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NC Mountains 2014 Fall Leaf Color Pictures of the Day


nchighcountrywx

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Tuesday September 30 2014

 

From Jesse Pope, Director of Education Resources at Grandfather Mountain:

 

Peak Coming above 4500' this Weekend of 02OCT14 through mid next week !!

 

Things are really progressing up here. The second half of last week really colored up around the park. The best area right now is just above the Blue Ridge Parkway between Beacon Heights and the Lynn Cove Viaduct. The heath bald area there is really starting to pop with bright red, oranges, yellows, purples, and variable colors in between. The higher elevations are really looking good, and will probably be nearing the peak by as early as this weekend.

 

The leaves have survived September intact without getting blown off by late summer storms/hurricanes, so I'm even more optimistic it's going to be a good fall color year. I'm still seeing a lot of trees not turning yet, so we are certainly at the early stages of fall color up here but we are edging closer for sure. Sometime between now and the following weekend (Oct. 11-12) we should hit our widespread peak I think above 4,500 feet.

 

I drove to Hickory today down Hwy 181 to Morganton and was seeing color almost all the way down to 2,800 ft.! It was mostly the early maples down there but some fire cherries were also starting to turn around Brown Mountain Overlook on Hwy 181. The Blue Ridge Parkway between Grandfather and the Linville Falls Visitor's Center is still pretty green. Most of the oaks haven't turned yet, but it won't be long. Maybe by this time next week we will see pretty good color through that stretch as well. The best color right now on the Parkway is between Milepost 305 and 300.

 

Today's first picture courtesy of Kellen Short.

 

 

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Tuesday September 30 2014

 

From Jesse Pope, Director of Education Resources at Grandfather Mountain:

 

Peak Coming above 4500' this Weekend of 02OCT14 through mid next week !!

 

Things are really progressing up here. The second half of last week really colored up around the park. The best area right now is just above the Blue Ridge Parkway between Beacon Heights and the Lynn Cove Viaduct. The heath bald area there is really starting to pop with bright red, oranges, yellows, purples, and variable colors in between. The higher elevations are really looking good, and will probably be nearing the peak by as early as this weekend.

 

The leaves have survived September intact without getting blown off by late summer storms/hurricanes, so I'm even more optimistic it's going to be a good fall color year. I'm still seeing a lot of trees not turning yet, so we are certainly at the early stages of fall color up here but we are edging closer for sure. Sometime between now and the following weekend (Oct. 11-12) we should hit our widespread peak I think above 4,500 feet.

 

I drove to Hickory today down Hwy 181 to Morganton and was seeing color almost all the way down to 2,800 ft.! It was mostly the early maples down there but some fire cherries were also starting to turn around Brown Mountain Overlook on Hwy 181. The Blue Ridge Parkway between Grandfather and the Linville Falls Visitor's Center is still pretty green. Most of the oaks haven't turned yet, but it won't be long. Maybe by this time next week we will see pretty good color through that stretch as well. The best color right now on the Parkway is between Milepost 305 and 300.

 

Today's first picture courtesy of Kellen Short.

 

 

 

 

Yeah, I'm impressed by couple of trees that had started to turn red from what I've seen, especially the top part of big trees on quad of UNCA (it was mostly orange last year). Trees are so much brighter this year than last year from what I can tell. Craggy Gardens was at 75% color when I went up so I'm assuming it'll peaks this weekend for that peak. Areas below Mt. Mitchell summit was even more impressive with some display of red, although it wasn't completely colorful thanks to spruces and firs mixing in. I'm going through pictures of Mt. Mitchell/Mt. Craig from my hike right now and will post them later.

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Tuesday September 30 2014

 

Picture #2 

 

Bright yellow goldenrods coordinate pleasantly with the changing leaves near the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway, as seen on the evening of Monday, Sept. 29. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

 

In the vicinity of Grandfather Mountain, red maples are beginning to mature, and birches, black cherries and other varieties are starting their transformations. Naturalists are not seeing much variation yet among the oaks. Blueberry bushes at the higher elevations are also becoming brilliant red as September comes to a close.

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One more picture from my Deep Gap trial hike (what a challenging trail) from this past Sunday. This one is from Mt. Craig's summit facing toward southwest. Hopefully sky will be more friendly to my camera this weekend to brighten up colors in additional to figuring out the right setting for pictures :)

 

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Wednesday October 01 2014

 

Photo courtesy of Katie Casella and the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

 

A stately red maple stands watch over a pasture off the Tanawha Trail near Holloway Mountain Road in Blowing Rock on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The 13.5-mile Tanawha Trail stretches from Julian Price Park outside Blowing Rock to Beacon Heights outside Linville, with numerous access points along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

 

Color is continuing to trickle in at the higher elevations this week, but next week should bring more dramatic changes if the cold snap predicted for this weekend arrives. Forecasts for possible frost Sunday morning will likely trigger more uniform color change among all species and won't harm the changing leaves, said Jesse Pope, director of education and natural resources for Grandfather Mountain.

