Nc 215

Disappointed in the autumn color at Graveyard Fields, I went to another spot good for early color. NC 215 is one of North Carolina's best kept secrets. It goes from Rosman, NC, to Canton, NC, crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway and running roughly parallel to the more well-known US 276. Both sides of NC 215 have their scenic value, but the northern half from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Canton is particularly blessed.

This half runs through the middle of the headwaters of the Pigeon River's Middle Prong and West Fork. On both sides of the road lie mountains, cliffs, and waterfalls. Though long and short hikes are available, one doesn't even have to leave their car to enjoy spectacular scenery. The autumn color on the road's upper reaches usually peaks the first or second week of October.

My visit this week was very similar to my visit to Graveyard Fields. The recent rain has slowed or perhaps even dampened the color. A tourist from Nebraska would probably have been ecstatic, but a seasoned color hunter like myself was less than impressed. I am hoping our drying out plus a couple of cold nights will put the snap back into the color that was missing on this visit.

I did find solace in visiting a couple of waterfalls and shooting some fascinating reflections on the West Fork. As with Graveyard Fields, I will keep my hopes up and revisit in a week.