BOONE, N.C. — Howard Neufeld has been studying leaves for years at Appalachian State University. He is known as the "Fall Color Guy."

What You Need To Know

  • The weather over the next two weeks can greatly affect color in our area

  • The Fall Color Guy is expecting we will have an on-time peak this year

  • He said trees that are already changing in town have nice color

"Look at that nice red deep color, and they if you turn to the other side they are whiteish," Neufeld said.

Every year he studies when the leaves will be peaking to give people the best time on when to head up to see the change.

"Look at Howard's Knob. You will see the color first at the top, and then you will see color each week as it moves down slope," Neufeld said.

He studied why the leaves change color, and he said those changes depend entirely on weather. Last year, he said, was an OK year, but two years ago those leaves were bright.

"The cold at night helps, but I would like to see the daytime temperatures 10 to 15 degrees colder," Neufeld said.

He is predicting an on-time peak this year.

Neufeld said if you are in the 3,000- to 4,000-foot elevation range you would expect a peak about October 12-20. If you are at a higher elevation it's going to be the beginning of October and possibly end of September.

Asheville will see a peak at the end of October and areas of the Piedmont by Chimney Rock in November. 

Neufeld said the state has been mostly around the same time for the past few years with some years being a week or two off.

"I think we are on track for a good year," Neufeld said.