Beautiful colors — Trees at the U.S. 21 entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway still are adorned with their fall colors in this photo that was taken on Monday.

Parkway facilities closing, but colors of fall remain

Nov. 1 marks the traditional end of the Blue Ridge Parkway travel season, but because autumn color came later this year, several visitor centers and concessionaire-operated facilities operated into November. Despite the late color, with beautiful weather and clear skies, many continue to travel to the area to enjoy the colors of fall.

With many oaks, maples, ferns and other species showing off their fall colors, there is no shortage of breathtaking, long-range views on the Parkway.

According to a report on the leaf season filed Oct. 28, color should be good for viewing well into November this year.

Lower-elevation areas are just beginning to change, while the higher elevations have lost some of their color due to gusty winds two weeks ago, according to Parkway visitor information.

Alleghany Chamber Executive Director Bob Bamberg noted that he continues to receive calls about fall foliage viewing. “I tell them that I think we’re past the peak, but we still have quite a bit of fall color,” Bamberg said Tuesday.

The late leaf season this year may have impacted tourism to the mountains, but that is not a measurable statement, said Bamberg. “We have people coming here for a lot of different reasons, so it is hard to know when you have a few more people in town one week than another exactly what the reason is,” he added.

Meanwhile, Blue Ridge Parkway Acting Superintendent Phil Francis said four Parkway visitor centers will operate Fridays through Sundays through Nov. 13.

Get the rest of this article in this week's issue of the Alleghany News! Back