ASHEVILLE – This weekend will be a peak time to view fall foliage in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests.
The U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina offers tips for leaf peeping in a feature titled “Fall Foliage in Western North Carolina – 2013” on its website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/home/?cid=STELPRDB5326570.
The feature describes popular locations for viewing mountain plants at high, middle and low elevations during peak season. For example, a scenic drive this weekend could include NC 28 and 143 in Graham County from Fontana Village to Stecoah Gap; or within the Moses Creek drainage along Forest Service Road 4651 in the Roy Taylor forest area of Jackson County.
The Uwharrie National Forest, located in the Piedmont, also offers its share of fall foliage, as well as camping opportunities.
Autumn is a great time to camp in the Croatan, Uwharrie, Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. For more information on where to camp in the four national forests, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/nfsnc/recreation/camping-cabins. Most national forest campgrounds that are typically open during the fall months have resumed operations, although some may have reduced services. Reservations at many of these sites are available through www.recreation.gov.