Fall Leaf Report for October 21 – 26, 2015

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

Leaf watchers will not have to climb nearly as high to see the changing of the hues this week, as Fall’s vibrant colors have moved down the mountain and are even beginning to show in some of the mid to lower elevations. Above 4500 feet peak leaf season has already passed and many of the trees are starting to become bare. But leaf lubbers should not fear because the recent cold snap has started the changing of the hues elsewhere.

Those traveling anywhere from the burg to Newfound Gap will be privy to some lovely seasonal changes. This week is expected to be relatively warm so now might be the time to give that hike a try! Anywhere above Gatlinburg should have some color and the burg is slowly beginning to turn,as well. For those traveling through the valley, the reds of Virginia Creeper and Dogwood are beginning to mesh with some yellows and oranges, as other trees start to come on board the color wagon. Predictions by those that know, or at least watch closely enough to make predictions, call for an abundance of color all across the area, including the valley, before the pumpkins are lit. As a bonus, the slow down of the change due to the up and down weather conditions could mean that color will linger in the lower elevations and valley until mid November.

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley