Mountain towns look to bring in visitors as leaf season peaks

WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — It’s that time of year again – leaf season in the High Country. However, the colors so far have been muted compared to those of years past.

“I think it’s because it’s been unusually warm,” Dr. Howard Neufeld with Appalachian State University explains.

Neufeld – affectionately known on social media as the ‘Fall Color Guy’ – says cool nights are a major factor for leaf change, but lows have been up to 10-15° above normal for early October.

“Those high nighttime temperatures, I think, have slowed the colors down,” says Neufeld.

Sunshine is also a major key. Plants need energy from sunlight to create the brilliant reds and oranges that bring out leaf peepers from all corners of the country.

“So, if it’s cloudy most of the time,” says Neufeld, “You don’t do as much photosynthesis, and then you can’t make as many of the red pigments, and we have dull colors.”

Chilly nights and sunny days are on the way in your weather-wise forecast – and Neufeld is hopeful a color explosion is just around the corner.

“I think over the next ten days, we’re going to see a big change and get close to our peak color, and then, hopefully, it’ll be good color,” beams Neufeld.

That’s exactly what High Country communities want to hear.

“It’s been a great season so far,” says Tracy Brown.

Brown is the director of Blowing Rock’s tourism board. This year’s leaf peeping season is critical for many mountain towns one year after Helene caused billions of dollars in damage and lost tourism.

“So, if anybody’s comping numbers, we’re golden,” Brown jokes, “You know, what do you mean we’re up 3,000%? So, this is great to see.”

He says now is the time to come up and see all that the High Country has to offer.

“Blowing Rock, it’s like a Norman Rockwell painting,” pitches Brown.

“You come here, you’re going to see things that you probably don’t see back home. And the folks here are so welcoming and inviting. It’s just a really great place to spend a few days.”