ETSU arborist says two upcoming weekends will be prime leaf peeping weather

Wooded areas around the Mountain Empire are beginning to develop their colorful coats of fall and ETSU arborist Travis Watson says the next two weekends will be great for optimal leaf peeping in the mountains.

Higher elevations like Roan Mountain and the Smokies are already beginning to peak with top color, according to Watson, while other forest areas are beginning to become brighter in the Tennessee and Virginia valleys.

The arborist the risk of dull trees due to drought were erased by late summer showers but some aerial views could be less spectacular due to high winds that whipped through the region last weekend with the remnants of Hurricane Isaias.

(IMAGE: Property of East Tennessee State University)