Fall Color l Fall Fishing

2012 Fall Color Reports

Welcome to fall in North Carolina

In North Carolina, you’ll find vibrant autumn color from the first weeks of October through early November. That’s because our brilliant annual show of reds, oranges and golds takes its time, starting at higher elevations such as Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain and meandering down through mountains, foothills and Piedmont in the weeks that follow.

Our experts report on places to find peak conditions each week. Check here for new updates weekly from mid-September through early November, and share your fall pictures and experiences with us on Facebook and Twitter.

November 7th Weekly Report - Piedmont

Dick Thomas, reporter

While most of the Piedmont is past peak for leaf coloration and Hurricane Sandy’s winds and rainfall robbed many trees of their foliage, the eastern Piedmont still offers a chance to enjoy what remains of Fall 2012. Against a background of red and pink Red Maples, Tulip Poplar’s golden yellow leaves create lovely landscapes around area parks and reservoirs.

In Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park Ranger Scott Crocker says that some good color remains although many leaves have fallen. Easily accessed from Interstate 40, Umstead provides good leaf viewing especially around Big Lake within the park. There is also a lot of color to see along the shoreline of Falls Lake in Raleigh, according to Deborah Robinson of Blue Jay Point County Park. Tulip Poplars are retaining many yellow leaves, and Red Maples have really started to shine with beautiful red and orange foliage. Hurricane winds have removed quite a few leaves, but there remain opportunities for enjoying late season color. Deborah recommends driving from Blue Jay Point on Pleasant Union Church Road, then turning right on Six Forks Road heading north. Turn left on Old Weaver Trail Road, where very pretty views of Falls Lake are possible. From here continue straight past the lake and turn left on Creedmoor Road for other scenic views of the lake and its colorful shoreline landscape.

The Sandhills lie further south and along the fall line separating the Piedmont from the state’s Coastal Plain. Not far from the charming town of Southern Pines is Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve. Long Leaf Pines towering over Turkey and Black Jack Oaks provide an unusual late fall treat. The many oaks in the Sandhills change to orange and red as the season ends. It is still a little early for fall foliage in the Sandhills, but call Weymouth Woods at (919) 692-2167 for information and updates. This sub-region of the North Carolina Coastal Plain is often overlooked, but it represents a most interesting and beautiful part of our state.

Get outside and enjoy what remains of the fall season and the many scenic opportunities that North Carolina offers.

Past 2012 Fall Color Reports

added: September 18, 2012

updated: November 7, 2012