Natural History Wanderings

Asheville NC Fall Foliage Color Leaf Report 2013 has an October 2, 2013   fall color update for Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mts;

Most all leaves are still green except in the highest elevations, and this week’s warm weather will slow the transition a bit. For the next week, find the best color above 3,500 feet elevation. One of the best spots for fall color will be Rough Ridge on the Parkway near Grandfather Mountain.

What about the Federal Government Shutdown?

The Blue Ridge Parkway is OPEN. However, all of its facilities, campgrounds, picnic areas, visitor centers and Folk Art Center are closed. Hiking trails along the Parkway are open

In Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, fee areas and info centers are closed. Hiking trails and most waterfalls are open!

State parks and forests (including Mt. Mitchell, NC Arboretum, DuPont State Forest and Gorges State Park) remain open.

In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the very scenic US Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road) remains open. All other roads, campgrounds, visitor centers, and picnic areas are closed.

Follow their reports at: Asheville NC Fall Foliage Color Leaf Report 2013.