Enjoy North Carolina’s Fall Foliage

Robert Bardon, forestry and environmental resources professor at the College of Natural Resources, says with color already beginning to pop in the western mountains, the foliage forecast in North Carolina is bright.

“North Carolina is unique because the state has colors from the mountains to the coast,” Bardon says.

Variations in leaf colors are due to the mixing of varying amounts of the chlorophyll and other pigments in the leaf during fall. While leaves on poplars turn a consistent yellow, other trees, like sweetgum, widely vary in colors, from oranges to dark purples. Bardon says whether it’s on a drive through the Uwharries, a river-bottom hike or a porch break – take the time to enjoy the natural display.

“We have plenty of opportunities to see the colors throughout the state, and a somewhat longer season because of variations in elevations.” Read more.