 

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Nice shot!  A circular polar filter will really make a difference.  It allows you to brighten and darken the sky.  A neutral density filter will allow your camera to take in more light and will put a neat effect on the clouds.  ND Filters allow you to hold your shutter open much long without over exposing the photo.  On the first shot I used a gradient 2-stop ND filter to allow the scenery through without letting the sun overexpose my shot.  The top half of the filter looks like sunglasses where as the bottom is clear glass.  The second shot I used the circular polar filter and a high f-stop to allow my camera to pick up the far off details.  I think my shutter speed was around 1/4 for both shots.  Hope that helps a little.

 

Yeah, I was looking up about it earlier today. I've been having trouble with cloudy days and most of my pictures ended up little noisy and blurry. I figured out ideal ISO and f-stop yesterday and I plan on using my tripod next time to have more clear shots, but that leave lights. Did you buy them from a local shop in AVL or ordered them online? 

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I order everything for my camera online.  I think there are a few photo shops around town but I usually just end up getting them off a website because 77mm filters are difficult to find.  Your iso is also big.  Anything in direct sunlight must be shot @100 iso but on a partly cloudy day like that above you could go to 200/400 and stop down(increase in duration) your shutter speed or increase your aperture(f-stop).  Also make sure your white balance is set to cloudy.  I like to use vivid on my camera when shooting sunrises/sunsets and lightning but it isn't suited for other scenes and will cast a blue or red hue over the shot.  The longer you can keep the shutter open without over exposing the shot, the more vibrant/rich your photo will appear.  If you are shooting at iso 100, 1/1600 shutter speed, & f2.8 then your camera doesn't have time to I say appreciate the scenery.  Those setting would be great for photographing someone kicking a soccer ball, but if you have time to keep the shutter open and there isn't a ton of movement in the shot then you will enrich the shot by shooting at 1/6 or 1/8.

 

Interesting concept, longer shutter time increases saturation.  I disagree simply because a pixel only register one thing, the total amount of light that falls onto it.  Whether or not it takes 1/8 of a second or 1/1000 of a second makes no difference to the pixel. ND filters, while useful for certain types of photography are used more in video cameras.  The purpose in video is to slow the shutter down enough to allow just a bit of blur in moving subjects in bright light.  That tend to smooth the motion and avoids the stuttering you sometimes see in home video.  

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I order everything for my camera online.  I think there are a few photo shops around town but I usually just end up getting them off a website because 77mm filters are difficult to find.  Your iso is also big.  Anything in direct sunlight must be shot @100 iso but on a partly cloudy day like that above you could go to 200/400 and stop down(increase in duration) your shutter speed or increase your aperture(f-stop).  Also make sure your white balance is set to cloudy.  I like to use vivid on my camera when shooting sunrises/sunsets and lightning but it isn't suited for other scenes and will cast a blue or red hue over the shot.  The longer you can keep the shutter open without over exposing the shot, the more vibrant/rich your photo will appear.  If you are shooting at iso 100, 1/1600 shutter speed, & f2.8 then your camera doesn't have time to I say appreciate the scenery.  Those setting would be great for photographing someone kicking a soccer ball, but if you have time to keep the shutter open and there isn't a ton of movement in the shot then you will enrich the shot by shooting at 1/6 or 1/8.

 

Interesting! I actually went around UNCA for a test run today, including shots of a nice sunset from new spot on campus. Sadly, my camera broke before I could load test pictures to my computer. Look like I'm going to have to use my mom's camera this weekend *sigh*

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Tuesday September 30 2014


 


All photographs and commentary are courtesy of friends at the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation


 


Many maple trees surrounding Bass Lake in Blowing Rock, N.C., are beginning to shed their leaves, while others are still awaiting the shift to their autumn accoutrements. (Photo by Katie Casella)


 


Bass Lake boasts views of the Moses Cone Manor from a nearly one-mile trail circling the lake, along with several additional carriage paths for walking, running and horseback riding. The lake is located off U.S. 221 about one mile from downtown Blowing Rock.


 


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Gradient ND filters would be useless in video. I agree that regular ND filter are best for video and I use them for my timelapses because they put a very unique puff to the cloud as it moves. Your iso is most important to keep quality up but you have to use your slowed shutter speed and f-stop to compensate for darkness. That is just what I have learned since I have been taking shot for the past year. I believe you though since you seems to have s great deal of experience with film. Thanks for the input.

