Historic Hendersonville & Flat Rock Leaf Report for week of 11-3-11

Autumn is coming to a close in the Historic Hendersonville & Flat Rock. The panoramic views are past peak in the Hendersonville area, but there is still spotty close up color to be found throughout Henderson county. Remember that colors do not disappear after their peak, but become muted with age; the reds turn to rust and yellows into gold. Many of the colorful leaves are now on the ground opening up beautiful windows for long range views of the mountains. Unseasonably warm weather has made this a long delayed leaf season. Events abound during autumn to keep visitors entertained.

Fresh apples, cider, pumpkins and many other items may be purchased at one of the many roadside apple markets or produce stands located throughout Henderson County. Many of the orchards stay open until Thanksgiving, check to list for openings. Apple Orchards

Suggested hiking areas to see fall color around the Hendersonville area are Dupont State Forest, Holmes State Forest, the Carl Sandburg Home, and the scenic overlook of Jump Off Rock.

• DuPont State Forest is a suggestion for viewing fall color on foot. The forest encompasses 10,268 acres in Henderson and Transylvania counties.  It is situated in the Little River valley and includes four spectacular waterfalls and 80 miles of roads and trails wandering through mountainous terrain. The forest is open to the public for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Fishing is allowed with a valid NC fishing license.  Bring a picnic lunch, picnic sites with tables are available. DuPont State Forest is located approximately 12 miles from Downtown Hendersonville. For additional information call (828) 877-6527. Dupont State Forest
• Holmes Educational State Forest offers a series of well-marked trails, accented by exhibits and displays depicting ecology of a managed forest. The forest is open Tuesday-Sunday from mid-March to late November. The Hiking Trails are approximately 5 miles in varying degrees of difficulty. Trail maps are available at the Ranger Station. Bring a picnic lunch, picnic sites with tables and grills are available.  Holmes Educational State Forest  is located approximately 8 1/2 miles to Historic Downtown Hendersonville. For information call (828) 692-0100. Holmes State Forest
• Jump Off Rock is located just minutes from Historic Downtown Hendersonville. The scenic overlook which provides a panoramic view of rolling pastures, the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges. Jump Off Rock also holds an Indian legend that has been passed down for many, many   years. Over 300 years ago, a young Cherokee Indian maiden received word that her young Indian Chief had been killed in battle, so she climbed to the edge of the rock and jumped off.  Indian legend has it that on moonlit nights you can see the ghost of the maiden on Jump Off Rock. Jump Off is located about 5 miles from downtown at the end of Laurel Park Hwy. The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset. No admission charge. Jump Off Rock

Fall foliage forecasters are predicting an above average leaf show with vibrant colors, due to record high summer temperatures. The peak color should hit in the Blue Ridge Mountains in elevations below 3,000 feet in the next couple of weeks and most likely in the Historic Hendersonville area, by the end of October into early November.

North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the nation and Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county in North Carolina and grows 85 percent of the apples in the state. Fresh apples, cider, pumpkins and many other items may be purchased at one of the many roadside apple markets or produce stands located throughout Henderson County.  Some orchards offer tours and wagon rides. Apple Orchards

One of the most popular destinations for leaf lookers is to venture to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, located approximately 15 miles the Historic Hendersonville & Flat Rock area. Mount Pisgah is one of the many scenic locations along the Parkway, it is 5,700 feet above sea level and offers panoramic. The Parkway's 469 toll-free miles combine an awesome natural beauty, mountain forests, wildlife, wildflowers and magnificent views. The Parkway was designed especially for leisure travel and enjoyment. There are numerous overlooks and parking areas to view some of America's finest scenic vistas. Check the Blue Ridge Parkway web site for road closures.

Pisgah National Forest is another favorite destination for fall color. The Pisgah National Forest's 501,691 acres stretches across the eastern edge of Western North Carolina's mountains. The Forest offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, picnic sites, and spectacular waterfalls. Some of Pisgah National Forest's attractions include Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Pisgah Forest State Fish Hatchery, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, The Cradle of Forestry and the North Mills River Recreational Area. The North Mills River Recreational Area is located just 13 miles from Hendersonville and offers picnic sites, campsites, river fishing & tubing. For additional information call 828-877-3265.

Early to Mid-October: Elevations of 5,000 feet north of Asheville will show the most color, especially around the areas of Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens, Grandfather Mountain.

Mid-October: In elevations greater than 4,000 feet, southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway will be showing color around Mount Pisgah, Devil's Courthouse, and Graveyard Fields. The Blue Ridge Parkway is located 15 miles north of Hendersonville. Pisgah National Forest is located off the parkway, the Forest offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, picnic sites, and spectacular waterfalls.

Late-October: Colorful hiking spots include Jump Off Rock, Dupont State Forest, the Carl Sandburg Home and Holmes State Forest. Take a scenic fall driving tour of Hendersonville & Flat Rock or tour Henderson County's apple country. The Biltmore Estate and the NC Arboretum are located a short drive from Hendersonville, both destinations offer great fall hiking.

early-November: The Hickory Nut Gorge area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure should be peaking. Lake Lure is located 14 miles east of Hendersonville. The small towns of Saluda, Tryon & Columbus in the foothills of Western North Carolina offers scenic overlooks, Pearson's Falls, equestrian events and hiking at FENCE and quiet back roads. Polk County is located 9 east miles of Hendersonville.