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Fall Color On Grandfather Mountain Oct 3-7, 2016

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 9:29 am

The sun rises on Beacon Heights (Milepost 305.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway), as autumn foliage complements the hues of dawn. According to Dr. Howard Neufeld, fall color expert and professor of biology at Appalachian State University, this coming week could be the best time to visit high-elevation spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, since they peak earlier than lower elevations. For more fall color, visit Grandfather Mountain's Fall Color Gallery at www.grandfather.com. Photo by Skip Sickler | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

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Mountain ash creates a fiery contrast with huckleberry and azalea bushes on the switchbacks up to Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge. According to Jesse Pope, executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, color progression has been a little slower on the mountain than in previous years. This week, however, has seen colors begin to turn very quickly, with daily changes evident, especially at elevations higher than 4,700 feet. For more fall color photos, visit Grandfather Mountain's 2016 Fall Color Gallery at www.grandfather.com. Photo by Skip Sickler | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

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A red maple turns bright crimson in the town of Linville, N.C. Although much of this year's fall color has yet to arrive, experts believe it could peak next week. Meanwhile, areas above the Blue Ridge Parkway, which are typically the first to turn, are beginning to showcase their seasonal colors. To see more fall color, visit Grandfather Mountain's 2016 Fall Color Gallery at www.grandfather.com. Photo by Skip Sickler | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Shrouded in morning fog, Grandfather Mountain’s iconic peaks begin to show the signs of autumn. According to Jesse Pope, executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, fall color is still slowly progressing and not yet peak at higher elevations. However, increasingly colorful maples, sourwoods, azaleas, huckleberries, hobblebush and yellow birches point toward peak color just around the corner, with each day bringing a visible change. For more fall color photos, visit Grandfather Mountain's 2016 Fall Color Gallery at www.grandfather.com. Photo by Skip Sickler | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

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Fall foliage smooths out the color palette at Rough Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway (MP 302.8). According to Dr. Howard Neufeld, “Fall Color Guy” and biology professor at Appalachian State University, this weekend should be a prime time to visit the higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with this weekend and the next bookending the peak color season. For more fall color photos, visit Grandfather Mountain's 2016 Fall Color Gallery at www.grandfather.com. Photo by Skip Sickler | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

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