Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina are blessed with many weeks of eye-catching Autumn color, drawing millions of sightseers down the Blue Ridge Parkway to marvel at the diverse hues.
Whether you are trekking along a mountain trail or driving down Scenic Highway 11, during the autumn months every mountain and foothill is sure to be wrapped in a blanket of color for you to enjoy. In fact, the Appalachian Mountains are one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world and are home to more specifies of trees in this one mountain chain than all of Europe combined! In fact, we have over 140 species of trees!
So when is the peak color? Well, nature has a way of creating a moving target with so many variables. Elevation is the biggest factor but you must consider how sunny it has been plus the temperature. Chilly yet sunny weather speeds up the color change where rain and warmer weather prolongs it.
Again, given how much can and will change, only giving broad generalizations for this upcoming leaf season but typically around the last week of this month there will be some color at 6,000 feet and above mountain areas, such as Rough Ridge or Graveyard Fields off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Once in October, the color begins to appear around the 5,000 feet elevation and moves toward the 4,000 feet mark in the second week. This includes areas such as Mount Pisgah and the Devil’s Courthouse.
The third and fourth weeks will envelope areas from 3,000 to 2,000 feet in elevation which means Table Rock should be experiencing the stunning leaves.
We revel in our surrounding beauty this time of year and take every opportunity for a day drive or a weekend hike. Fall festivals pop up almost every weekend and don’t forget about the numerous antique shops and artisan stores that beckon for a visit. No matter where you find yourself, we hope you have a wonderful Autumn season and enjoy the changing leaves!
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