Last weekend’s fall color was pretty spectacular in the Piedmont. And practically over in a flash.
I was fortunate enough to spend the day hiking in Greensboro: along the Watershed Lakes, at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, at Hagen Stone Park. Twenty miles of spectacular color under mostly sunny, cool skies. Yet driving home to Cary, I could already see the color retreating from the roadside woods.
That’s not to say you won’t find some color this weekend, and some good color as you head east of I-95. But the peak has passed. Here are some highlights from this week’s N.C. Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development Piedmont Fall Foliage Report:
Falls Lake State Recreation Area: There are still some dark reds and yellows in the trees, but most of the leaves around Falls Lake are now dominated by various shades of muted oranges and browns.
Crowders Mountain State Park: As quickly as the change came, the peak time for our fall colors has passed.
Yet there are bright spots:
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area: The landscape is in full autumn blaze.
Eno River State Park: This week we will see the peak of our fall color change.
So, you will find some color as you hit the trail this weekend, and you may find some good color. One thing we know you will find: a forecast promising sunny skies and highs in the low 60s.
If you’re looking for a place to explore, check out our brand new Short Trails of the Triangle, 13 trails of six miles or less that are more about aesthetics than aerobics. Find that list here.
Enjoy.
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