When is peak foliage in Blue Ridge and any recommendations for camping/hiking? Thanks.

The Weather Channel (www.weather.com) has an hourly report on the status of fall foliage across the US. Keep an eye on that and you'll get the latest info. The peak can vary from year to year.

Not sure if it's the same story, but I've been going every year to the Adirondacks for the last 15 years. We always go the last weekend in Sept, and the locals always either tell us "You just missed the peak", or "You're too early for the peak" every year. Every year, we find it to be awesome, so my advice is don't spend too much time worrying about it, just enjoy, it's probably beautiful Sept/Oct anytime!!

And "peak" is a matter of personal opinion. Personally, I like to go just BEFORE the standard "peak," so there's a bit of green in the mix.

The Charlotte Observer had a story on autumn leaves Sunday (9/15). According to the Park Service/Forest Service (sorry, don't remember which) peak will be early this year. Some trees are already starting to change color and drop leaves because of the drought situation. But the drought should make for more colorful leaves.

Paul, please...what is the weather.com link to foliage forecast. I have scoured the home page and cannot find it. TY for your help to this 'webpage reading impaired' traveler.

I live west of Boston, rte. 93/495 area, and about 10 minutes from the Nashua, NH border. The trees along the highway are JUST starting to turn in my area. I imagine 1st week of October will be peak. Overall, it does seem a bit early for the leaves to turn this year. Old rule of thumb is 3 weeks to peak from when you first notice the leaves turning.

ttt...hoping Paul will help me out.

Okay! The exact link is

www.weather.com/maps/activity/fallfoliage/index_large.html

Go to the www.weather.com home page, click near the top of the page (but not on a link, just left click), then do a page search (usually CTRL-F) for the word "fol". It will take you to the exact link.

I am originally from Roanoke, VA...fall time in VA is absolutely gorgeous, nothing better. Live in Atlanta right now and missing the Blue Ridge Mountains. Check out this website from Roanoke.com and see if it can help you out.

http://www1.roanoke.com/colorwatch/

Enjoy!

Here is the toll-free fall color hotline 1-800-354-4595. Web site is www.fs.fed.us/news/fall

Scott:

I'd say mid-October. I know just east of Pittsburgh, in the Laurel Highlands, the peak is mid-October and since the Blue Ridge Mountains are at a higher elevation than the Roanoake area, I'd expect it to be at this time also.