Natural History Wanderings

Asheville NC Fall Foliage Color Leaf Report 2013 reported today:

Most all leaves are green. Late summer wildflowers are still providing great color.

Click read more to see their predicted time line for fall color this year.

October 3-12: Highest elevations north of Asheville above 5,000 feet show the most color, especially in the Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens, Grandfather Mountain, Beech Mountain and Rough Ridge areas.
October 9-18: Color will increase in elevations greater than 4,000 feet, including the Mount Pisgah, Black Balsam,Devil’s Courthouse, Waterrock Knob and Graveyard Fields, southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It will also be peak color in the Highlands area, includingWhiteside Mountain, with plenty of waterfalls to enjoy, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including hikes to Alum Cave and Chimney Tops.
October 15-23: Many of the surrounding mountains around Asheville show plenty of color, especially in the 3,000-4,000 foot elevation range. Take the Parkway north or south from Asheville. A great hike in Pisgah National Forest would be Looking Glass Rock or Cradle of Forestry. North of Asheville, head to Linville Gorge with hikes to the top of Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain.
October 20-29: The city of Asheville (2,000 feet elevation) shows the brightest colors, along with areas aroundHendersonville and Brevard. This is the perfect time for a waterfall hike in DuPont State Forest or leisurely walk at the NC Arboretum. This is also the peak leaf color forBiltmore Estate.
October 25-November 4: The color show concludes in theChimney Rock area (elevation of 1,300 feet). Ride to the top of Chimney Rock or take a boat tour on Lake Lure.