If you haven’t already come up to see the color here in the High Country, now is the time to plan. Fall Color Guy has called peak for the Blue Ridge Parkway between Grandfather Mountain and Blowing Rock at the middle of this week bookended by last weekend and this upcoming one. He estimated that the area was at 80% color on 10/09 and that we should be progressing steadily through the next week. If you have plans to come up later in the month, don’t panic. You’ll just want to travel to lower altitudes to see the leaves changing, and we’ll have recommendations on where to go!
The next few days look fantastic for leaf viewing with plenty of sun to light up those leaves and make views spectacular according to Ray’s Weather. It also looks like we’ll be seeing warmer than usual temperatures so get on out there and enjoy this mild weather. Do remember to plan ahead by checking the weather and packing light layers in case there is a sudden change in conditions.
We’re planning on going up to Grandfather Mountain one more time this week to take in its peak color, and to see what’s happening at the valleys that can be seen from its heights. We also plan on taking routes that are less traveled as the Blue Ridge Parkway is quite crowded right now. HWY 221 from Blowing Rock to Linville often shows beautiful color and gives views of the Parkway’s Linn Cove Viaduct from another viewpoint.
It looks like the predictions for an early peak at the beginning of the season were incorrect as the milder weather has extended the season and placed peak color firmly at mid-October again. Check back later this week for more information and photos from us. We hope you’re enjoying your Fall!