As the calendar turns to October, the mountain region of North Carolina once again proves itself to be a kaleidoscope of nature’s colors. The annual display of leaves changing from bright greens to deep reds, oranges, and yellows has begun.
Appalachian State University Professor, Howard Neufeld, has been teaching students and the public about the fall color change for decades. Professor Neufeld joined Appalachian State University in 1987 as an ecologist, teaching courses such as Introduction to Ecology, Environmental Sciences and Introduction to Biology.
“Right after I got here, the Plant Physiologist who was here retired,” Neufeld said. “Then I started teaching Plant Physiology also.”
The hills and valleys of North Carolina’s mountain region are in the midst of their annual metamorphosis, shedding their summer greens in favor of vibrant autumnal hues. Professor Neufeld has been studying this transition since 2007.
“The trees that have the most noticeable change are the trees that turn red,” Neufeld said. “The red pigment is not there in the summer; it’s actually made in the fall.”
For those interested in viewing this spectacular transformation, there are many prime viewing spots throughout the mountain region. Places such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain are renowned for their scenic viewing spots that offer unbeatable views of the fall foliage.
“If you’re coming up soon, start at the higher elevations because that’s where the best color will be; above 4,500 feet is where we’re already seeing it the most,” Neufeld said. “You can really first begin to see the color at the higher elevations. That wave of color will move downward slowly. The lower you get, the warmer it is, so the colors come later.”
Neufeld believes that 2022 was one of the best seasons the mountain area has had for the fall color change in 15 years.
“It was not only right on time, it was also exceptionally vibrant,” Neufeld said. “However, I think this year may be just as good because we have not had any abnormally warm weather.”
Whether a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, North Carolina’s mountain region is a sight to behold and an experience not to be missed.
“Getting people out in nature gets people a better appreciation of the beauty of nature and the fragility of nature,” Neufeld said. “I think that the most important thing that fall color can do is get people, who otherwise wouldn’t think about nature or how to protect it, to come up and see the colors and realize they want their children to see what they saw.”
