Fall Color Report for October 9, 2025
If you are thinking about coming up to the High Country to see the fall leaf colors, do it NOW. Since last Sunday, the trees have rapidly developed good color and the Blowing Rock to Grandfather Mountain section of the Parkway is nearing its peak, which I think will be the middle of next week. That means this weekend (Oct 10-12) and the next weekend (Oct 17-19) will bracket the peak color period.
I took the drive from Blowing Rock to Flat Rock (which is a few miles south of Grandfather) and the colors are very nice. Visitors I met on the Rough Ridge Trail, some of whom came from as far away as Jacksonville, FL, rated the colors around 6-8 on a scale of 10. My estimate was a 7 for this year, which while not the best, is still pretty darn good. My earlier fears of a dull leaf season are turning out to be unwarranted. Granted, it's not like 2022 when the colors were spectacular (10 out of 10), but they are definitely worth the trip up.
The timing is right on schedule. I checked my photos from as far back as 2010 on this same date and the stage of color development is essentially identical to this year's. So, the predictions of an early peak were wrong but at least we won't be late as occurred in 2019, when it was delayed by two full weeks.
Below the Parkway the trees are mostly still green but with color clearly starting. At the Parkway and above it is about 80% color and will increase to peak over the next 10 days. The weather is supposed to cooperate also, with no chance of rain over this time period. Temperatures will be cool with highs in the mid-60s and lows in the upper 30s and low 40s. Those are perfect conditions for generating good leaf color and for viewing the leaves.
I suspect similar conditions can be found down around the Highlands and Cashiers area, and along the Parkway between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mt. Mitchell. Also, there should be good viewing in the Doughton Park area up in Ashe County.
To see the photos with captions go to The Fall Color Guy page on Facebook.
It looks like we’re in for a good fall leaf season after all!