Clemson University forest ecologist Don Hagan says South Carolina and the broader Southeast could see an unusually vibrant fall color season as warmer El Nino-influenced weather delays leaf change.
Hagan said most trees kept a full canopy into fall, the Atlantic hurricane season has been quiet so far, and a later start can compress the season so more species peak together. Mild cold fronts followed by sunny days and cool nights would speed color development.
Peak color typically arrives first at the highest elevations around mid-October, then moves downhill about 1,000 feet per week. South Carolina State Parks reported leaves just starting to change Oct. 1 at Table Rock State Park, with red maples, dogwoods, sweetgums and tulip poplars among the first to show.
Popular viewing spots include Paris Mountain State Park, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, Caesars Head overlook and Sassafras Mountain. Lower Upstate elevations often peak in early November.