When's the best time in the fall to see the beautiful colors of the leaves on trees? (live)

[NOCAL2NC]

I have family coming from CA sometime at the end of October beginning of November. I heard that there was a specific week in one of the two months that was the better time to go. This is our first Fall in NC and are looking forward to heading up the mountains to check it out.

[baggleflap]

Well.....this might not be the best year for it. Usually around the 3rd week in October is peak season up in the mountains. But with this drought, I've heard that the fall colors will come very early and be very quick. Some of the trees in our yard are already turning brown. We're trying our best to keep them alive. If you look around you when you are driving around town, you'll see a lot of trees struggling and already losing their leaves. Sad.

[NOCAL2NC]

Originally Posted by baggleflap

Well.....this might not be the best year for it. Usually around the 3rd week in October is peak season up in the mountains. But with this drought, I've heard that the fall colors will come very early and be very quick. Some of the trees in our yard are already turning brown. We're trying our best to keep them alive. If you look around you when you are driving around town, you'll see a lot of trees struggling and already losing their leaves. Sad.

Yes, I have noticed this while driving around.....That is sad :-(...but thanks for the info re: the 3rd week of October as being peak season....that's the answer I was looking for. I will now keep this in mind for future Fall seasons.

[mm34b]

The peak varies from year to year, but some years the leaf color change is poor, giving you green to brown to ground. You can keep abreast of the current status on the following web site beginning around Labor Day. Updated twice per week.

The Foliage Network -

[theburnsteam]

Yes, the news reports are saying the severe drought will definitely hamper the leaves this year. Also, some trees are dying due to the drought.