Leaf Report for week of 11-2-09
Leaf lookers are able to find fall color into mid-November. Hues of deep red Sweet & Black Gums, red, yellow and orange Maples; rich red Sumacs, touches of golden yellow Tulip Poplars, Oaks, & Hickory, and red berries of the mountain ash & dogwoods, can be seen.
The best color can be seen at elevations under 2000 feet. Color is sweeping the hills and valleys in the Hickory Nut Gorge area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Anorther area to see good color is in the Tryon and Saluda area. These spots are a short drive from Hendersonville.
Chimney Rock State Park is a natural attraction covering 1000 acres. The Park offers hiking, bird watching and a 404-foot waterfall. From the top of Chimney Rock is 75-mile panoramic view of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The Rock is easily accessible by a 26-story elevator built right inside the mountain. Chimney Rock
Lake Lure covers over 700 acres with more than 20 miles of shoreline. Lake Lure was selected by National Geographic as one of the Ten Most Spectacular man-made lakes in the World.The Lake offers a marina, boat tours, motorized and non-motorized boat rentals, and fishing. Tours of the Lake are available at the marina on the weekends during November. The tour includes some of the movie location for Dirty Dancing. Lake Lure
Polk County (Saluda, Tryon & Columbus) are located just a few miles a part, each town has its own distinct charm. The few blocks of Historic Downtown Saluda run along railroad tracks. The Saluda Grade is the steepest standard gauge railroad line in the United States. Tryon is well-known for the equestrian events and the annual Block House Steeplechase.
Pearson's Falls in Tryon is a great spot for hiking, picnicking, bird watching, by a rushing river and a 90 ft. waterfall. Winter schedule (November 1 - February 28) Wednesday - Sunday. Admission fee. For additional information call (828) 749-3031. Pearsons Falls
Early to Mid-October: Elevations of 5,000 feet north of Asheville will show the most color, especially around the areas of Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens and Grandfather Mountain.
Mid-October: In elevations greater than 4,000 feet, southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway will be showing color around Mount Pisgah, Devil's Courthouse, and Graveyard Fields. The Blue Ridge Parkway is located 15 miles north of Hendersonville.
Late-October to Early November: Colorful hiking spots include Jump Off Rock, Dupont State Forest, the Carl Sandburg Home and Holmes State Forest. Take a scenic fall driving tour of Hendersonville & Flat Rock or tour Henderson County's apple country.
Mid-November: The Hickory Nut Gorge area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure should be peaking. Lake Lure is located 14 miles east of Hendersonville.
NC Apples - North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the nation and Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county in North Carolina and grows 85 percent of the apples in the state. The apple harvest season runs from late August through October. Fresh apples, cider and many other items may be purchased at one of the many roadside apple markets or produce stands located throughout Henderson County. Some orchards offer tours and allow you to pick your own apples. Apple Orchards
Blue Ridge Parkway - One of the most popular destinations for leaf lookers is to venture to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, located approximately 15 miles north of the Historic Hendersonville & Flat Rock area. The Parkway's 469 toll-free miles combine an awesome natural beauty, mountain forests, wildlife, wildflowers and magnificent views. The Parkway was designed especially for leisure travel and enjoyment. There are numerous overlooks and parking areas to view some of America's finest scenic vistas. www.blueridgeparkway.org Check the Blue Ridge Parkway web site for road closures. www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm |
