Fall foliage on display at Grandfather Mountain

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN, N.C. — As fall arrives, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grandfather Mountain remains one of the best leaf-looking destinations in the South.

Grandfather Mountain is home to numerous species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks.

"Hints of fall color are emerging along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including outside the Jesse Brown Cabin near milepost 273 in E.B. Jeffress Park," said Kellen Short, with the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

(Photo by: Monty Combs)

"During the last several days, more and more trees throughout the higher elevations of the High Country have begun to "pop" with fall color," Short said.

"The Colors of Grandfather" -- a guided walk series offered on October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 -- will visit various locations around Grandfather Mountain to showcase the stunning autumn hues.

The programs begin at 1 p.m. and are included with regular admission. Click here for more information.

Also, Appalachian State professors have created a map showing when and where you can catch the peak of leaf-changing season. Check it out here.