Hey everyone

Looking to ride a portion of the parkway within the next month to see the beautiful colors of fall. For those who have the experience, what week do you think will be the best for me to head over that way.

James

 

Jaylo Hard to tell for sure ,with the rain we have had it could be a great year but we still need the cooler weather to stick around now to dry them leaves out. Around Burnsvilleand Mount mitchell we are just lossing dogwood leaves and there allways first to go. Looks to be a bit late this year so hang in and check here and at maybe ashevilles WLOS web pages for info.I see your only 2 1/2 hrs away so wouldn't take to long to get to the mountains..

 

I'm heading up next week (10/5), and I've been told that it's a bit early. Last year I went the second week of October and it was just before peak. Seems like the week of the 12th or 19th would be just about right this year...

 

This morning it was 33 degrees w/heavy frost at the base of Grandfather Mtn. The heavy rains last week caused a lot of leaves to fall without turning colors, so don't expect really bright contrasts this year. Frost today means a peak in about 10 days. Try to come during the week, it gets really dangerous on the weekends with people stopping in the middle of the road. Start out up north, and if the colors are fading, just ride south to the lower elevations. Good luck, and watch out for idiots.

 

We have some maples changeing but just not enought cold weather to kick off a good color year. Only one 39 or below morning so far.

 

Near the Grandfather Mtn., US 221 exit.

 

US 221 between Linville and Blowing Rock. A really nice day for a ride!

 

any day is a good day, on the parkway.... check the various TV station web sites along the way. They usually have color alerts, WRAL-TV said the leaves were begining to turn, in the higher elevations.
One word of caution (well DUH!!!) Auttumn brings out the lookers.... so be extra careful, as just around the next corner... Homer and Marge, will have stopped the Winnebago, to gawk at something... right smack dab in the middle of the road

 

The area around Grandfather Mountain and the Linn Cove Viaduct (MP 300) is looking great right now, but the lower elevations are still a bit early. I think the third week of the month is going to be fantastic! But.... never a bad day on the Parkway!

 

heading over there this weekend. Thanks everyone.

James