in the season. Cool temperatures and strong sunlight help to promote strong color quickly. This week saw the cooler temperature, but the clouds moved in so color change in the lower elevations slowed. With more sunshine through this week color should develop more rapidly.
Photo by M.M.Davis on 10-4-11

Want to see color NOW? Head for  the Parkway. regardless of which milepost you begin, within a few minutes and a couple 1000 feet change in elevation, you find the colors you seek. According to Howie Neufeld, Ph.D., Professor of Plant Physiology at Appalachian State University, "this coming weekend should be the front end of the fall foliage peak, at least at 3,000’ and higher, while the next weekend will encompass areas slightly lower down. For some good drives, I recommend the Blue Ridge Parkway, Rt. 194 north in Watauga County, and of course, the turn off at Meat Camp to Elk Knob State Park, with its 360o views at the top of its 5,000’ summit. Further south, the drive to Mt. Mitchell State Park is spectacular, as is a drive through the Pisgah Forest just west of Brevard to the Cradle of Forestry". Folow Dr. Neufeld's facebook page here.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your camera and and head for the hills and the magic that is fall in the North Carolina Mountains...

Need lodging? - there's still lots of availability in all areas of the mountains. CLICK HERE for lodging links and vacation guides for more than 50 NC Mountain cities.

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