Pittillo, a retired biology professor from Western Carolina University, is a specialist in Appalachian plant ecology. He bases his forecasts on a variety of factors, including the amount of rainfall during trees' prime growing season in the warm-weather months, which he considers to be key. The finest fall color is seen after summers with below-average rainfall, when plant growth is stunted by a lack of sufficient water.
If you're looking for some fall color right now, head up to Mount Mitchell State Park. Park Ranger Matt Mutel is quoted as saying that the mountain ash is already turning yellow and its red berries are equally eye-catching.
"To enjoy a high-elevation hike, take the Commissary Trail from the park office," Mutel says. The 2-mile hike around the Camp Alice area gives a close look at autumn leaves among the spruces and firs atop Mount Mitchell.
In mid-October the Blue Ridge Parkway will offer a myriad of leaf-viewing possibilities, at varying elevations and habitat zones. Some popular Parkway fall foliage viewing spots include Graveyard Fields, the Devil's Courthouse and the Pisgah Inn. Peak color at elevations greater than 4000 feet is predicted for the October 11-21 time period.
For suggestions on fall color hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, please click here.
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