Widespread color development in the area continues to be delayed. Local experts say that’s due to the warmer-than-usual temperatures. We’re still waiting, and imagine that the show will be all the more exciting when it finally arrives. Here’s a view of the southwest slopes of Grandfather Mountain, as seen from the Beacon Heights Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The overlook is at milepost 305.2, about 11 miles from Blowing Rock. The elevation at the overlook is 4220 feet. While there are hints of yellowing, the trees are yet to show major changes at that elevation. However, you can see the blush of color beginning on the higher slopes above the sheer rock face in the middle of the photo.
View of Grandfather Mountain on October 5, 2018