Prime Leaf Watching Extends into Nov. in NC

Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 31, 2007) Color is showing everywhere from the highest elevations in the mountains, down into the valleys and with vivid color showing now in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Leaf watchers are enjoying the extended season with clear skies and crisp weather. There’s still time to book a reservation!

-Track the progress of the changing foliage with leaf watchers stationed across the state at http://www.visitnc.com/experience/no4_nc_fallcolor/home.asp
-Get to know the Leaf Watchers at http://www.visitnc.com/fallcolor/reporters.asp
-Recent images are available for immediate downloadable at http://www.visitnc.com/press_room_fallcolor.asp

ASHEVILLE: Fall has blanketed the area with colors coming to life everywhere you look. The maples are holding on to good color and many of the hickory trees are in full yellow gold color.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN: The color is at its best between 3,200 and 4,200 feet in elevation. Trees have only begun to change color in the 3,000-foot elevations near Elk Park, Boone and Valle Crucis. There will be lots of fall foliage to see along the major routes coming up from the foothills. Colorful routes are state Route 184 between Sugar Mountain and Banner Elk, state Route 181 between Linville and Newland and state Route 194 between Elk Park and Valle Crucis.

BOONE: Lots of great color is now showing; we predict it will stay all week. Sunshine is forecasted this entire week.

HENDERSONVILLE: The best color can be found when you visit one of the 40 open studios of the Weaverville Arts Safari, just north of Asheville, or take the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Cold Mountain overlook south of the NC Arboretum. Fall leaves in this area are at their brightest.

BLOWING ROCK: There is still plenty of colorful foliage to see, especially Blowing Rock’s wonderful panorama of the John's River Gorge.

CHIMNEY ROCK: Chimney Rock's colors are progressing rapidly now, which is being helped by the cool nights. By the end of this week, the yellows of hickory and poplar will be evident. A continued development of red in maple, tupelo and sourwood will happen through this week, as well. Peak color has not yet arrived at Chimney Rock, so there is still time to plan visits over the next two weeks.

HICKORY: The maples sprinkled along the shoreline of Lake Hickory are displaying excellent color. More red tones dispersed throughout the trees and blending in with the yellows and greens are noticeable. Peak colors are expected in mid-November.

GREENSBORO: The trees are changing from their summer green to fall colors. A number of maples are displaying brilliant yellow leaves.

FAYETTEVILLE: At Fayetteville’s Cape Fear Botanical Garden, the rain last week prompted a new set of species to change color. Currently, pawpaw, southern sugar maple, sycamore and elm make up a palette of gold hues and red maple, black gum and swamp red oak add the reds with just a touch of russet for kicks.

For full reports, go to VisitNC.com .

North Carolina is the South’s premier fall travel destination offering arts and culture, unique lodging, charming small towns and vibrant urban locations. Explore the highest peaks east of the Mississippi to the 300 miles of pristine coastline at VisitNC.com .

###