Leaf Peeping 2017: N.C.’s Blue Ridge Mountains To Put On A Show This Year

North Carolina’s soggy summer is about to pay off with a gorgeous crayola box of autumn color in the Blue Ridge Mountains this fall, according to predictions. That means if you’re into leaf peeping, it’s not too early to start planning your trip to see the beautiful fall foliage. Colors are expected to start changing in mid September.

According to the Smoky Mountains National Park, trees in higher elevations will begin to change color the week after Labor Day -- Sept. 10-- with peak foliage emerging in the North Carolina mountains in late September.

Check out the Smoky Mountains 2017 Fall Foliage Prediction Map here.

The wet summer in the Carolinas will help this year’s fall foliage. According to AccuWeather, periods of drought can cause a tree to drop its leaves early and before they turn colors. “The best weather for brilliant fall foliage is a growing season with ample moisture followed by a dry, cool and sunny autumn with warm days and cool but frostless nights,” said AccuWeather writer Vickie Frantz.

According to Romantic Asheville, here is the week-by-week forecast for primo leaf peeping in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 2017:

• October 3-12: Highest elevations north of Asheville (above 5,000 feet) show the most color, especially in the Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens, Grandfather Mountain, Beech Mountain, Rough Ridge, Waterrock Knob and Graveyard Fields areas.
• October 10-20: Color will increase in elevations greater than 4,000 feet, including the areas near Mount Pisgah, Black Balsam and Devil's Courthouse southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It will also be peak color in the Cashiers area, including Whiteside Mountain with the Shadow of the Bear and plenty of waterfalls to enjoy, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• October 18-25: Many of the surrounding mountains around Asheville show plenty of color, especially in the 3,000-4,000 foot elevation range. Take the Parkway north or south from Asheville or drive the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. A great hike in Pisgah National Forest would be Looking Glass Rock or Cradle of Forestry. North of Asheville, head to Banner Elk and Linville Gorge, with hikes to the top of Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain. West of Asheville, Bryson City and Fontana Lake areas will peak.
• October 22-30: The city of Asheville (2,000 feet elevation) shows the brightest colors, including Biltmore Estate, along with areas around Sylva and Saluda. This is the perfect time for a waterfall hike in DuPont State Forest or a leisurely walk at the NC Arboretum.
• October 27-November 5: The color show fills the Hickory Nut Gorge at Chimney Rock (elevation of 1,300 feet). Take a boat tour on Lake Lure. Also explore Lake James and South Mountains State Parks.
• November 1-8: The foothills around Rutherfordton and the Tryon Foothills Wine Country will conclude the color show.

Here are Romantic Asheville’s Autumn Leaf Viewing Tips:

• Make your room reservations early. Many times, weekends are booked at B&Bs, cabins and hotels well in advance.
• To avoid the biggest crowds and to save more on lodging, stay Sunday through Thursday nights. Saturdays during October are super busy at attractions such as Biltmore Estate, and highways and country roads will be busier as well
• If you are getting outdoors in our national parks and forests, do your research first. Frequently, you will not have cell or Internet service on the hiking trails or at waterfalls.
• With the varying elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this is the quickest way to find the best areas for color. The elevation of the Parkway around the city of Asheville is approximately 2,200 feet, and it rises to 5,000+ feet as you drive north or south. The color show starts at the highest elevations in early October and progresses downward. When you find a particular area of brilliant foliage, take a hike along a trial or a detour on one of the intersecting roads. Be patient and expect slow traffic, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. Parking at overlooks can be difficult.
• If you encounter fog (low clouds) on the Blue Ridge Parkway, don't despair. The weather can change rapidly. It could be very sunny around the next bend or in a few minutes. Fog is most frequent in the mornings, and it can create interesting photo opportunities. The Parkway has more fog than other scenic drives in the mountains since it follows the high ridges.
• Enhance fall colors by wearing polarized sunglasses.
• Take a picnic or snacks, especially if you are driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is only one restaurant along the Parkway near Asheville. To find a restaurant, exit the Parkway near a town.
• Fill up the gas tank before taking a scenic drive out of the city. Gas stations are sparse in remote areas and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Don't rely 100% on your GPS to navigate our mountain roads. That's a good way to get lost. Take a map along also.
• Bring a sweater or jacket. While it might be 70 and sunny in Asheville, it may be 20 degrees cooler at the higher elevations. In mid to late October, snow or ice is possible at the higher elevations. Road closures and conditions on the Blue Ridge Parkway, along with weather reports, are available by calling the Parkway information line at (828) 298-0398.
• Take your camera. The warm light of the early morning or late afternoon can create especially dramatic images. Rainy days often provide the most striking photos of the landscape!
• Bring binoculars for bird watching.

Photo via Pixabay

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