ASHEVILLE, NC (WLOS) — In addition to hoodies and pumpkin spice lattes, many are also thinking about fall leaves now that there has been a hint of fall in the air lately!
During fall foliage, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer some of the most diverse colors in the world.
Before we get to the best time to admire the fall colors, here’s a quick science lesson on the reasons for leaf discoloration.
Chlorophyll, the chemical that plants use to generate energy, decreases as days shorten and temperatures drop.
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Chlorophyll production during the spring and summer months gives the leaves their green pigment.
As the leaves slowly stop producing chlorophyll in autumn, the pigments begin to change to shades of yellow, orange and red, depending on the tree species.
These colors are always there, but the human eye only sees them when the chlorophyll leaves the leaves!
Of course, every foliage season is influenced by the weather.
The perfect combination of just enough rain and just enough cool days results in the most beautiful colors.
If it is too dry, too humid or too warm, the colors become dull or muted.
Due to the elevation changes in the Western Carolinas, our color season is extended.
In the highest altitudes, the colors first begin to appear in mid-September.
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In October, the color is usually most prominent at an altitude of over 1,200 meters.
At elevations below 3,500 feet and down to most valley floors (~2,000 feet), the first colors appear in late September and the strongest color is reached in late October.
In the foothills east of the mountains, the color first begins in early October and reaches its peak in early November.
In upstate South Carolina, the color is usually most visible last, around mid-November.
One of the best places to admire fall foliage is the Blue Ridge Parkway, so plan your trip and itinerary now!
