Even the leaves have felt the effects of Helene. Many of the trees at higher elevations lost their leaves due to the high winds. However, a bit of fall color is still developing here in the High Country. Some trees that were predominantly green have kept their leaves and may still display some vibrant fall colors, though seemingly a little late this year. We are seeing some rare pockets of color around Blowing Rock. Memorial Park has some flaming orange maple leaves on display, a walk beside Main Street across from Chetola is currently colorful, and a stroll around the pond in Broyhill Park is recommended!
We think that the best places to view leaves this fall season will be places with a lower altitude. Ashe County, to the east of Boone, is a great place to view fall foliage around this time into the beginning of November. The Blowing Rock Attraction is always a late-fall favorite as it looks over the John’s River Gorge and all the colors that are progressing later down the mountain can be seen.
Because of the limited road access and impacted fall foliage display this year, we will not be resuming our Daily Fall Photos for the 2024 season. But you can be assured that we will still be sharing beautiful scenes from Blowing Rock on our social media feeds! Follow us on Instagram or Facebook.
This season is not one for meandering fall drives. Please remember to limit your exploration to roads and highways that are open in the area, primarily US 321 and US 221. Many of our neighbors need time and space to rebuild infrastructure. Contributing to traffic in those areas is detrimental to the recovery process. The Blue Ridge Parkway is currently closed in North Carolina until further notice.
There are still routes to enjoy, though! High Country Host has created a map of areas that are safe and open for leaf looking. This map is being updated as conditions improve in the area. Find the most up-to-date version of the map at the below.