We’ve had some leaf fall here in the NC High Country thanks in large part to the winds we’ve been experiencing overnight the past week. That’s not to say there aren’t still pockets of stunning color, there definitely are, especially around our downtown areas. However, the leaves are migrating down from higher elevations and showing off more at lower ones. The fallen leaves have collected and give that satisfying crunch on hikes as well as blow around in the breeze.
We should have nice, cool, Fall weather for leaf viewing over the weekend and it’ll get moody with some cloud coverage at the beginning of the week next week. The overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway are a great place to see the color changing at lower elevations. Also, don’t be afraid to venture down the mountain a little to Lenoir or Wilkesboro as they should look stunning right about now.
Most of our current color is coming from the Oak trees which generally turn last. There are three main species of Oak trees that grow at our elevation, The Northern Red Oak, White Oak, and Chestnut Oak. Oak trees usually turn a dark brownish red, but due to this biodiversity, it’s possible to see other colors as well. We also have stray Maples that have turned late and are adding to the color right now. Over the next few days we’ll be focusing on the oak trees and heading to Beacon Heights Overlook to see what the colors are doing in the gorge below.
