Leaf Report

For Fall leaf watchers, it may appear that the season is dragging and it is slow this year. A light frost last week in the high elevations of the Smoky Mountains has the pace picking up a bit and experts are projecting that full color is about a week away in the highest elevations. As of last week, around 30% of the trees had Fall colors and the best place to view the change was around Clingmans Dome and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In the lower elevations, some color is finally starting to emerge. Walnut, Sassafras, Sycamore and Sumacs are joining the Dogwood in the change of hues. Wildflowers are blooming beautifully with asters, goldenrod and white snakeroot all showing their colors. Experts are anticipating that full color in the lower and mid elevations is still a couple of weeks away. Most are expecting the area to be bright with Fall hues by Halloween.

Source: K. Depew, News Director