Now is the time to enjoy fall in the mountains

Published 8:31 am Friday, October 13, 2023

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Now is the time to plan your excursion into the region’s highest elevations, as fall color is likely to peak now through next weekend.
“I think that these cold temperatures are going to really start to speed things up,” said Travis Watson, the campus arborist at East Tennessee State University. “I would look for this weekend through October 22 to be the best times to travel to higher elevations.”
Recent high winds did bring down some leaves throughout the Appalachian Highlands, though that mostly happened with poplar and “less showy hardwoods,” Watson said.
“Monday’s rainfall was also much needed and, combined with the low day and night temperatures, we should really start to see some color development in the coming days,” he added.
Weather conditions in recent weeks generated near perfect conditions for the annual parade of red, yellow and orange leaves.
From Roan Mountain State Park to Buffalo Mountain Park, there are scores of opportunities to enjoy the magic of autumn. ETSU’s main campus also offers great spots to take in fall’s vibrance.
ETSU offers a weekly fall color prediction every Thursday until the season ends.

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