Karen Chávez

kchavez@gannett.com

It's hard to tell from the 80-degree heat we're having in Asheville, but fall arrived today!

And, believe it or not, leaves are starting to turn colors already at the highest elevations in Western North Carolina, which reaches heights of over 6,000 feet along the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the best, if not THE best place in the world to marvel at fall color because of its wide-ranging elevations and its wide diversity of trees.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation recently spoke with Dr. Chris Ulrey, plant ecologist for the National Park Service, for his take on this fall leaf season:

What are the best conditions for bright, fall leaf color?

The “best” fall color for an area occurs during the shortening days of autumn when days are bright, sunny and cool, when nights are cool but not below freezing and when there has been ideal rainfall.

We are very fortunate in that the most varied fall color, as well as the longest lasting, occurs in the Southern Appalachians, where a dozen or more species of trees may change color at slightly different times over the longer fall season. The varied topography of the Southern Appalachians from the highest peaks to lowest valleys or the cool north-facing slopes to warm and dry south-facing slopes, means that one is guaranteed excellent fall color if one can find a way to sample all of these environments. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a unique cross-section of the botanical and environmental diversity of the region.

Where does the color start to change and when?

Leaves begin changing first on the highest peaks and conclude in the lower elevations. Typically, throughout the month of October visitors can expect to find good fall color along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Why do leaves fall?

The evolution of deciduous trees has resulted in the adaptation of producing carbohydrates, via photosynthesis, during the spring, summer and fall. During the winter months, photosynthesis stops and these deciduous trees become dormant. In preparation for winter and to prevent or minimize damage from cold, plant cells switch from production of chlorophyll for growth, to storage of sugars and amino acids, which act as antifreeze for the plant. The tree uses day length and temperature as cues from the environment that winter is coming. Shorter days cause a layer of cork cells called an abscission layer to form at the base of each leaf, gradually closing off the flow of water and nutrients to the leaf. As the supply of chlorophyll dwindles, other pigments that have been present in the leaf all along are slowly unmasked and begin to show through. These are the yellows, oranges and reds.

What’s a good tip for those hoping to see the beautiful colors on the Parkway this fall?

Just enjoy it and take lots of pictures. If you don’t see a lot of changing colors in one spot, keep driving!

Here are some Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation staff picks for great leaf peeping:

"Price Lake is especially gorgeous this time of year when the colors are mirrored on the surface of the water. I recommend taking a kayak or canoe out. It feels like you're paddling through a watercolor painting." -Rita

"I love the really vibrant colors at Graveyard Fields. On days when it doesn't feel like fall yet in Asheville, it does at this higher elevation. It's the perfect place to go to start your autumn a little bit early."-Mandy

Stay Safe on the Road!

Fall is a busy time of year on the Blue Ridge Parkway, bringing more cars, motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians. Stay safe with these tips from Chief Ranger Neal Labrie.

Speed and Inattention are the leading cause of collisions and injuries. Drive first and please, put the cell phones and devices away.

Fall brings our highest traffic volumes of the year. Be prepared for slower traffic in general as well as increased foot traffic around vistas and overlooks.

Late fall brings rapidly changing weather to higher elevations which means snow and ice. Along with falling leaves, road surfaces may be slick especially for motorcycles. Reduce your speed and drive cautiously.

Check out more at www.brpfoundation.org or www.nps.gov/blri.