This is the Blue Ridge Parkway fall color report for October 25th, 2007. October weekends are among the busiest times along the Parkway and if at all possible plan your trips for weekdays and the crowds will be much smaller. Use the many overlooks to pull off and get that photo or take in the scene as we always remind visitors, enjoy the view, but watch the road. Wildflowers still dominate many areas as Sunflower, Ironweed, Goldenrod, Beebalm, and Joe-Pye Weed light up the roadside especially in the agricultural lands adjacent to the Parkway. Row crops of pumpkins, cabbage and corn are reminders as well of the agricultural heritage of this part of the country. South of Roanoke, Virginia through Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill, Locusts are nice and rusty colored and Dogwood is at its full red wine color. Maples, Tulip-Poplar and Sourwood are about 50 to 70 percent full color. All in all, this area seems to be headed for peak color later this week. In the Parkway’s highest elevations in North Carolina, especially south of Asheville, the peak color has already passed, but a drive through that region will still reward travelers with lots of pretty color in certain areas. The drive up to Waterrock Knob is very pretty right now and there is always the delight that comes from looking down on the lower elevations of leaf color from the high Parkway overlooks. Goldenrod and Aster are in abundance throughout this district. Much needed rain accompanied by wind is expected this week and that could bring down many leaves. Wet leaves on the pavement may mean slippery conditions, so exercise caution as you spend these last fall weekends with us on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Weekly updates at 828-298-0398 will keep you informed of what’s being reported throughout the Parkway.