Colorful maples line MacRae Meadows at Grandfather Mountain
We have finally seen some truly chilly temperatures this week! That means progression of foliage color changes, and we’re really starting to see more now. The color peak for the area has been predicted for the upcoming weekend and the following week, and that seems to be on target for many spots in the High Country. Right now, the best spots near Blowing Rock to see nice color development is at higher ridges on and around Grandfather Mountain and the area around Stack Rock on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The foliage around Price Lake and Bass Lake is starting to show some beautiful autumn hues now, too. Maples, sassafras, and sourwoods are showing gorgeous shades of orange and red, while birches and beech trees feature mostly bright yellow. There is still a a fair amount of green on slopes between Blowing Rock and Boone, and at our elevation in general (see last photo in set). Some of the mature maples in town are showing nice color. It looks possible that, if we see calm and cool conditions over the next couple of weeks, we could still have some nice color through the last week of October around Blowing Rock. As cooler temperatures continue this week, we should be able to expect good acceleration in foliage color!
Foliage display at Stack Rock Parking Area, milepost 304.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Developing color on the ridge above Boone Fork on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Monday.
Sunday’s view from the Nature Museum on Grandfather Mountain
Much more color to come in the view from the Stack Rock area on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Developing color at milepost 289 on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Tuesday
Wednesday’s view of Flat Top Mountain in Blowing Rock