GREENSBORO, N.C. — October is typically the month that most of North Carolina flocks to the mountains to look at the changing leaves. This year is unlike any other after the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to the Western half of our state. Now, many communities are opening back up asking for visitors to support their small businesses and economy. So, how are the leaves?
Current Fall Color Estimate in the Mountains
Typically, fall color peaks in the mountains around mid to late October. Obviously, this year is quite a bit different.
The current estimate (as of October 24th) is that peak color is happening in the High Country around now and changing quickly. This includes most areas above 3,000 feet. Boone and Blowing Rock and West Jefferson have some good color right now.
A small chunk of the Blue Ridge Parkway re-opened this week between Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain. Along this trip there is still some good color to be seen in pockets, but some spots are more bare.
At elevations above 5,000 feet almost all the leaves are gone. We would consider this to be past peak - with only some pockets of color left. This includes Grandfather Mountain.
Some Trees are Bare
High winds from Hurricane Helene stripped a lot of leaves bare on the eastern slopes of the mountains. During the storm, the highest winds happened on the front range of the mountains which dropped a lot of the leaves.
This is a contrast from other years where the color change is more uniform. This year, you may see good color and then hardly any color just down the road.
Some Slopes and Valleys Unaffected
Western slopes of the mountains were a bit more sheltered from the harshest winds from the hurricane. These areas have a better chance to still see good foliage.
Again, spotty color is the name of the game this year. Bare trees in some spots with colorful ones just around the corner is what many are noticing.
Current Fall Color in the Piedmont
Moderate fall color is starting to spread over the Triad and Piedmont area. You're starting to see plenty of oranges, reds, and yellows around town. It will continue to change fairly quickly over the next few weeks.
Expect peak color just after Halloween.
