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Fall color as of October 22... The middle two weeks of October are generally the window for beautiful fall color on the Blue Ridge Parkway and this year is no exception. On the north end of the Parkway in Virginia, there is generally good color from Milepost 0 at the junction with Shenandoah NP all the way down to the Peaks of Otter. Some of the leaves have fallen due to wind and rain this past week, and, in some areas, the color is not as brilliant as last weekend, but the scene is still worth the drive. About the same conditions seem to be the case through the Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill area as well. In the lower elevations such as Roanoke Valley, the color is still perhaps a week away from peak. In North Carolina, generally the high elevations are past peak, but from about 3,000 feet elevation and lower, there is still some great color left. A few specific areas include some touches of brilliant color around Boone and Blowing Rock and the area from Milepost 320-324. The best way to see good color is to drive some distance on the Parkway, changing elevations and north-south orientation. Any one who does this around mid to late October will catch at least some of the pretty color that we’re famous for. Traffic will be especially heavy during October weekends. Use the numerous Parkway overlooks for extended gazing so that you can keep eyes firmly on the road while driving. During rainstorms, wet leaves on the roadway can be very slick. Please exercise caution while enjoying your national park. As we are fond of saying, “watch the scenery, but watch the curves and speed limits as well.” Parkway facilities will be open through the 27th of October. -- Courtesy National Park Service
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