Fall Colors in Full Swing in the High Country

By Paul T. Choate

The tree on the corner of West King Street and Linney Street is showing its fall colors. Photo by Ken Ketchie

Oct. 16, 2012. It is definitely leaf season in the High Country. Vibrant colors such as the ones on this tree at the corner of West King Street and Linney Street in downtown Boone can be seen all around the area.

“This was the peak fall color weekend for the Blowing Rock to Grandfather Mountain region, and fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway was brilliant and awe inspiring,” said Dr. Howard Neufeld, professor of plant physiology at Appalachian State University and fall color expert for the North Carolina Division of Tourism, in his most recent report. “I think the leaf color will last through this week to the upcoming weekend.”

Area businesses always enjoy the boost that comes from the leaf season. Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and the surrounding areas of the High Country were packed with people this past weekend. There was even talk of a line of cars over a mile long inching their way into Grandfather Mountain State Park.

If Dr. Neufeld is right (and it appears he is), then there is still time to get out and enjoy the leaves in the coming days.

To see Dr. Neufeld’s report, visit biology.appstate.edu/fall-colors.