Timing based on the long-term observations of Dr. Howard Neufeld (Appalachian State University), whose data places peak color most often between Oct. 10–20 at 2,500–4,000 ft. Highlands sits at 4,118 ft, so the map uses that as a guide and lets the higher plateau trend slightly earlier. This shows a typical season — it is a planning guide, not a forecast or a guarantee of conditions in any given year.