I made a quick and short visit to Pearson Falls in Saluda, NC a couple of days ago to check out the color.  It was a very sunny day so I arrived right at sunrise.  Colors were OK as you can see below.  I couldn't get as many photos as I wanted since the morning breeze was a bit much.  But I did manage to get this photo, which I think turned out OK.

Cascade at Pearson Falls

Also tried to visit the Smokys today, 10/27, but never got there.  After getting up painfully early I arrived first at White Owl Falls just outside of Cashiers, NC.  After our recent rains, I expected the falls would be flowing very well.  But with the severe storms that hit last weekend, numerous trees and brush were down and making the already sketchy trail non-existent.  Since I was alone, I thought it would be well advised not to attempt to get down to the stream so I reversed course and made my way to my next stop, Whitewater Falls.  Strike one.

In good fall conditions, Whitewater Falls can really be spectacular.  Well this isn't what I found.  Colors still hadn't fully come in and it wasn't even worth getting out of the car.  Strike two.

Certainly then, nearby Silver Run Falls would be good.  But a funny thing happened on my way there.  There was some good color on NC107 south of Cashiers as I approached the parking area.  But as I was driving I caught a glimpse of a little church off the main road.  I decided to turn in to check it out.  But it wasn't really photo worthy so I tried to find a place to turn around.  I noticed an open area on the road and thought I had room for a Y-turn.  Unfortunately what appeared to be solid ground was more like quick sand and my front wheel drive car sank up to mid wheel making it impossible to move.  Well, this sure is fun.  Of course, there is no cell service either.  But luckily after a bit, a work crew driving by stopped and pushed me out.  Strike three.

I contemplated still proceeding to the Smokys.  But by now the now was shining brightly in the sky and I didn't want to shoot for strike four.  So I cut my losses and drove home without clicking my shutter once.

But while there was some color around Lake Toxaway, the color still really hadn't come in yet.  I still plan to get to the Smokys later next week so I'll let you know the color situation then but it may be too late by then.