Weather Experts Target Western N.C. as Best Bet for Fall Colors

~ Favorable Blue Ridge Mountain forecast encourages travelers to book early this fall season ~ 

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With atypical weather crisscrossing the U.S. landscape this spring and summer, climate scientists are targeting Western North Carolina as a best bet for colorful fall foliage. Despite a far-reaching national heat wave, weather experts predict that well-nourished trees resulting from beneficial wet weather patterns may position Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains as a bright light among 2012 fall foliage destinations.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120822/DC61254)

Leaf peepers looking to optimize their autumn vacation should keep their eyes on the sky, as weather will be a defining factor of the 2012 fall season.

Healthy Trees

"While much of the country continues to suffer through drought, including parts of the Northeast, …Western N.C. has enjoyed plentiful rainfall this year (but not too much!), setting us up for what should be a great fall color season," said Pamela McCown, coordinator for the A-B Tech Institute for Climate Education.

"The ridge of high pressure that plagued much of the central U.S. … produced conditions here in Western N.C. that led to almost daily afternoon showers and thunderstorms. As a result, the trees are not stressed from lack of rain and should be ready to put on a beautiful display," McCown said.

Escaping Drought

"In terms of temperature, Western N.C. has experienced warmer-than-average conditions this summer, along with the rest of the nation," said Jake Crouch, climate scientist at NOAA's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville. "However, above-average rainfall has kept us out of the drought that is impacting nearly two-thirds of the contiguous United States. Conditions are favorable for healthy trees and, thus, a vibrant palette of fall colors, but the weeks ahead will be the deciding factor."

"Other areas known for fall color, such as New England and the Great Lakes, have been dry this year with drought impacting a large percentage of the region. The hot and dry summer will have placed stress on the trees and could potentially dull the color display," Crouch said.

Weather Key in 2012

"Optimal fall colors come from a combination of conditions that must occur is the right order," McCown said. "The good news is that one of the key conditions is already in place because we've had a good growing year… The next key step will be related to the temperatures as we move into late summer and early fall. Cool, crisp temperatures at night and sunny, warm days without significant rain or early freezes in late September and early October are important for the development of vibrant color."

Promising fall color predictions for the 2012 foliage season are good news for travelers. Color seekers should consider planning ahead to make the most of the busy autumn travel season.

FALL TRAVEL TIPS:

1. Avoid the Red, Yellow & Gold Rush. Want tickets to the big fall color show? Accommodations fill up quickly during the popular fall travel season. Book early to avoid the rush. FallintheMountains.com and the Asheville Concierge can guide you to a suite with a view, a mountain cabin or a cozy B&B that fits your budget.
2. Worried about Missing the Color Peak? Travelers are surprised to learn that there isn't one specific week to see peak fall colors. The North Carolina Mountains are unique. Extreme elevation variations and more than 100 species of leaf-shedding trees offer the longest and most colorful foliage season in the nation. From late September into early November, travelers can easily locate sweeping views of fall colors, especially if they follow expert advice…   
3. Follow the Weekly Color Reports. To help visitors locate where the autumn color is peaking from week-to-week, the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau is working with park officials, biologists, climate experts and attractions around the region to compile weekly fall foliage reports for the North Carolina mountains at FallintheMountains.com. Asheville's fall color experts will also be tweeting up-to-the-minute color updates, travel tips and travel deals at @FallColorHunter on Twitter.

About

Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Asheville area is steeped in natural history and full of fall adventure. With elevations that range from 1,500 feet in the valleys to 6,684 feet at Mount Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Mississippi River), the Blue Ridge Mountains are a kaleidoscope of colorful fall foliage from late September through early November. FallintheMountains.com

Online Resources

• FallintheMountains.com – Insider tips, fall travel deals, events, autumn adventures and updates on the progress of the foliage season
• Weekly Fall Color Report – Expert advice to help leaf peepers find the best color from week-to-week throughout the season, starting September 13
• Asheville Concierge's "Fall Deal of the Day" – Book directly, get advice on hotel availability and deals
• Scenic Drives, Rides and Hikes – Best fall color tours tailored for early, mid and late fall
• Up-to-the-Minute Color Updates – Fall tips via Facebook & @FallColorHunter on Twitter

Fall Events

• Salute to F. Scott Fitzgerald Weekend | The Grove Park Inn | Sept. 21-23
• Flock to the Rock | Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park | Sept. 29-30
• Oktoberfest | Downtown Asheville | Oct. 13
• A Moveable Feast | Biltmore | Oct. 13
• The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands | US Cellular Center | Oct. 18-21
• Moogfest | Downtown Asheville | Oct. 26-27
• River Arts District Studio Stroll | River Arts District | Nov. 10-11
• More fall 2012 events

Multimedia

• High-res Images
• Video: Fall 2011 in the Blue Ridge Mountains

SOURCE Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau