Fall Leaf Color Continues in Lower Elevations

Nov 2 Color Update:  In the High Country of Boone, Blowing Rock and Jefferson, most of the leaves have fallen off. Some red maples are still turning brilliant red, but they are mostly restricted to urban trees.

In the foothills around Kerr Scott Lake outside of Wilkesboro, the colors should still be pretty this coming week. The Pisgah National Forest in this area has some good color that should hold up for the beginning part of the week. A lot of oaks, hickories, sourwoods, some maples and sassafras are showing nicely. For long-range views, the Blue Ridge Parkway still can’t be beat; look for the colors at lower elevations and not along the roadway itself.

Down toward Asheville, colors are also past their peak at the high elevations on the Parkway, but in the metro area, there is still plenty of color - mostly yellows with a smattering of reds from oaks reaching their peak this week. So, if you still haven’t made it to the mountains, plan to travel now. The same can be said further south toward Brevard, and  the maples and oaks are still making a good color show along the roads.


Farther south towards Cullowhee and Highlands, the situation is also very similar. At the higher elevations, the trees have passed their peak, while at lower elevations there is still some color, with the oaks contributing more this week, and the maples fading.

Great Smoky Mountains Leaf Color Report:  Colors are past peak at mid to high elevation areas of the park and most trees have dropped their leaves. At low elevation, many areas are past peak, however there are still areas of color to be found in the foothills.