Mother Nature is serving up a visual masterpiece in the western North Carolina mountains, and her living canvas is vivid. Her paint is hundreds of species of trees whose leaves are losing chlorophyll.
Many trees are already bare in the county’s highest elevation, which reaches 5,139 feet above sea level near Tusquitee Bald at Fires Creek. In comparison, the elevation of Murphy is 1,600. Valleytown is 1,765, Wolf Creek is 1,890, Burger Town is 1,942 and Andrews comes in at 2,182.
An annual recipe of rainfall, cooling temperatures and altitude determine an area’s window of prime leaf-watching, and the time to get out there is now. According to fall foliage reports, areas in the mid-elevations are beginning to show peak colors.
Since nighttime temperatures have been in the 30s over the last week, the viewing season will be ending soon. But since the county has varied elevations, you should be able to find awe-inspiring outlooks somewhere near you for the next week or two.
The best views might be in your own back yard but if you want to explore, following are some popular local viewing locations. When you go, you may find a leaf identification app useful. Simply take a photo to find out what type of tree or shrub you’re admiring; LeafSnap is easy to use and free.
Heritage Park
The trail at Heritage Park in Andrews is a loop of about 1 mile. Because the grounds used to be farmland, it’s relatively flat and perfect to stroll at your own pace. You’ll see a disc golf course, wetlands and open pasture with surrounding mountains views. The trail is at the Andrews Recreation Complex, a multi-purpose facility with public parking and restrooms.
John C. Campbell Folk School
While the Brasstown school is best known for its unique schedule of hands-on craft, trade and art courses, the expansive campus is gorgeous and has several well-maintained walking trails perfect for soaking up fall views. It’s an excellent place to take photos or even set up an easel and paint.
Murphy River Walk
If a leisurely walk is more your style, the Murphy River Walk is easy to access and serves up scenic views of fall foliage along the river. It’s about 4 miles long but there are several entry/exit points and most are wheelchair accessible. Leashed dogs are welcome and so are picnic baskets – there are lots of great spots to enjoy a meal while you take in the landscape.
Panther Top
Nestled in the Nantahala National Forest, Panther Top is a 2-mile, out-and-back trail that’s a relatively easy hike. Fall foliage views along the trail are abundant right now but the real prize is at the summit. Once there, you’ll find a U.S. Forest Service lookout tower that was built in 1940. Because a wide- open field was cut to accommodate the tower, you’ll see mountain ranges that border North Carolina, Tenn., and Georgia. Panther Top is dog and horse friendly.
Piney Knob Trails
Whether you’re walking, hiking or mountain-biking it, The Piney Knob Trail System is perfect for leaf-watchers. Grape Smuggler is a 1.8 loop with river views and Gobbler Loop is a dog-friendly, 6.2-mile circuit around the Piney Knob watershed area. The trails are moderately rugged but well-marked. Visit soon for the best experience.