Great weather for fall colors in NC mountains

Mid-October is traditionally one of the best times to see gorgeous fall color in the mountains. This weekend will be one of the best.

The leaves are peaking at and above 3,000 feet. That means this is a great time to visit the northern mountains, including Boone and Blowing Rock.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is always a great choice for leaf looking. The many overlooks give you a chance to take your time and enjoy the amazing views.

The color appears first in the highest elevations, so you may begin to see some bare trees above 5,000 feet. That would include Mt. Mitchell and Clingman’s Dome. The color changes a little more slowly in the southern mountains, and it may be next weekend before leaves are peaking around the Asheville area.

Sugar maples and red maples are beautiful right now, as well as birches, beeches and hickories. The oaks may be a week behind.

If you head to the mountains this weekend, expect some cool temperatures. Highs will range from low 50s to low 60s. Next weekend will also be a great weekend to see leaves.

Color brightens with colder temperatures, and we have lows in the 30s in the forecast for next week in the mountains. That will really bring out the yellow, orange and red colors.

Temperatures will be chilly here in the mornings next week too, with lows dipping into the 40s on Monday morning. That will accelerate our color in central North Carolina as well.