 

I can tell you the reason longer shutter speeds have gotten the rep of improving saturation. A few years ago digital cameras were much more limited than they are now. Especially in the area of image noise.  If you raised the ISO more than a stop or two image noise quickly began to deteriorate the image including color.   Many people put up with that in order to get a fast enough shutter speed to not end up with a blurry image.  So instead of the ISO noise getting the blame some folks claimed it we the faster shutter.

 

These days digital cameras are light years(no pun intended) ahead of where they were just a few years ago.  ISO can be raised an amazing amount now, without seriously impairing the quality of the images. I can shoot at 1600 ISO with my new consumer cameras and the images are no noisier than 400 ISO was on my 2005 pro level DSLR.   Optical image stabilization has helped greatly with being able to hand hold at slower shutter speeds. The combination means you can shoot in much more varied conditions without having to carry a tripod around.  It is a fun time to be into photography.

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I can tell you the reason longer shutter speeds have gotten the rep of improving saturation. A few years ago digital cameras were much more limited than they are now. Especially in the area of image noise.  If you raised the ISO more than a stop or two image noise quickly began to deteriorate the image including color.   Many people put up with that in order to get a fast enough shutter speed to not end up with a blurry image.  So instead of the ISO noise getting the blame some folks claimed it we the faster shutter.

 

These days digital cameras are light years(no pun intended) ahead of where they were just a few years ago.  ISO can be raised an amazing amount now, without seriously impairing the quality of the images. I can shoot at 1600 ISO with my new consumer cameras and the images are no noisier than 400 ISO was on my 2005 pro level DSLR.   Optical image stabilization has helped greatly with being able to hand hold at slower shutter speeds. The combination means you can shoot in much more varied conditions without having to carry a tripod around.  It is a fun time to be into photography.

 

Well, that's pretty interesting! My Canon used to belong to my mom, who had it for about 12 years or so. It was given to me before I left for college since she got a new Nikon few years ago. Even though my camera do okay for being old, I hope I can get a new DSLR camera for a cheap price (still pricey for this college student) and see how much quality I'm missing out on from cameras of 2010s. Thankfully Christmas and my birthday are close to each other so I can use money I'm receiving from family members :P

 

Hopefully I can get my Canon fixed quickly in a day when I take it to a shop tomorrow.

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Friday October 03 2014

 

All photographs and commentary are courtesy of friends at the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

 

The crimson leaves of the sourwood tree are among the most showy now visible in the High Country’s forests. The species appears frequently on open slopes and ridges occupied by oaks and pines.

 

Can’t tell a sourwood from a sweet gum? Join Grandfather Mountain naturalists for a guided walk series, “The Colors of Grandfather,” starting this weekend. At 1 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 19, staff will lead leaf-looking jaunts to showcase the glorious colors and share information, including tips for identifying trees. The programs are included with park admission.

 

Today’s Photo by Skip Sickler

 

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NW NC High Country Weather for Saturday 04OCT14

 

If anyone is coming up for this weekend, be aware that the NAM 4K only has temperatures of 36 degrees at 12 Noon on Saturday for the Avery country area.

 

It certainly will feel like winter and I am sure a few people will even be looking for a stray snow flurry.

 

Dress warmly and layered up.

 

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...THE FORECAST FOR GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN NC AT 5946 FT...

.REST OF TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY. PATCHY FOG LATE IN THE AFTERNOON.

PATCHY FOG UNTIL MIDNIGHT. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS UNTIL MIDNIGHT.

NUMEROUS SHOWERS THROUGH THE NIGHT. IN THE CLOUDS AT TIMES DURING

THE EVENING. LOWS IN THE UPPER 30S. WEST WINDS 20 TO 25 MPH...

INCREASING TO NORTHWEST 30 TO 35 MPH AFTER MIDNIGHT. GUSTS UP TO

52 MPH.

.SATURDAY...PARTLY SUNNY. A SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS. HIGHS IN

THE UPPER 30S. NORTHWEST WINDS 30 TO 35 MPH...DECREASING TO 20 TO

25 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON. GUSTS UP TO 61 MPH.

.SATURDAY NIGHT...CLEAR. LOWS IN THE UPPER 20S. NORTHWEST WINDS

15 TO 20 MPH...INCREASING TO 20 TO 25 MPH AFTER MIDNIGHT. GUSTS UP

TO 46 MPH.

.SUNDAY...SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE MID 40S. WEST WINDS 20 TO 25 MPH...

DECREASING TO 15 TO 20 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON. GUSTS UP TO 48 MPH IN

THE MORNING.

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Saturday October 04 2014

 

All photographs and commentary are courtesy of friends at the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

 

Morning fog lifts to reveal shades of autumn color on the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Price Park Picnic Area at milepost 296.5.

