AREA FALL COLORS

Current view from Look Rock Web Cam
Foothills Parkway, near the Tail of the Dragon, looking towards Clingmans Dome
--> Fall 2011 TOD Newsletter, October Specials on Accommodations, Special Events, Motorcycle Rentals, Etc.

Asheville Citizens Times, Sept 6, 2011:

Due to weather conditions over the spring and summer months, Kathy Mathews, Western Carolina University’s fall foliage forecaster, predicts an “excellent” fall color show.

“While heavy spring rain is generally not a good sign for fall color, records indicate that rainfall was slightly below normal for March, average for April and May, and slightly below normal for June and July, as gardeners struggled to keep their crops watered,” Mathews, WCU associate professor of biology specializing in plant systematics, said. “These conditions actually are promising for good development of leaf color in September and October.”

In addition, mid-August brought a break from the hot temperatures of June and July, another good sign of vibrant leaf color during autumn.

Mathews says that the formation of higher levels of yellow, orange, and red pigments in the leaves seems to correlate with dry weather throughout the year. She feels that the drier the climate, the more brilliant the fall leaves will be.

The wet spring and hot dry summer are gave the area foliage forecasters reason to predict a good fall color show in 2010.  The next big indicator is “pre-color” area temperature.  A good cool down in September will contribute to more vibrant fall colors. 

Peak colors typically occur during the last two weeks in October, but that is dependent upon fall temperatures and in particular, the first frost date.  The color change begins at higher elevations where you see the earliest changes in late September, and continue all the way into mid-November at the lower elevations.

The Sourwood and Dogwood trees are the first to turn red early in the season. Next are the Tulip Poplars which turn yellow, but then quickly turn brown.  Peak leaf season brings in the red, orange, and yellow of the Maples and the bright yellow of the Birches.  Oaks and Sweetgums finish up the season with purple, orange, and red.

The higher elevations such as the Cherohala Skyway, US 441 through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway will have the first colors. Take a jacket because temperatures can be 10 degrees colder at 5,000 feet. Remember that sightseeing will bring more traffic and it’s moving slower.

Falling leaves can be a problem in wet weather. Once the roads dry, the leaves usually clear fast. We have seen snow as early as Halloween but it doesn’t stick long. First snow in 2010 was November 7, and the year before the first snow was October 17, of course warmer temps followed.

Area Web Cams

October 22, 2011: Looking back towards snow covered Hooper Bald. Road was dry and lots of motorcycles enjoying the first snow of the season.

October 22, 2011: Near Hooper Bald, elevation 5000'.

October 22, 2011: Santeetlah, the highest point of the Cherohala Skyway. Temp was 40 degrees and snow on the ground.

October 22, 2011: Still pretty above 4000', but brilliant colors at higher elevations are finished.

October 22, 2011: Cherohala Skyway at 4000'', looking up at Spirit Ridge. Colors are finished above 4000 feet. Higher elevations were dusted with an inch of snow. Roads were clear and dry enough for motorcycles and bicycles.

October 22, 2011: Clear sky and lots of color remain at the lower elevations. Picture taken at mile 17, near the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina at elevation 2600'.

October 17, 2011: North Carolina Mile Marker 15.5 at Shute Cover overlook, 3550 feet. Thanks to the Forest Service for recently clearing out many of the trees blocking the scenic views. Still plenty of color below 4000 feet.

October 9, 2011: Cherohala Skyway just above Spirit Ridge, 5000'. Peak color are finished above 4000 feet.

October 17, 2011: Cherohala Skyway at 4000'', looking up at Spirit Ridge. Colors are finished above 4000 feet.

October 17, 2011: Hwy 28, on the bridger over Cheoah Lake near Fontana Dam. Lower elevations still have plenty of color appearing.

October 9, 2011: Cherohala Skyway at highest point, Santeetlah 5,390 feet. Colors are finished above 5000 feet.

October 9, 2011: Cherohala Skyway just above Spirit Ridge, 5000'. Peak color arrives at the higher elevations early.

October 9, 2011: Cherohala Skyway at 4000'', looking up at Spirit Ridge and peak colors.

October 9, 2011: Cherohala Skyway at Obadiah Overlook, North Carolina Mile Marker 14.

October 4, 2011: Cherohala Skyway at Big Juction, elevation 5240'

October 4, 2011: Cherohala Skyway just above Spirit Ridge, 5000'. The cooler temps over the past weekend have brought out the start of good colors.

October 4, 2011: Cherohala Skyway at just below Spirit Ridge, at 4500'

October 4, 2011: Cherohala Skyway at 4000'', looking up at Spirit Ridge


September 27, 2011: Cherohala Skyway at Big Juction, elevation 5240'.


September 27, 2011: Near 4000' elevation. Touches of color are appearing along the Skyway. Much colder weather is forecast for the last days of September and first days of October. An early frost speeds up the fall color display and warmer weather prolongs the show. We are expecting peak colors above 4000 feet during the second week in October.