It's officially fall and time to follow the progress of the incredible NC mountains leaf color. There are already noticeable changes in a variety of areas while green still dominates at 80% - 90%. in most lower elevations.
According to Howie Neufeld, Ph.D., Professor of Plant Physiology at Appalachian State University, "If I had to make a guess right now, I would predict a slightly earlier peak to the fall foliage colors this year in the mountains, with perhaps the weekend of October 7-9 being the peak in the Boone/Grandfather area, and maybe the next weekend further south around Asheville. In the Highlands/Cashiers area, you can often expect colors to peak at around the same time as in Boone, or just slightly afterwards. In the Smokies, colors will peak in early October at the higher elevations, and then work their way downslope, with a delay of about 5 days for every 1,000’ drop in elevation."
According to Howie Neufeld, Ph.D., Professor of Plant Physiology at Appalachian State University, "If I had to make a guess right now, I would predict a slightly earlier peak to the fall foliage colors this year in the mountains, with perhaps the weekend of October 7-9 being the peak in the Boone/Grandfather area, and maybe the next weekend further south around Asheville. In the Highlands/Cashiers area, you can often expect colors to peak at around the same time as in Boone, or just slightly afterwards. In the Smokies, colors will peak in early October at the higher elevations, and then work their way downslope, with a delay of about 5 days for every 1,000’ drop in elevation."
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| Newfound Gap Photo courtesy of NPS |
The official website for the Great Smoky Mountain National Park provides updates along with photos of the color progress in a variety of Park areas. " Fall Color Report, September 26, 2011 - There is just a hint of color in the earliest changing trees at this time. A few sourwoods, dogwoods, maples, and birches are showing a little color along roadways, but the mountains are still predominantly green at all elevations. Fall wildflowers such as cardinal flower, black-eyed Susan... read more...
The leaf reports will help you determine where to go in the NC Mountains whether you are already in the mountains or just planning your trip. Western North Carolina has one of the longest leaf seasons in the country thanks to varying elevations and climate conditions.
The leaf reports will help you determine where to go in the NC Mountains whether you are already in the mountains or just planning your trip. Western North Carolina has one of the longest leaf seasons in the country thanks to varying elevations and climate conditions.
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