 

The SE Facing of Grandfather Mountain basks in the background in the early morning light in all its autumn gold glory.

 

Photo by Skip Sickler

 
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Sunday October 05 2014

 

A hiker gazes at the beauty from Rough Ridge, looking south toward the Linn Cove Viaduct and the peaks of Grandfather Mountain.

 

Those willing to brave the chill today should be rewarded with crisp, clear views from vantage points throughout the High Country as the leaves continue to transition. When conditions are right, visitors to Grandfather Mountain can sometimes make out the Charlotte skyline, about 80 miles away, with the naked eye.

 

Photo by Skip Sickler

 

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Bad news: My Canon is done. Will have to wish for a new one on Christmas.

 

Good news: I was able to use my mom's newer Canon for Saturday when they were in town for a visit, so I took them to Black Balsam Knob/Graveyard Fields area. I got these two gems as result:

 

From top of Black Balsam Knob looking toward Mt. Pisgah:

 

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From Graveyard Fields parking lot (didn't have time to hike):

 

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More bad news: 

 

My mom was going to give me her camera for few weeks during fall foliage before returning it, but my car lost power Saturday night while trying to stargaze on Parkway. It was a miracle my car was going downhill when power started to died and I made it back to Asheville by using downhill momentum before losing power completely. Sadly, my car is in for a long repair and I don't think I'll be able to leave downtown Asheville for awhile. Oh well...

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Monday October 06 2014

 

All photographs and commentary are courtesy of friends at the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

 

The sun rises above the varied yellows, oranges and greens of Rough Ridge, off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

 

Brisk winds this weekend shook off just enough leaves in the High Country to create a satisfying crunch beneath hikers’ feet, but not enough to diminish the colorful hues at the higher elevations. The weekend’s cold snap should trigger to the many remaining green trees that the time has come to turn.

 

Today’s Photo by Skip Sickler

 

To access this view in person, take the Rough Ridge Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway a mile marker 302.8 and then hike upwards about 1000’ up off the Parkway.    It’s always worth the hike up in the dark just before sunrise.

 

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Tuesday October 07 2014

 

All photographs and commentary are courtesy of friends at the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

 

Fall color seeps from the upper reaches of Grandfather Mountain to areas below to create a picturesque scene in Linville.

 

Overcast skies this morning and low clouds in the valleys this week are creating a photographer's dream in the NC High Country.  The upcoming Thursday weather forecast looks especially promising.

 

Photo by Jim Morton

 

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Wednesday October 08 2014

 

All photographs and commentary are courtesy of friends at the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

 

A bridge over the Boone Fork Creek transports hikers to a wonderland of fall color along the Tanawha Trail outside Linville, N.C.

 

This area is accessible from the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 300) and provides free, easy access to the Tanawha Trail, Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Nuwati Trail and Cragway Trail on Grandfather Mountain.

 

Throughout the High Country, even the rhododendrons are getting in on fall color change. While these shrubs are generally considered evergreen, rhododendrons do drop older leaves periodically and add splashes of yellow to the colorful fall foliage.

 

Photo by Skip Sickler

 

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Thursday October 09 2014

 

All photographs and commentary are courtesy of friends at the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

 

Fall colors dance on the edge of the lake at Camp Yonahnoka, just south of Grandfather Mountain in Linville.

 

Autumn color is peaking at the highest ridge lines and is now becoming more prevalent throughout all levels in the High Country.

 

Northwestern North Carolina will be aflutter with activity this weekend, as Appalachian State University celebrates its Homecoming on Saturday and Sugar Mountain Resort holds its 23rd annual Oktoberfest all weekend long. The Boone Heritage Festival at Horn in the West is also set for Sunday, and the Todd New River Festival celebrates its 21st year on Saturday.

 

Visit www.highcountryhost.com for help planning your visit.

 

Photo by Skip Sickler

 

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Friday October 10 2014

 

All photographs and commentary are courtesy of friends at the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

 

While fall color is reaching peak on the high-elevation ridges of Grandfather Mountain, the lower elevations around Grandfather Lake prove that they still need several more days to mature.

 

The Blue Ridge Parkway remains a beautiful drive this week, with more change now visible in the Boone area and toward Deep Gap

 

Photo by Skip Sickler

 

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Friday October 10 2014

 

Grandfather Mountain in Autumn

 

Honors for the peak color around Grandfather Mountain go to Vann Helms, a NC Mountains resident and contributor to our US Weather Forum SE Group.

 

Vann carries us in a video for a drive along Eastern America's Most Scenic Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, as it approaches the peaks of Grandfather Mountain from the SW.

 

Video and photograph captures from the video courtesy of Vann Helms.

 

http://blueridgeimpressions.wordpress.com/2014/10/10/driving-to-grandfather-mountain-in-early-october/

 

 

 

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