North Carolina is known to have one of the longest-lasting and colorful autumns. This is especially true in the western region of the state. Areas of higher elevation in the state (those above 6,000 feet) will see these colorful changes first. Then, in the following weeks, autumn shades will sweep eastward. This invokes a transformation across the wildernesses of the Tar Heel State.
Continue reading below to learn more about when you can expect to see this colorful transition. Then, discover the three best places in North Carolina to see the leaves change.
Why Do Leaves Change Color?
There are few universal symbols of an oncoming fall season as the leaves change color. However, why exactly do leaves change color?
While they are still green, leaves are like solar panels. They are filled with a green pigment known as chlorophyll that aids in the absorption of sunlight. This, in turn, helps carry on photosynthesis, which provides plants (including trees) with the energy they need to survive. Chlorophyll is a pigment; however, it also gives leaves their green coloration.
As fall progresses, chlorophyll production continues to slow until it stops altogether. The other pigments, such as carotenoids and anthocyanin, can show through with no more green pigment remaining in the leaves. This gives leaves their orange, yellow, and red colors.
The pigments that cause those beautiful fall colors are always in the leaves. They require an absence of chlorophyll to show through. Weather, including temperature and sunlight, can affect the timing and brightness of these colors, however.
Leaves carry the pigments responsible for their fall colors all year, hidden beneath the green of chlorophyll.
When Do the Leaves Begin to Change Color in North Carolina?
The leaves begin to change color as early as September in North Carolina. These changes occur primarily in the western part of the state, in the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains.
Much of the color-changing predictions in North Carolina align with those of previous years. This allows us to understand better when we might have this beautiful occurrence.
The leaves change color in North Carolina over the span of two months.
©Craig Zerbe/Shutterstock.com
Predicted Color Change Dates in North Carolina
At the beginning of September, little to no areas have begun to experience any color-changing within North Carolina. In fact, at this time, much of the fall palette is reserved for the northernmost region of the United States, with its cooler temperatures.
However, according to this year’s predictions, around the middle of September, the state’s westernmost region, near the Nantahala National Forest, will begin to see the color change. This minimal change shows just the first hints that autumn is coming. A week later, it is expected that minimal color change will begin to appear throughout the western and central regions of the state, with that near Nantahala National Forest becoming more prevalent.
By the end of September, the westernmost region of North Carolina will be near peak color. The areas showing minimal change the previous week have grown in color, while the rest of the state still sporting green leaves. This will change around the first week of October, when the entire state is predicted to have at least minimal color changes.
Nantahala National Forest and the surrounding areas will reach peak coloration around the second week of October. Much of the western region will be nearing its peak by this point as well before ultimately going it around the third week. Much of the central counties that began to change color in September will also get their peak then. At this time, the rest of the state will be nearing its peak.
The rest of North Carolina is expected to peak around the end of October, while the areas above have already gone past peak color-changing time. These areas will join those locations around the first week of November, leaving the state plunged into shades of autumn.
3 Places to See the Leaves Change Color in North Carolina
Now that you know more about when the leaves are expected to change color in North Carolina, here is a list of some of the best places to see these changes! This list will also include that area’s peak times, helping you navigate the state and its upcoming fall season.
1. Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest is one of the first places in North Carolina to receive its fall plumage. Beginning to shift in as early as September, you’ll be able to enjoy peak colors here around the first and second week of October, according to possible predictions this year.
The leaves of Nantahala National Forest and the surrounding areas are the first to change color.
©Kenneth Keifer/Shutterstock.com
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
Few places in North Carolina boast the beauty of fall, like the famed Blue Ridge Parkway. Running 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia, this National Parkway and All-American Road highlights the Appalachian Mountains’ beautiful, warm-colored changing trees. Best of all, this experience can all be taken in from your car, making it an accessible trip compared to hiking.
This area will typically reach its peak around the third week of October.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its picturesque autumns.
©Film Adventure/Shutterstock.com
3. Carolina Beach State Park
Western North Carolina isn’t the only place to see beautiful changing leaves this year. Carolina Beach State Park, located in New Hanover County, can be a great way to view the onset of autumn from the state’s eastern portion. Here, nestled near the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll enjoy the unique experience of watching the leaves change color in North Carolina.
This area will typically reach its peak around the end of October.
