Fall is right around the corner, and soon we will be fascinated with the beautiful colors that the season brings. Keep a live look on the fall foliage from the Upstate with our Table Rock webcam, and don't miss our fall foliage reports posted each Wednesday, starting October 9, 2024. You can also view this Fall Foliage Prediction Map from SmokyMountains.com.
Fall Foliage Report 2024 from Ranger Scott Stegenga at Table Rock State Park:
November 6, 2024
The upper peaks and ridges are mostly void of their leafy cloak. At lower levels, bright trees are scattered here and there, but during a fall season that brought hurricane damage, dryness, and mostly mild temperatures, the forest never had the opportunity to give us a more stunning display. However, the secondary “peak” will treat us with the muted tones of browns, yellows, and russets before all of it fades into the dormancy of winter.
October 30, 2024
It may look like the peak for fall foliage is here as you travel along road corridors, forest edges, and lakeshores. A good variety of colors have appeared among the understory trees, as well as maples and hickories. However, the forest as a whole at elevations below 3000 feet needs a little more time to reach maximum color. Over the next week, we should reach or get very near to our foliage peak this season. As far as weekends go, the next two should be the best bet for leaf peeping.
October 23, 2024
The recent cooler nights have coaxed the leaves to exhibit a noticeable change in the last week. Although battered by Helene, the high points have very little green showing, compared to lower elevations. Hickory trees are beginning to show some nice yellow, and maples are intensifying their reds and oranges. Oaks always cross the finish line last for color change so we have a little way to go yet before peak. Another week should bring even more pleasing views of the fall forest.
October 16, 2024
September saw amounts of 18-20 inches of rain in the mountains, with about 80% of that coming in three days, concluding with Hurricane Helene’s wrath. Not a drop of rain has fallen yet through the first half of October. So many factors of weather can affect fall foliage. The majority of the forest is quite green in lower elevations. The upper reaches have taken on a brownish appearance. The canopy took a big hit from Helene’s rain and wind. Many-an-oak’s canopy is now on the forest floor. No bright colors are present but hints are evident along forest edges and from understory trees. Sourwoods and dogwoods still support red leaves. Maples and Sweetgums are beginning to join in with red and purplish hues. The yellow Tulip Poplars have been mostly stripped of their brighter array by Helene. After increased soil moisture in late summer, abundant sunshine and chilly overnight temperatures over the next several days should help spur more changes as we look forward to the end of the month.
October 9, 2024
The deep green of summer has taken on a tired look as chlorophyll begins to fade. Sourwoods and Dogwoods have begun to show us our first reds and Tulip Poplars are adding yellows to the landscape. The effects of Helene removed a ton of leaves from the upcoming autumn show by taking down scores of hardwoods but what remains will do their best to provide us the color we anticipate later in the month.
Also, check out this story on fall foliage viewing in our state parks and the Top 3 Easy Fall Hikes!
Read more about color change and autumn here.
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